MONTREAL, Quebec—In all the years I’ve been following the automotive industry, I don’t recall ever witnessing a manufacturer introducing so many new engines in a vehicle, at the same time.
The latest-generation F-150, introduced for the 2009 model year, has been battling the also-new Ram 1500, arguably the two best full-size pickups in terms of ride, comfort, quality and performance. Actually, the F-150 didn’t have much to brag about with their choice of powertrains until now.
Gone are the 2-valve and 3-valve versions of the 4.6-litre V8 as well as the 5.4-litre V8, replaced by no less than four new engines.
The F-150’s new base powerplant is a 3.7L V6 that develops 302 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, offering a towing capacity of 6,100 lbs.
The 5.0-litre V8 produces 360 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, good for a tow rating of 10,000 pounds. Ford also mentioned that this engine’s oil changes can occur every 16,000 km.
The 6.2-litre V8, featuring single overhead cams and two spark plugs per cylinder, develops 411 horsepower and 434 lb-ft. It will be standard in SVT Raptor, Harley-Davidson and Lariat Limited, optional in Lariat and Platinum trims.
But the engine Ford is mostly proud of is the twin-turbo, EcoBoost 3.5-litre V6, which is good for 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Ford claims a 20% increase in fuel economy over the outgoing 5.4-litre V8, and it runs on regular unleaded.
Obviously, Ford did their homework and introduced powertrains that offer greater towing capacities than the competition. What’s impressive about the EcoBoost engine is that it matches the 6.2’s rating of 11,300 lbs, but its fuel consumption ratings are virtually the same as the 3.7’s.
 |
| Photo: Michel Deslautiers/Auto123.com |
The latest-generation F-150, introduced for the 2009 model year, has been battling the also-new Ram 1500, arguably the two best full-size pickups in terms of ride, comfort, quality and performance. Actually, the F-150 didn’t have much to brag about with their choice of powertrains until now.
Gone are the 2-valve and 3-valve versions of the 4.6-litre V8 as well as the 5.4-litre V8, replaced by no less than four new engines.
The F-150’s new base powerplant is a 3.7L V6 that develops 302 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, offering a towing capacity of 6,100 lbs.
The 5.0-litre V8 produces 360 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, good for a tow rating of 10,000 pounds. Ford also mentioned that this engine’s oil changes can occur every 16,000 km.
The 6.2-litre V8, featuring single overhead cams and two spark plugs per cylinder, develops 411 horsepower and 434 lb-ft. It will be standard in SVT Raptor, Harley-Davidson and Lariat Limited, optional in Lariat and Platinum trims.
But the engine Ford is mostly proud of is the twin-turbo, EcoBoost 3.5-litre V6, which is good for 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Ford claims a 20% increase in fuel economy over the outgoing 5.4-litre V8, and it runs on regular unleaded.
Obviously, Ford did their homework and introduced powertrains that offer greater towing capacities than the competition. What’s impressive about the EcoBoost engine is that it matches the 6.2’s rating of 11,300 lbs, but its fuel consumption ratings are virtually the same as the 3.7’s.
 |
| Photo: Michel Deslautiers/Auto123.com |