The end is nigh: Turbo-four a possibility in 2013 F-150
Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford F-150
A four cylinder engine in the F-150? What is the world coming to? Um, the realization that the price of gas isn't likely to go back down, that's what. Still, it was one thing when muscle car enthusiasts were told they may get a four cylinder Camaro, but it's a different story to expect hard-core truckers to welcome anything less than six cylinders. In truth, the 2.5 liter Eco-Boost engine Ford is considering for its entry-level F-Series truck should prove plenty powerful with 260 hp and 300 lb.-ft. of torque, especially in the short-bed single-cab versions of the pickup it will be offered in.
Next year, the 4.6 liter V8 will be the base-engine, which seems contrary to expectations in this day of fuel saving fever. In time, a 3.5 liter Eco-Boost six cylinder will take over for the aging modular 4.6 in base-truck duties, and its 350 hp and 390 lb.-ft. of torque will be more than powerful enough in the quarter-ton. The 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway is also a welcome improvement over its V8 forebear. We should also mention that a new smaller diesel V8 engine is on the horizon. Truckers, welcome to the new world order. Come on in, the water's fine.
[Source: Pickuptrucks.com via Autoblog]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Lou Grinzo 1:21PM (7/14/2008)
I wonder how much longer it will be before the new truck/SUV market is reduced to nothing but businesses and others with a genuine need for such vehicles, regardless of how much Ford or anyone else can downsize engines? There are still die hards out there who buy trucks just because they like them, but I suspect that $4, then $5, then $6 gasoline will change their minds in time.
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Chris MacMillan 2:27PM (7/14/2008)
My question is for the average pickup user wouldn't the turbor 4 cylinder ecoboost be sufficient?? It may not tow 5-10 thousand pounds but most pickup owners never tow anything and only haul loads from the home and garden center. So an F-150 with a 1500 lbs payload capacity and a 4-cyl that can handle it should be plenty. If you need a serious hauler/tower they will be available, you may have to wait for delivery though.
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DJL 3:57PM (7/14/2008)
They'll probably need HCCI for serious fuel economy gains.
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jeffzekas 4:05PM (7/14/2008)
Perhaps Ford should bring in their Brasilian trucks?These Ranger-like trucks are small, economical, and they run on alcohol! Oh, and because Brazilian labor is cheaper than US labor, the price would be reasonable. Come on, Ford, "it's the end of the world as we know it" (REM).
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stevefazek 7:00PM (7/14/2008)
The small Brazilian trucks are unibody construction based off of compact cars
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