SPIED! First Photos EVER Of Ford F-150 Atlas On The Street — Should GM Be Shuddering?

There are car wars and then there is the WAR of WARS, the battle for pickup supremacy.

So much is at stake and every move is strategic.

One the second press day right AFTER GM showed their new full size pickups Ford blew their doors off by showing the next generation F-150 Atlas Concept.

Well, that took all the wind out of the sails for GM at the Detroit Auto Show and was a brilliant move by Ford.

Now, with the GM trucks public info right around the corner, Ford magically places the Atlas concept in SoCal and we catch it for the first time on the street.

Or should we say our ACE Agent Fred Khaz spied it for us!

So how does it look in real life?

As impressive as at the auto show?

Is the GM pickup strategy toast when this bad boy hits the road?

Spies, discuss...

Full Ford F-150 Atlas Concept Photo Gallery

trmckin - 4/27/2013 5:33:30 PM

+3 Boost

GM might not survive this one. Ram and Ford light years ahead.

MorePower - 4/27/2013 7:34:32 PM

+3 Boost

So, Ford has the balls to actually put their Super Chief concept into production, Good for them. They still half-assed the rear design, but it is Ford and they like to make things on the cheap.

MorePower - 4/27/2013 7:36:10 PM

+3 Boost

Funny thing is that they stole elements from both GM and Dodge in the rear fascia design.

Interior looks great.

trmckin - 4/28/2013 3:17:43 AM

+3 Boost

You forget that gm just put out a future production model that stole everything (especially interior) from the competition. An interior that has been out for 5 years now which is really sad. Sorry but if ford actually produces this, gm can consider the arse kicked.

skytop - 4/29/2013 3:41:19 PM

+1 Boost

MorePower: Looks like you have a serious dose of Ford envy.

Forget Government Motors and take the antidote for Ford Fever. Buy one!

lexusrox123 - 4/27/2013 11:32:50 PM

+2 Boost

Just replace the Ford badge with a Chevy bowtie, and it'll still look "right". I guess it's the split headlights?

iamdabest1 - 4/28/2013 1:06:40 AM

+2 Boost

looks mean !!!

Agent00J - 4/28/2013 10:01:13 AM

+3 Boost

This is one seriously good looking truck, and YES, GM should be scared.

The beauty of this design is it looks almost production ready, which means any wind GM may have in it's sails can easily be defused by Ford bringing this truck to market ASAP.

You can't tell me that GM and it's truck leadership team hasn't had many a sleepless night since the Detroit Auto show where the Atlas was unveiled.

-00J

dumpsty - 4/29/2013 1:44:46 PM

+1 Boost

The only think about the Ford Atlas Concept is that it's just a "concept". Yes, the wheels are on the street, but it's not in production. I'm assuming the Atlas would become the F-150....so.....that leaves a huge hole between the Atlas & a Ranger replacement, right?

But based on Ford's track-record in translating concepts to production, I wouldn't be surprised if most people excited about the Atlas will be disappointed to get some watered-down version of the plain huge-sized overpriced truck.

trmckin - 4/29/2013 1:57:45 PM

+1 Boost

I haven't seen this in person but it looks more production ready than most concepts. Aside from obviously the seats, concept crazy bed plastic, and the wheels, there isn't much about this truck that couldn't be produced as the new f-150. If you look at the rear 3/4 shot, there are a lot of cues that look similar to what is on the road today. This isn't one i'd sell short. Could change the game and GM needs to watch this one closely. If a new production model lives up to the billing and looks that good... Chevy trucks will be dirt cheap for several years.

dumpsty - 4/30/2013 1:16:59 PM

+1 Boost

Agreed, trmckin. I like this concept including the tire & wheel package as well. It is a beautiful brute.

I just don't think Ford has the balls to lead the truck market in the design category. I think RAM or GMC will do something radical first, then Ford will respond with something like the Atlas. See 2006 Ford F-250 Super Chief Concept & the 2007 Ford Interceptor Concept - two overwhelmingly nice concepts, but Ford failed to execute on the finished production vehicles that followed.

trmckin - 4/30/2013 5:46:08 PM

+1 Boost

You have a point. The only thing that makes me think Ford isn't afraid to go all out is because of the Raptor. This has more buzz than the raptor did if memory serves. I hope they do it. Would be a game changer.

skytop - 4/29/2013 3:39:26 PM

+1 Boost

Checkbook is in hand. When can I order one!!!!???

quizz - 4/29/2013 7:50:04 PM

+1 Boost

Looks like it's straight out of the Transformers. I expect Optimus Prime to pop out. I like the direction, but tone down the almost caricature front a little.

skytop - 4/30/2013 6:50:15 PM

+1 Boost

The Atlas is not as 'out there' as you might first think. Every corner curve is replaced with a two part flat surface. You might sum it up by saying this is a genuine polygraphical detailed vehicle outside and inside.

The flat surfaces and edges create a much bolder, stronger and rugged appearance. They reflect light in a brighter, totally different fashion than the gentle curves of all other vehicles. This is such a new winning design concept that I predict it will be copied by many other brands as it becomes the de rigueur of truck and SUV styling.

dodgedart - 5/2/2013 11:11:21 PM

+1 Boost

When someone says "know your corners" it might not be enough on this one. Ford will need to host driving classes or there will be some collateral damage right off the lot. Front bumper and corner cameras will be standard if this truck is produced.

dodgedart - 5/2/2013 11:14:28 PM

+1 Boost

oops-my bad- they did put cameras in the front- just noticed the infiniti-view 360 noted in the fact sheet.