Ford calls it a “launch countdown,” although the direction in which the sequence actually goes depends on whether the truck is speeding up or slowing down.
DEARBORN, Michigan — The 2017 Ford F-150 pickup wants to be sure drivers know it’s equipped with the new 10-speed automatic transmission, so the tachometer display includes numbers that light up as it accelerates through the gears.
The new F-150 will begin arriving at Ford dealers this fall, competing against such models as the Chevrolet Silverado, Nissan Titan, Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra.
As reported by Edmunds, the available all-new 10-speed transmission, introduced earlier this year and paired with Ford’s second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, was designed to provide improved acceleration and better all-around performance compared to the six-speed unit.
To help keep customers entertained — and make sure they know what gear they’re in — Ford has arranged the indicator numbers vertically along the right side of the tachometer where the driver can’t miss them.
It’s not exactly a new concept for the Dearborn automaker.
The six-speed automatic transmission has a similar gear-indicator display in the tachometer. But that only goes up to six.
Edmunds says: Ford’s 10-speed launch countdown should prove both entertaining and useful.
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