Ford introduced its refreshed 2013 F-150 pickup while marking its long association with the Future Farmers of America at a ceremony in Bruceville, Texas.

The 2013-model Ford F-150 has new front-end styling, advanced MyFord Touch with voice-activated driver controls, available high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, and a new Limited luxury trim level. Two V-6 and two V-8 engines mated to six-speed automatic transmissions continue as powertrain choices.

"Farm families have always represented an important F-Series truck constituency," said Doug Scott, Truck group marketing manager and FFA sponsor board member. "For these multitasking customers, a Ford pickup means family transportation, economic livelihood, rugged capability and reliability."

"Like FFA, Ford pickups are an enduring agricultural tradition, and we are delighted to join forces with them to reveal the new F-150 models."

Outside, the F-150 lineup gets bold new grilles combining fresh designs with instantly recognizable F-Series cues highlighted on the XLT model revealed today, Scott said.

New HID projector headlamps are available as a segment-first technology to deliver improved visibility and increase driver confidence. HID lamps offer exceptional lighting performance while contributing a distinctive look with stylish L-shaped housings.

F-150 style also is enhanced with new 18- and 20-inch wheels offered in various trim packages. Three new hues -- Blue Jeans Metallic, Kodiak Brown Metallic and Ruby Red Clearcoat Metallic -- are available in the '13 pickups.

The Sync voice-activated communications and entertainment system with 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report are standard in XLT series and above. This enables hands-free, voice-activated control of enabled mobile devices.

Sync Buyers may choose from Traffic Information, Turn-by-Turn Directions, Business Search, Send to Sync from Google Maps and MapQuest, and News, Sports, Weather and Horoscopes.

F-150 also introduces SYNC paired with a new 4.2-inch LCD center-stack screen with enhanced displays of audio and climate-control functions. In addition, the instrument cluster contains a 4.2-inch driver-configurable LCD productivity screen including menus for gauge setup, trip computer, fuel economy and towing/off-road applications.

Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum and Limited models will have Sync with MyFord Touch, adding voice control to more vehicle systems coupled with a large 8-inch LCD color touch screen mounted in the center stack. This package adds a media hub with two USB ports, an SD card reader and audio/video input jacks.

This premium system can be augmented with an available voice-activated Navigation System, SD map-card reader, point-of-interest storage and integrated SiriusXM Travel Link. Several new interior colors include steel gray on Lariat and black for King Ranch. Both receive upgraded wood grain appliques.

The aggressive FX Appearance Package now adds Alcantara seat inserts that amplify its sporty persona. The Platinum series - synonymous with high-end trucks - offers new choices of Black or Pecan leather seating.

F-150 continues to offer a wide array of models and packages, allowing buyers to tailor their Ford pickup to their individual needs and preferences. As before, engine choices include:

- 3.7-liter four-valve Ti-VCT V-6 -- 302 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, EPA rated at 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway (4x2), with a trailer-towing capacity of 6,100 pounds;
- 5-liter four-valve dual-overhead-camshaft Ti-VCT V-8 -- 360 hp, 380 lb-ft., 15/21 mpg, trailer tow 10,000 pounds;
- 6.2-liter two-valve single-overhead-camshaft V-8 -- 411 hp, 434 lb-ft., 13/18 mpg, trailer tow 11,300 pounds; and
- 3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost V-6 -- 365 hp, 420 lb-ft., 16/22 mpg, trailer tow 11,300 pounds.

Scott said Ford chose an FFA meeting to introduce the '13-model F-150 because the company has been an FFA sponsor since 1948, when it introduced the first F-1 pickup. It now sponsors scholarships and grants for college-level agricultural education.