Automotive News is reporting that Ford will be giving buyers of its F-150 pickup truck 3 new engine choices for the 2011 model year. Those new choices include a 3.7-liter V6, which replaces the current base V8, a 5.0-liter V8, and an EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6. If any of those choices sound familiar, you’re right. The first two engines are found in the V6 and V8 2011 Mustang, respectively. The third one, the EcoBoost V6, is available in several Ford and Lincoln models.
While the two Mustang-sourced engines have already been used in a rear wheel drive setup, this will be the first time Ford’s EcoBoost V6 will do rear-drive duty. This cross-vehicle engine sharing allows Ford to build a lot more of each engine, dividing the several million dollars spent on development of each one.
The inclusion of the 3.7-liter V6 is a no-brainer, as it helps keep Ford on track for new CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) requirements set to take effect in 2012 and 2016. It also helps the F-150 compete with the Chevrolet Silverado and RAM 1500, both of which offer V6 engines, while the F-150 has done without one since the close of the 2008 model year.
While all three engines should get superior fuel economy compared to the 2010 model, the EcoBoost V6 should be the most interesting. It is rumored that in the F-150, the EcoBoost will produce about 400 horsepower and 400 foot-pounds of torque, both of which are crucial for truck sales. At the same time, it’s expected to get better mileage than its V8 brethren. While this high-tech V6 has the power, traditional truck buyers have it ingrained in their minds that V8 power equals better hauling, so it’ll be interesting to see how that all shapes up.
by John Suit
Source: Automotive News