For 2016, Ford trucks are getting a little more sporty, apparently. Starting next year, every F-150 will come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission with a “sport mode.” The system can be activated and used in 2WD, Auto 4WD and 4WD HI modes, and it should give the trucks a more aggressive driving feel. Activating the Sport mode is done my pressing the Tow/Haul button twice in succession, after which a nice amber “S” appears on the dash, and it changes the shifting patterns of the transmission. Basically, the truck will downshift quicker, hold gears longer, and generally try to keep the engine higher up in the rev range for better power delivery.
Now this won’t make your F-150 feel like the old Lightning pickup, but it will put just a bit more pep in your trucks step. The technology comes courtesy of the Ford Mustang, surprisingly. The Mustang uses a similar six-speed automatic transmission, and Ford is using advancements made for its muscle car to make the F-150 a little better. I can get behind that kind of thinking.
We are looking into testing a new F-150 with the Sport mode, so keep your eyes here on AutoTalk.com to see our thoughts.
