Monday, January 19, 2009

Sources Say Coyote And EcoBoost Engines On Horizon For F-150, Sunset for 4.6-L and 5.4-L V-8s



According to PickupTrucks.com sources, Ford is planning big changes to the F-150's powertrain lineup in 2010 for the 2011 model year, focused on giving buyers more power and greater efficiency.

The current F-150 offers a choice of either a base two-valve or an advanced three-valve 4.6-liter V-8, or a top-of-the-line three-valve 5.4-liter V-8. The old entry-level 4.2-liter V-6 was dropped for 2009.

By late 2010, the new standard engine for the F-150 will be a 5.0-liter, modular, four-valve, naturally aspirated V-8, developed under the code name "coyote." This eight-cylinder engine (described as having "huge heads") will be shared with the new Ford Mustang. Power figures are said to be approximately 400 horsepower and 400 pounds-feet of torque. Fuel economy is expected to be comparable to the current 5.4-liter engine.

In an interesting reversal of tradition for trucks, the premium engine for the light-duty F-150 will be a V-6. The new rear-wheel-drive version of the 3.5-liter, six-cylinder EcoBoost gasoline turbo direct-injection motor will occupy the top slot. Ford has officially said the EcoBoost engine will arrive next year with improved fuel economy and low-end torque with a broad, diesel-like torque curve through most of its power band. Our sources say it too will be rated at approximately 400 hp and more than 400 pounds-feet of torque. Gas mileage is expected to be at least 23 mpg on the highway.

The arrival of these new engines is said to mean the end of the line for the F-150's 4.6-liter and 5.4-liter V-8s. The premium 6.2-liter V-8 engine (formerly known as "Boss") that will debut late this year in the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor will be limited to only niche F-150 models and the Super Duty line.

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