Standout car of the week - 2012 Ford Harley Davidson F-150

Ford has revealed the latest in its pickup truck range, a limited edition special for both Harley Davidson and truck fans - the 2012 Harley Davidson F-150.

The new truck comes with new characteristics that include; snakeskin leather accents for the interior; and unique colours and graphics for the exterior.  The Harley Davidson F-150 will come with 22-inch machined-aluminium wheels with painted accents, while colour choices will be either White Platinum Tri-coat, or Tuxedo Black.

Ford’s collaboration with Harley Davidson on their trucks started in 1999, and have worked on their bigger F-250, F-350, and F-450 trucks as well.  In total, more than 70,000 Harley Davidson F-trucks have been sold.

“All versions of the Harley trucks have been sell out successes,” a Ford spokesperson said.  “Most buyers own a Harley motorcycle – who are looking for exclusivity in a powerful, well-equipped truck,” he said.

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In terms of power, the new truck comes with a 6.2-litre SOHC V8 engine producing  411 horsepower, and 434 lb ft of torque – the same powertrain found in Ford’s desert-beating sports truck, the SVT Raptor.  Power is channelled through a six-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels, or an optional four-wheel drive system.

In addition to the Harley Davidson F-150 being able to tow up to 7500 pounds, its automatic transmission gives the driver the option of manually selecting ratios through a toggle switch on the gear lever.  Other interior features include a trim panels covered in glossy black paint, and a console lid with handmade cloisonné badges.

Comfort features will include a 4.2-inch LCD screen, which allows the driver to get information on a number of performance aspects like fuel economy, or towing performance.  Other features include; a satellite navigation system, climate control, and Sirius XM Satellite Radio, all of which can be accessed through an 8-inch touch screen.

Unfortunately, the Harley Davidson truck will only be for the North American market, meaning other markets will have to rely on specialized importers to get their hands on one.  Pricing is unconfirmed, but our Ford spokesperson said, “We should have that information in a couple of weeks.  However, we can say that the price is going to be comparable to the 2011 model, which has an MSRP of $48,505.”

Alex Kisiri