Ford F-150 Gets EcoBoost Engine

The new line of engines coming from Ford, the EcoBoost, have long been known to become the backbone on which the American manufacturer will build its new generation of vehicles. That means that all Ford models will end up packing such an engine in the not so distant future.

This year is the turn of the F-150 pick-up truck to get such a unit. In the pickup's case, the EcoBoost has taken the shape of a 3.5l unit which develops 365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm (a figure which is, according to Ford, best-in-class). The real achievement when it comes to this engine is that up to 90 percent of the peak torque is available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm.

Using twin independent variable camshaft timing, (Ti-VCT), the unit provides about the same fuel economy as a V6 engine. Exact fuel economy figures have not yet been provided, as the unit is still undergoing testing prior to its launch on the market as part of the F-150 lineup in early 2011. Prices for the new model are also yet to be announced.

“Customers have embraced the EcoBoost solution of delivering the power they desire with the fuel economy they demand in a no-compromise package,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development.

“From the start, we have pledged that this solution applies to any engine and any customer. The EcoBoost truck engine for the 2011 F-150 will deliver those attributes and has been specially tuned and tested to deliver the best-in-class towing and capability our truck customers demand.”