When we brought you news of Ford's
overhauled F-150 powertrain lineup for 2011, most people were
quite happy with the changes made. However, there were some that were
skeptical about the possible power ratings for the optional EcoBoost
V6 engine.
Some simply weren't buying into the
idea that the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 -- a twin-turbocharged engine
that sees duty in the Ford Taurus SHO and Ford Flex -- could possibly
produce even more power in a truck platform that would undergo much
more stress.
Today, however, Ford is giving the
naysayers a healthy dish of crow to eat with the final
power/torque figures for the EcoBoost V6 engine option in the
2011 Ford F-150. The engine will generate 365 hp at 5,000 rpm and an
outrageous 420 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm. Even more impressive is
that 90 percent of peak torque will be available from 1,700 rpm to
5,000 rpm. Towing capacity with the new engine matches that of the
larger 6.2-liter V8 engine option -- 11,300 pounds. Better still, all
of this is achieved using regular unleaded fuel.
For comparison, the EcoBoost V6
generates 365 hp at 5,500 rpm and 350 lb-ft at 1,500 rpm in the
Taurus SHO.
The new EcoBoost will be a more
expensive engine option than the 5.0-liter V8 which generates 360 hp
and 380 lb-ft of torque.
“Truck customers should think of the
EcoBoost truck engine as a gas-powered engine with diesel-type
capability and characteristics,” said Jim Mazuchowski, Ford's V6
engines program manager. “The twin turbochargers and direct
injection give it the broad, flat torque curve that makes towing with
a diesel so effortless – and hard acceleration so much fun.”
“Customers have embraced the EcoBoost
solution of delivering the power they desire with the fuel economy
they demand in a no-compromise package,” added Derrick Kuzak, group
vice president, Global Product Development. “From the start, we
have pledged that this solution applies to any engine and any
customer. The EcoBoost truck engine for the 2011 F-150 will deliver
those attributes and has been specially tuned and tested to deliver
the best-in-class towing and capability our truck customers demand.”
The EcoBoost V6 engine option will be
available for the F-150 in early 2011. Although Ford didn't give any
specific fuel economy numbers for the engine, it will more than
likely be more fuel efficient than the less powerful 5.0-liter V8.
