We don’t normally cover American cars in Spy Shot, but the F-Series is the best-selling model in the US, and therefore of critical importance.

Especially to Ford, a company whose global accounts are covered in red ink.

European motorists may think pick-ups are good only for clearing out the garden shed and dodging company car tax, but in America – still the world’s biggest car market – big is beautiful. And they don’t come much bigger than the Ford F-150.

This new model won’t be shown until next year’s Detroit Motor Show, but our spies caught a trio of prototypes testing near the Blue Oval’s Dearborn HQ. A fitting debut for a car that’s predominantly sold in its domestic market, with no plans for European sales.

Responding to the rising popularity of Japanese pick-ups, such as the successful Toyota Tundra, Ford hopes to safeguard its market lead in the full-size truck segment. The exterior retains the tough styling that’s set apart generations of F-Series, while the inside gains more creature comforts.

There are chromed-ringed air vents, cruise control, electric gadgets aplenty, a column-mounted auto matic gearchange and enough super-sized cupholders to satisfy even the thirstiest American.

As before, Ford will offer a full range of bodystyles, including short cab, extended cab and four-door double-cab. A wide choice for what is without doubt one of Ford’s most important new models for years.

Timetable
The F-150 won’t be shown until Detroit Motor Show in 2008.

Styling
Retains bluff truck look; chromed three-bar grille evident in spy shots.

Interior
A move upmarket for pick-up’s interior