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DALLAS, Texas -- It should come as no surprise that Ford chose the Lone Star state to launch the 2011 F-150 truck lineup -- 20 per cent of all Ford trucks sold in the United States are purchased by Texans.

On the short trip from our suburban hotel to the massive white tent set up in the parking lot of the Texas Motor Speedway, it was easy to see that Texas is indeed Ford country. At one stop light I counted no less than seven F-150 trucks.

If you were hoping for a completely revamped F-150 you may be a bit disappointed. From the curb and even in the interior, the 2011 models haven't changed much when compared to the 2010 models. In fact, with the exception of new gauge clusters and a couple of different wheel packages you'd be hard pressed to spot the differences from last year's model.

There are, however, big changes under the hood.

The 5.4-litre and 4.6-litre V8 engines are gonzo, and the V6 engine has returned with a bang. Billed as the most significant engine overhaul in the history of the F-150, you can now choose from four different engines -- a pair of V6 mills and two V8s.

The base F-150 engine is a 3.7-litre V6 that boasts 302 horsepower, 278 pound-feet of torque and is capable of towing 2,818 kilograms (6,200 pounds). The big dog is the 6.2-litre V8 engine that makes a whopping 411 hp and 434 lb.- ft. of torque and can tow 5,136 kg (11,300 lbs). You can also choose the all- aluminum 5.0-litre V8 engine similar to the one found in the new Mustang. That engine generates 360 hp, 380 lb.-ft. torque and tows 4,545 kg (10,000 lbs). The big news, however, surrounded the new 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine. This fresh new mill features twin turbochargers and direct fuel injection and generates an impressive 365 hp and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. Despite the fact that it is a V6 this mighty mill is still capable of towing 5,126 kg (11,277 lbs). Ford is aiming to change buyers' minds about V6 engines and the new EcoBoost is a mighty step in the right direction.

Although the V8 engines are very refined, they don't feel remarkably different from the previous offerings.

The EcoBoost V6, however, promises to be a game changer. According to Ford's marketing gurus, the biggest consideration for truck buyers these days is fuel economy. The EcoBoost is the most fuel-efficient V6 engine in the class, and it also delivers the highest maximum towing and payload capabilities.

We had the opportunity to do some drag racing in offerings from Ford, General Motors and Dodge, and time slips don't lie. In the roughly 1/8 mile test course, the new EcoBoost V6 continually ran faster times than the V8- powered Fords and even walloped the mighty Hemi in the Dodge Ram. The EcoBoost V6 also literally blew the doors off of a Chevrolet truck equipped with the antiquated 4.3 litre V6 engine. This new Ford V6 engine reminds me of when Buick put a turbo in the famed Grand National, and proves that there is actually a replacement for displacement. That said, the throaty growl that emits from the new 5.0 litre Ford was music to my ears.

All 2011 Ford F-150 trucks also come equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission with standard tow-control that increases control when hauling a heavy load or towing a trailer, especially when descending grades. We had the opportunity to test these new trucks while pulling cargo trailers against the competition and Ford's new transmission seems to always be in the correct gear. The offerings from General Motors and Dodge were certainly capable pullers but the new Fords, even the V6 EcoBoost, seemed to be towing the trailers with a little less effort and a lot less shifting. Ford's Select Shift also allows you to cancel out gears depending on your needs, meaning that if you're towing a trailer you can opt to lock out the higher gears regardless of RPMs.

Another notable feature on the 2011 F-150 is the standard Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS). This new technology features "drift control," that increases stability by compensating for lateral forces and reduces fuel consumption by three per cent. It also dramatically improves steering feel. I was initially worried the electric steering would negatively alter the overall feeling of confidence, but this system works well both at low and high speeds and significantly reduces steering effort. This was especially noted while touring through a series of pylons at low speeds.

Ford is also leading the way in the bells and whistles department and the new F-150 is available with convenient features including a 4.2 inch LCD screen that features a detailed checklist, trailer information, and feedback about the vehicle including average fuel economy, an array of diagnostic equipment, oil life and reminders for your next service.

Ford's available navigation system is also among the best in the industry as is Ford's SYNC. The innovative Ford Work Solutions in-dash computer also offers Internet access. Like the new Super Duty trucks, the F-150 is also now available with Tool Link. You simply affix radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to your tools and equipment and the tracking system maintains a real-time inventory of things you have stored in the vehicle. I'd attach one to my dog.

There are numerous configurations of the F-150 available and pricing ranges from $19,999 for the XL 4X2 regular cab all the way up to $64,899 for a Lariat Limited Supercrew. Model categories are XL, STX, XLT, FX2/FX4 and Lariat. There are also a variety of special editions available including the King Ranch, Platinum, Lariat Limited, Harley-Davidson, and the extreme off-road-ready SVT Raptor, which is now also available for the first time as a Supercrew.

2011 Ford F-150 trucks will be hitting showroom floors in the upcoming weeks and the EcoBoost V-6 powered models will be available in early 2011.

The truck market continues to be extremely competitive and Ford is currently on the cutting edge with a great variety of engines and creature comforts that were once only found in luxury cars. These new trucks are a pleasure to drive; they have gobs of power, improved fuel economy and are extremely quiet on the road. It will be interesting to see how quickly and loudly the competition responds, but one thing is certain... Ford is currently the king of the hill.

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