Friday, September 10, 2010

Gentlemen, Choose your Engines

STONEHAM, MASS -- In a bid to deliver best-in-class fuel economy, the 2011 Ford F-150 will ship with four different engine choices, including a base-level V-6 and the first application of Ford's Ecoboost engine in a pickup truck. Ford also promises best-in-class horsepower across its engine line in an appeal to truck buyers who would rather go big than go green.


The base model F-150 ships with a four-valve, 3.7-liter V-6 that has 300 horsepower and a towing capacity of 6,100 pounds. The base engine for Super Duty models is a 6.2-liter, 385-horsepower V-8, which ups the towing capacity to 11,300 pounds.


Buyers who opt for a 5-liter V-8 upgrade in their F-150s can increase their horsepower to 360 and their towing capacity to 9,800 lbs while still enjoying class-leading fuel economy. Both the 3.7-liter V-6 and 5-liter V-8 are flex-fuel capable, for those who have access to E85 fuel. Early next year, Ford will offer the 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost engine as an option on some F-150 models, which promises a 20% fuel economy gain over the 5.4-liter V-8 engine of the 2010 F-150.


"Fuel economy is hardly the first thing truck buyers worry about, but the business owners who buy from us are looking at those mileage numbers," said General Manager Alan Melkonian of Massachusetts Ford dealer Stoneham Ford. "The ability to squeeze more miles out of every gallon of gas has a real impact on the bottom line for a small business. The new F-150s cost less to run and still deliver the towing and hauling capacity that businesses need."


All four of the new engines will be paired with a redesigned six-speed automatic transmission, making Ford the only manufacturer to offer a six-speed automatic as standard equipment on all its full-size pickup trucks. SelectShift allows the transmission to operate in a manual mode, giving drivers more control in demanding situations, such as coaxing a trailer down a steep incline.


Ford hopes to appeal to the entire spectrum of F-150 owners with its 2011 models. The base V-6 is ideal for contractors and landscapers, while the stronger V-8 options provide the power needed by plow operators and boaters. Performance truck enthusiasts will want the Baja-tested 2011 Raptor on their shopping lists, which features a race-tuned engine and suspension. The only challenge for Greater Boston Ford owners will be finding the open, off-road space needed to let the Raptor run free.


While EPA estimates have yet to be released for the new engines, Ford anticipates fuel economy gains at every level. The EcoBoost is expected to compare favorably with hybrid pickup trucks in its mpg rating.


"These new engine options mean that any buyer can find an F-150 that is tailored to their specific needs," Melkonian said. "Ford has solved the problem of having to buy too much truck to get some extra towing strength, and has given the customer the ability to control fuel costs. This means a lot when gas prices float around $2.75 a gallon in a struggling economy."

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