Photo: Ford
For the thirteenth-generation F-Series, the Ford Motor Company pushed the envelope of what a full-size pickup truck means and what it’s supposed to do. Two model years later, FoMoCo did it again with the second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and an all-new 10-speed tranny jointly developed with General Motors.
Let’s start with the business end of the 2017 Ford F-150. SAE rated at 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft (637 Nm), the second-generation of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 is 10 HP and 50 lb-ft (68 Nm) up on the current engine. In terms of torque, this baby is the best in its class, diesel-powered rivals included. Yes, it’s the same amount of torque the Ram’s 3.0-liter diesel engine produces.
Heck, this 3.5-liter V6 outperforms V8 engines nearly twice the displacement. More than that, the six-cylinder force-fed powerhouse also happens to be an internal combustion marvel gifted with a weight-saving valve train, auto start-stop tech, and dual direct and port fuel injection.
“The 2017 Ford F-150 now delivers the best torque in the segment,” declared Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president of product development and chief technical officer. “This class-leading torque arrives with a transformative 10-speed automatic that improves nearly every aspect of F-150 performance.”
Speaking of the 10-speed automatic, the Ford 10R80 is the first volume-production 10-speed transmission from any automaker. For the 2018 model year, the cog swapper will also find its way in the Ford Mustang. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 will also emply this transmission.
This all jolly and stuff, but the problem is the 2017 Ford F-150 3.5 EcoBoost V6 is slated to go on sale this fall. More to the point, Ford is keeping quiet about fuel economy figures and tow ratings. Now, can the peeps at the Ford Motor Company treat the Taurus SHO with the same powertrain combo and call it a day? Better still, why not update the Lincoln MKS as well?
Heck, this 3.5-liter V6 outperforms V8 engines nearly twice the displacement. More than that, the six-cylinder force-fed powerhouse also happens to be an internal combustion marvel gifted with a weight-saving valve train, auto start-stop tech, and dual direct and port fuel injection.
“The 2017 Ford F-150 now delivers the best torque in the segment,” declared Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president of product development and chief technical officer. “This class-leading torque arrives with a transformative 10-speed automatic that improves nearly every aspect of F-150 performance.”
Speaking of the 10-speed automatic, the Ford 10R80 is the first volume-production 10-speed transmission from any automaker. For the 2018 model year, the cog swapper will also find its way in the Ford Mustang. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 will also emply this transmission.
This all jolly and stuff, but the problem is the 2017 Ford F-150 3.5 EcoBoost V6 is slated to go on sale this fall. More to the point, Ford is keeping quiet about fuel economy figures and tow ratings. Now, can the peeps at the Ford Motor Company treat the Taurus SHO with the same powertrain combo and call it a day? Better still, why not update the Lincoln MKS as well?
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