click above for high-res live shots of the 2009 Ford F-150

We already brought you official photography of the newly-revamped 2009 Ford F-150 just after midnight today, but that’s hardly enough attention for America’s best-selling vehicle. Now that the Blue Oval boys have rolled out the new truck into Cobo Arena – with help from Toby Keith and a cast of characters – we see little reason to think that the F-series won’t retain its crown.

Improving the F-150 “truck-ness” are several features, such as the tailgate step that we appreciated so much on larger Super Duty, and new fold-down steps that can be accessed from the side of the truck. Considering how deep the box is on this truck, the steps will definitely come in handy on the ranch or at the grocery store.

Ford’s slick Integrated Trailer Brake Controller is now available on a half-ton truck for the first time, and Trailer Sway Control helps keep the vehicle on the road while towing so that hopefully you won’t need to experience the effectiveness of Roll Stability Control and side-curtain airbags. Tow and payload ratings are as-yet announced; we expect to hear more by the Chicago Auto Show next month.

More after the jump…

Gallery: Detroit 2008: 2009 Ford F-150 – Live Reveal

UPDATE: According to Ford, BorgWarner has been supplying turbos to International for the F-series since this time last year. Automotive News apparently mistook an old press release for a new product announcement.

BorgWarner has won the bid to begin supplying International Engine with a turbocharger setup that will help power Ford’s F-series pickups. The new turbo system, which employs a two-stage snail and variable turbine geometry (VTG), will be slapped onto the 6.4-liter PowerStroke V8 diesel, and will increase the oilburner’s output while simultaneously lowering emissions. This newest implementation of VTG proves what BorgWarner asserted back in March when it released a report saying that the new turbocharger setup will filter its way down to lesser models in the coming years.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]