Why does every Gen 2 guy automatically go to "it has more hp, its faster blah blah blah"? I don't care how fast it is, it's a 6000# truck. I care about how the new high output engine will handle the dust and dirt for tens of thousands of miles. I care about how the new transmission will do. I care that the truck uses the same IWE design. I care about the new electrical steering rack and how that will hold up to abuse. I care about the rear facing shock mounts and how those will hold up. I care about how well this frame is strengthened compared to the F150. I care about how much the truck costs and what I get for that added cost. All solid questions a normal person asks when throwing down 70 large on a car.
But hey, you'll beat a Gen 1 in a drag race...because that happens so often.
All of these reasons make sense to be hesitant about this new model. Almost all of the other posts condemning the Jen 2 though are more about "because it has a v6" and "because it sounds like shit", which are not valid arguments. I agree with your concerns. I want to trade my 2010 in, logically I want to "upgrade", yet I am still waiting for real world feedback and to maybe see/drive in person before I make that decision. One of the main reasons would be the new 10speed trans. I would like to think it will perform well since Ford did most of the engineering and development and then GM through a hand in as well and they have decided to use this in some high performance applications of their own. I also worry about the EAS. I would rather have a v8 if we are just generalizing, but if it's not an option, and the new v6 is a great performer, not in a drag race - but in off-road performance and in regular pickup duties than I will be happy with that option. Because if anyone has seen my Gen 1 they will know I have use it as a pickup, for off-roading, hunting, hauling wood and pulling equipment, etc. I am brand loyal myself, so I don't have many options hah!
PS. It's easy to not worry about speed/acceleration when you have other toys which are built just for those
Anybody catch the FastNLoud TV program about the Pantera. They took a Ford truck Ecoboost engine and put it in the rear engine drive Panteria. They mentioned the baffling effect of the turbos and ran straight pipes I think, it sounded pretty good. Of course running without cats and a muffler is a little extreme.
Haven't seen this, but sounds like a cool and fun project though. I helped my dad build a '71 Pre-L Pantera he owned and those cars are so much fun.