Next-generation Ford F-150 spied testing with new bodywork

We’ve seen a few prototypes of electrified

Ford F-150

pickups the last few months, and while interesting in their own right, they’ve all worn

the current truck’s body

. So we’re excited to present

spy photos

of a next-generation Ford F-150 that actually has fresh bodywork. It’s well covered, but there are interesting details to spot, and some that should reassure traditional

F-150

fans.

Overall, the truck looks like a simple evolution of the current truck. It’s square and slab-sided for the most part. The exceptions are pronounced fender arches. The drop from the center of the hood to the edges doesn’t look to be as severe as on the current model. The grille still bulges up and down a bit in the middle, but it doesn’t look like it’s much more dramatic than the current truck. The most notable difference is at the back of the cab where there appears to be a spoiler. It’s reasonably subtle, but you will notice it. The mirrors have also been changed to have chunky unobscured hinges in their middles.

We also get a peek at the mechanical rear end of the truck. It has a trusty live rear axle with leaf springs like every F-150 before it. This is noteworthy because

an electric version of the new F-150 was spied with independent rear suspension

. So we know the regular internal combustion trucks won’t have any radical changes. We still think the

electric model

will use independent suspension for space reasons, though.

We probably won’t see the revealed F-150 for a couple of years.

Ford

previously announced models it would show over the next two years, and

the F-150 was not one of the five mentioned

. We wouldn’t be surprised if the F-150 was shown soon after. If so, that could make it a 2021 Ford F-150, or possibly a 2022. We know that full electric is in development based on prototypes, and

there’s a hybrid model coming very soon

. These would likely join Ford’s line of turbocharged V6s, along with a potential return of

diesel

. Ford has announced it is

slowing production of F-150 V8 engines due to dwindling demand

, so it’s certainly possible that the next-generation truck won’t offer one.