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As gas prices continue to rise and fuel-economy standards continue to become stricter, FoMoCo is preparing itself for a sluggish large-pickup market. The Dearborn, automaker is currently developing a lightweight and more fuel-efficient pickup that it will fit below its flagship F-150.

Codenamed P525, the pickup is being based on the F-150 platform but will be lighter and a little smaller. The new truck is expected to be larger than the Ford Ranger. According to sources Ford may possibly bring back the ‘F-100′ nameplate it used in the 1950s.

Power could come from a versions of Ford’s new V6 EcoBoost engines which use turbocharging and gasoline direct injection.

Sources told Automotive News that the new pickup is scheduled to go into production in the first half of 2011 at its Wayne, Michigan plant. However the truck has yet to receive final approval.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

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