2023 Ford F-150: What about F-150 Lightning electric, F-150 Raptor, F-150 Hybrid, diesel, and V8?

Ford Australia says the F Series range could be expanded depending on local market demand for the regular Ford F-150 line-up – but eager fans will need to be patient while the company ramps up local operations.

Ford will initially launch the new Ford F-150 across its network of 180 Australian showrooms by the middle of 2023.

The vehicles will be imported in left-hand-drive and remanufactured locally in right-hand-drive to factory standards.

For now, only the 2023 Ford F-150 XLT and Lariat model grades have been confirmed by Ford Australia.

However, Ford fans are already asking about other models in the F Series line-up including the F-150 Lightning electric pick-up, F-150 Raptor performance model, as well as hybrid, diesel, and V8 variants.

When asked about the possibility of expanding the Ford F-150 range locally – more than a year before the first example has arrived in a Ford showroom – the boss of Ford Australia Andrew Birkic told a media briefing: "We need to prove it out ... I think what's really important is not to get too far ahead of ourselves."

Mr Birkic acknowledged there was "lots of excitement around Lightning" and other variants such as the Ford F-150 Raptor, hybrid, diesel, and V8 models.

"We'll continue to ... look at further business cases," said Mr Birkic. "We've always got an open mind."

However, he added: "To be honest, we are really focusing on ... getting the engineering done, getting the manufacturing well established. We will always have an open mind and look at other opportunities. But right now we are very, very dedicated to ensuring that we deliver a very quality remanufactured product."

When asked if Ford Australia expected there would be demand Ford F-150 Lightning pick-up locally, Mr Birkic said: "Is there demand? Yes, absolutely, I'm sure we could sell that product (but) we've also got to make sure it's commercially viable."

The Ford Australia chief executive said North America was the priority for the Ford F-150 Lightning – which is sold out for two years there despite increasing initial production forecasts – but the electric pick-up could find its way to Australia over time.

"(Ford) North America is investing billions of dollars in making sure that program is robust and that they get to their customers and supply the (F-150 Lightning) vehicles to their dealers," said Mr Birkic.

"We absolutely love the Lightning. It's incredible. We love it. But really we just need to ensure that we take the appropriate steps and that's what we're trying to do."

As for filling out the Ford F Series line-up with other models from the range in the US, Mr Birkic said: "Let's get (the Ford F-150) down the line. Let's spend the time on the remanufacture, let's get it out to our customers. And then I think we'll move on to the next step. So there's no hard and fast timing. What we want to do is ensure the process is robust and we do it really well."

When asked why the twin-turbo V6 petrol engine was chosen by Ford Australia for the first batch of F-150 models – rather than other engine variants, in particular the petrol V8 – one of the senior executives overseeing the program, Natalie Manariti, told media: "We're trying to play to the heartland of the segment. If we think about today and what's been the most popular selling model in F-150 in North America, it's still is the EcoBoost V6 (twin turbo V6)."

Mr Birkic said: "We think we picked the right powertrain. We looked at all the options and you have to make a decision. Given our volume, we (initially want to avoid) too much complexity for our customers, our dealers, and us. We believe we've got the right option."

Ford says the twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and 10-speed auto set-up in the F-150 has similar performance to the V8-powered Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

Here's a quick snapshot under the bonnet of all three contenders in the US pick-up market in Australia.

Ford F-150 XLT and Lariat

Price: To be announced
Warranty: Five years/unlimited kilometres
Dealer network: 180 showrooms
Engine: Twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 petrol 
Output: 294kW/678Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic, 4x4
Kerb weight: To be announced
Payload: To be announced
Gross Vehicle Mass:To be announced
Gross Combination Mass: To be announced
Towing: 3500kg (50mm ball), 4500kg (70mm ball)

Ram 1500 DS and DT Series

Price: $82,950 to $148,950 plus on-road costs
Warranty: Three years/100,000km
Dealer network: 55 showrooms
Engine: 5.7-litre V8 petrol
Output: 291kW/556Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic, 4x4
Kerb weight: 2620kg to 2749kg
Payload: 701kg to 830kg
Gross Vehicle Mass: 3450kg
Gross Combination Mass: 7237kg to 7713kg
Towing: 3500kg (50mm ball), 4500kg (70mm ball)

Chevrolet 1500 LTZ Premium

Price: $113,990 plus on-road costs
Warranty: Three years/100,000km
Dealer network: 55 showrooms
Engine: 6.2-litre V8 petrol
Output: 313kW/624Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic, 4x4
Kerb weight: 2540kg
Payload: 760kg
Gross Vehicle Mass: 3300kg
Gross Combination Mass: Not listed
Towing: 3500kg (50mm ball), 4500kg (70mm ball)