New 3.7L and 5.0L V8 Engines in Ford 2011 F-150 Full-Size Pickup Deliver Class-Leading Fuel Economy
15 October 2010
The all-new 3.7-liter V6 engine in the Ford 2011 F-150 full-size pickup (earlier post) is projected to deliver best-in-class 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway in 4x2 configuration, pending EPA certification. The new 5.0-liter V8 is projected to deliver 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway in 4x2 configuration, pending EPA certification.
The new V6 and V8 make up half of an all-new powertrain lineup for the 2011 Ford F-150, part of the most extensive engine makeover in the 62-year history of F-Series. Also new for 2011 are the 6.2-liter V8 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost truck engine. The EcoBoost will be available in early 2011. Trucks with the 3.7-liter V6, 5.0-liter V8 and 6.2-liter V8 will arrive in dealer showrooms later this year.
Each engine is mated to a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission. Ford is the only manufacturer to equip its entire full-size pickup lineup with six-speed gearboxes as standard.
The work to maximize the efficiency of each engine is complemented by additional improvements to the transmission and other areas of the new F-150. The 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission has been upgraded to bring available customer conveniences such as SelectShift capability with progressive range select and manual mode to the F-150 for the first time.
The transmission has been optimized for each new engine. The transmission matched to the 3.7-liter engine, for example, has fewer clutch plates compared with the other F-150 engines.
A one-way clutch, which allows for smoother 1-2 and 2-1 shifts, faster downshifts and improved fuel economy, has been added. The gear ratios, span and shift schedule have been optimized for better off-the-line performance and improved fuel economy. The double-overdrive gear also provides better fuel economy.
Another fuel saver is the addition of class-exclusive electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) to the 3.7-liter V6, 5.0-liter V8 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost powertrains. The EPAS system replaces a conventional hydraulic system, which runs continuously off the engine, with a system that draws power only when needed. Ford is the first manufacturer to widely offer EPAS on full-size pickup trucks. EPAS contributes about a 4% fuel-economy benefit compared with conventional hydraulic systems.
The E85-capable 3.7-liter four-valve Ti-VCT V6 delivers 302 hp (225 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 278 lb-ft (377 N·m) of torque at 4,000 rpm. Maximum trailer tow is 6,100 pounds (2,767 kg). Ti-VCT (twin independent variable camshaft timing) creates precise, variable timing control of both the intake and exhaust camshafts to optimize power, performance and fuel economy. Piston-cooling jets which squirt oil on the underside of the pistons to keep the piston crowns cool under extreme operating conditions.
The might get green brownie points with the 3.7 L V-6 and 5.0 L V-8, but the hardcore pickup truck owners will be interested in the 6.2 L V-8. Impressive numbers with 411 HP and 11,300 lbs of towing capacity. No doubt these are the numbers they are really interested in so they can have bragging rights vs. Toyota / GM / Dodge...and have commercials all over our baseball, football and basketball games.
(From the link in the article above http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=33377)
6.2-liter two-valve SOHC V8
The 6.2-liter V8 is a premium engine offering on the 2011 F-150. It is now standard on F-150 SVT Raptor, with expanded offering on other specialty applications. Its attributes include:
•Best-in-class 411 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 434 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm vs. all competitors
•Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors
•Projected 12 mpg city, 17 mpg highway (4x2 configuration), pending final EPA certification
•Durability of race-proven components and technology showcased in November 2008 when a 6.2-liter Raptor R not only survived the grueling Baja 1000, it earned a podium finish. The same engine then completed every mile of the 2009 Best in the Desert series
•Utilizes a large bore and shorter stroke. This approach to creating power has its roots in storied Ford racing engines. The large bore allows for larger intake and exhaust valves for improved engine airflow, and the short stroke allows higher engine speed for increased horsepower
•Because of the large bore size, two spark plugs per cylinder are used to more efficiently burn the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber, enabling better fuel economy and increased engine torque. The twin plugs also help maintain a smooth, stable idle
•Built at Romeo (Mich.) Engine Plant
Posted by: ejj | 15 October 2010 at 05:00 AM
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Now WAIT just a minute... My god, Algore, insists that I hate, with a passion, people who drive SUVs. Yet SUVs get rough the same mileage as full size pickup trucks. Why should I not be hating people who drive pickup trucks? Being "green" is SOOooooo complicated. So many rules.
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Posted by: The Goracle | 15 October 2010 at 07:38 AM