Now I can talk turkey about engines!
I'll start at the bottom of the barrel. Bottom, only because it's the base engine, not because it's the one that makes the base price of the truck low. Ford's new 3.7L V6, same as Mustang, or nearly, is a gem. Not only does it produce 302 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque, (as much hp and the previous generation 5.4L V8, without the torque perhaps...), but it'll happily rev to 7,000 rpm, out-performing some of the competition's V8s. Ford is no man's fool car company. They know no one wants a raspy, tinny V6 sound in their badass pickup. The 3.7L sounds strong and determined and at redline, if you close your eyes, like a Mustang.
The next shaker and mover is also from Mustang lore, it's the 5.0L V8. Generating 360 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, this will probably be the default powerplant only because many will not give the 3.7L the time of day. A big mistake I say. No doubt, this classic V8's got it where it counts and it also sounds the part. The Ford crew stated that this is the best sounding V8 in the category but even GM's lacklustre 4.8L V8 belches a fine tune. Chrysler's HEMI rumbles and grumbles. It doesn't quite make the 5.0L cower in a corner but its roar is impressive.
Here then, is the headlining motor: the EcoBoost. But before I got into further details, I need to add a note on the final member of the engine-bay overhaul, the 6.2L V8. Reserved as an option on higher trim levels such as the Harley-Davidson, this 411-hp and 434-lb-ft will delight guttural V8 soundtrack lovers and towing masters.
EcoBoost
Maximizing performance while minimizing fuel consumption. We've come full circle here. This engine is the one that combines the best of both worlds. The 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 is more or less the same as the one found in the Taurus SHO and the Flex Limited with EcoBoost. Its numbers are equal or up on the others, with 365 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. Big power. Although official mpg ratings have note yet been issued, I was able to average 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) in an eco-challenge with minimal effort. Granted, real-world mpg will more likely be in the high tens (17-19 mpg or 12 to 14 L/100 km) which is quite commendable.
If you know a little about the magic of turbo, you understand they work like a switch: on or off. Unlike a supercharger, when throttle pressure is low, only the V6 is working and consuming minimal amounts of fuel. When that Go pedal meets the floor, boost builds rapidly with next to no lag, and you're off! Very off! The powertrain also permits impressive towing capacities (11,300 lbs), better than those of the 5.0L (10,000 lbs), equal to that of the 6.2L and better than all of its competitors. Best I said.
I'll start at the bottom of the barrel. Bottom, only because it's the base engine, not because it's the one that makes the base price of the truck low. Ford's new 3.7L V6, same as Mustang, or nearly, is a gem. Not only does it produce 302 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque, (as much hp and the previous generation 5.4L V8, without the torque perhaps...), but it'll happily rev to 7,000 rpm, out-performing some of the competition's V8s. Ford is no man's fool car company. They know no one wants a raspy, tinny V6 sound in their badass pickup. The 3.7L sounds strong and determined and at redline, if you close your eyes, like a Mustang.
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| Not only does it produce 302 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque, but it'll happily rev to 7,000 rpm, out-performing some of the competition's V8s. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com) |
The next shaker and mover is also from Mustang lore, it's the 5.0L V8. Generating 360 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, this will probably be the default powerplant only because many will not give the 3.7L the time of day. A big mistake I say. No doubt, this classic V8's got it where it counts and it also sounds the part. The Ford crew stated that this is the best sounding V8 in the category but even GM's lacklustre 4.8L V8 belches a fine tune. Chrysler's HEMI rumbles and grumbles. It doesn't quite make the 5.0L cower in a corner but its roar is impressive.
Here then, is the headlining motor: the EcoBoost. But before I got into further details, I need to add a note on the final member of the engine-bay overhaul, the 6.2L V8. Reserved as an option on higher trim levels such as the Harley-Davidson, this 411-hp and 434-lb-ft will delight guttural V8 soundtrack lovers and towing masters.
EcoBoost
Maximizing performance while minimizing fuel consumption. We've come full circle here. This engine is the one that combines the best of both worlds. The 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 is more or less the same as the one found in the Taurus SHO and the Flex Limited with EcoBoost. Its numbers are equal or up on the others, with 365 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. Big power. Although official mpg ratings have note yet been issued, I was able to average 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) in an eco-challenge with minimal effort. Granted, real-world mpg will more likely be in the high tens (17-19 mpg or 12 to 14 L/100 km) which is quite commendable.
If you know a little about the magic of turbo, you understand they work like a switch: on or off. Unlike a supercharger, when throttle pressure is low, only the V6 is working and consuming minimal amounts of fuel. When that Go pedal meets the floor, boost builds rapidly with next to no lag, and you're off! Very off! The powertrain also permits impressive towing capacities (11,300 lbs), better than those of the 5.0L (10,000 lbs), equal to that of the 6.2L and better than all of its competitors. Best I said.
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| The powertrain also permits impressive towing capacities (11,300 lbs). (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com) |