Photo: Ford
The 2017 Ford F-150 shapes up to be a tough cookie to crack, especially the Raptor, a full-blown dune runner with immense tires and Fox shocks. Even though the regular F-150 won’t get the off-road goodies of the Raptor, it’ll use the 10-speed automatic and the second-generation 3.5 EcoBoost V6.
Compared to the current 3.5 EcoBoost V6, the second generation develops 30 lb-ft (40 Nm) more, up to a best-in-segment 450 lb-ft (610 Nm) for a V6 engine. Out of all the updated bits and bobs, the ones worth mentioning are as follows: the weight-saving roller-finger follower valvetrain (four pounds lighter than before), dual direct and port fuel injection, new turbochargers, and Auto Start-Stop. Improvements in fuel economy are to be announced closer to the on-sale date of the 2017 F-150.
The 10-speed automatic that will be matched with the second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 is the first volume-production 10-speed box. Ford promises that the unit will deliver improved acceleration and performance compared to the 6-speed automatic, without mentioning the fine details we’re most interested in. Still, we can tell you that the 10-speed transmission has three overdrive gears and a wide ratio span for lower-numerical rear-axle ratios to improve fuel efficiency and towing.
Thanks to an integrated torque converter, the all-new transmission reduces the packaging footprint. An integrated electric pump works in conjunction with the Auto Start-Stop System for seamless engine restarts, while the smarter shift logic helps the driver during Tow/Haul mode. In Sport mode, the shift logic is said to offer “the right gear at the right time for an engaging driving experience.” I have no idea what Ford is talking about here. Sport mode for a pickup truck? Oh man, gimme a break.
All in all, the 10-speed transmission and 3.5 EcoBoost V6 combo does seem like it’s a match made in heaven. We’ll find out if that’s the case this fall when the 2017 Ford F-150 goes on sale. “The powertrain is the heart of every F-150, and together our all-new 3.5-liter EcoBoost and 10-speed transmission will give our customers better power, efficiency and confidence,” commented Raj Nair, the executive vice president of product development and chief technical officer at Ford.
P.S.: The 2018 Ford Mustang is also expected to get the 10-speed automatic.
The 10-speed automatic that will be matched with the second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 is the first volume-production 10-speed box. Ford promises that the unit will deliver improved acceleration and performance compared to the 6-speed automatic, without mentioning the fine details we’re most interested in. Still, we can tell you that the 10-speed transmission has three overdrive gears and a wide ratio span for lower-numerical rear-axle ratios to improve fuel efficiency and towing.
Thanks to an integrated torque converter, the all-new transmission reduces the packaging footprint. An integrated electric pump works in conjunction with the Auto Start-Stop System for seamless engine restarts, while the smarter shift logic helps the driver during Tow/Haul mode. In Sport mode, the shift logic is said to offer “the right gear at the right time for an engaging driving experience.” I have no idea what Ford is talking about here. Sport mode for a pickup truck? Oh man, gimme a break.
All in all, the 10-speed transmission and 3.5 EcoBoost V6 combo does seem like it’s a match made in heaven. We’ll find out if that’s the case this fall when the 2017 Ford F-150 goes on sale. “The powertrain is the heart of every F-150, and together our all-new 3.5-liter EcoBoost and 10-speed transmission will give our customers better power, efficiency and confidence,” commented Raj Nair, the executive vice president of product development and chief technical officer at Ford.
P.S.: The 2018 Ford Mustang is also expected to get the 10-speed automatic.
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