The new F-150 has a fully boxed frame with hydroformed front rails that is about nine times stiffer than its predecessor, providing a solid foundation for improved durability and driving dynamics, plus reducing shake and shudder on rough roads, Davis said. The front rails also improve the F-150's crash performance -- both in providing a better crush zone to absorb energy, and improving its "compatibility" if impacting smaller vehicles.

The new F-150's frame is nearly nine times stiffer than its predecessor, provides a better crush zone to absorb energy, and improves its "compatibility" if impacting smaller vehicles. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

The suspension and steering were also upgraded. Both 4x2 and 4x4 models use a new coil-on-shock, long-spindle, double wishbone front suspension geometry with cast aluminum lower control arms -- a first in the pickup truck segment. The front shock absorbers are mounted inside the springs, allowing four-wheel drive models to use coil springs instead of the traditional torsion bars, permitting more precise suspension tuning. The design also moves the shock absorber closer to the wheel, which allows for more precise shock tuning.

With an improved rack-and-pinion steering system, tighter turning radius, and standard four-wheel disc brakes, the new F-150 is a much more advanced vehicle than its predecessor. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

The rear shock absorbers were placed outboard of the frame rails - a segment exclusive - for improved control of body lean and a smoother ride. And the rear leaf springs are now 3 inches (76 mm) wide (20 percent larger than the 2002 F-150 and the same width as on the F-Series Super Duty lineup) to help reduce sway during cornering and considerably improve towing stability.

The rack-and-pinion steering system is more robust than the current F-150 model as well, and helps give the new pickup a tighter turning radius. For instance SuperCab models with a 6 ½-foot cargo box achieve a 46-foot (14 m) turning circle - not exactly in the league as GM pickups with the optional Quadrasteer package, but better than many competitors.

The F-150 now comes with standard four-wheel disc brakes that provide better stopping power than the current model.

All in all, it seems to be a much better vehicle than its predecessor.