LexFather

According to PickupTrucks.com sources, Ford is planning big changes to the F-150's powertrain lineup in 2010 for the 2011 model year, focused on giving buyers more power and greater efficiency.

The current F-150 offers a choice of either a base two-valve or an advanced three-valve 4.6-liter V-8, or a top-of-the-line three-valve 5.4-liter V-8. The old entry-level 4.2-liter V-6 was dropped for 2009.

By late 2010, the new standard engine for the F-150 will be a 5.0-liter, modular, four-valve, naturally aspirated V-8, developed under the code name "coyote." This eight-cylinder engine (described as having "huge heads") will be shared with the new Ford Mustang. Power figures are said to be approximately 400 horsepower and 400 pounds-feet of torque. Fuel economy is expected to be comparable to the current 5.4-liter engine.

In an interesting reversal of tradition for trucks, the premium engine for the light-duty F-150 will be a V-6. The new rear-wheel-drive version of the 3.5-liter, six-cylinder EcoBoost gasoline turbo direct-injection motor will occupy the top slot. Ford has officially said the EcoBoost engine will arrive next year with improved fuel economy and low-end torque with a broad, diesel-like torque curve through most of its power band. Our sources say it too will be rated at approximately 400 hp and more than 400 pounds-feet of torque. Gas mileage is expected to be at least 23 mpg on the highway.

The arrival of these new engines is said to mean the end of the line for the F-150's 4.6-liter and 5.4-liter V-8s. The premium 6.2-liter V-8 engine (formerly known as "Boss") that will debut late this year in the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor will be limited to only niche F-150 models and the Super Duty line.

pagemaster

Who cares. Trucks are done. Ford should Focus on their cars.

Ford is announcing changes to a gas guzzler when they maybe needing a bailout...

Allen K

iTrader: (4)

The F-series of trucks is still one of the best sellers (the best? I don't remember where it placed this year) in America so they are far from done.

GFerg

Nice upgrade. Pick up truck market is not going anywhere. Making them more fuel efficient though is necessary.

shern

iTrader: (6)

What he said. This nation runs on trucks. The soccer moms may stop buying them but they are far from dead.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

thou art clueless. millions of people NEED trucks.

jimxo

Truck will be here long after the world ends.

IS-SV

Yes, not so much as American daily drivers/commuters, but always for work.

IS-SV

Let's be nice.

What is true is a steep decline in sales especially for trucks. But the truck sales numbers are still huge even today. But the big 3 depending on trucks and truck-based SUV's for profits while making substandard passenger cars is really costing them now.

MR_F1

Ford...400hp 5.0L v8? is that a typo?


Or are they using a "car" engine?

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

The Ford F-150 is the single most successful vehicle on the planet. F-150s outsell everything, and have for many years running. What do you think keeps Ford afloat?

(No, I've never owned a pickup truck, and I was raised a Chevy fan, but no one can argue the F-150's sales dominance.)

CDNROCKIES

I think you could reasonably argue that the general consumer will continue to stay away from trucks, thus the recent decline in sales. However, due to the massive number that are sold for work applications trucks will continue to sell in huge numbers.

SLegacy99

Why not have a 3.5L Ecoboost engine that puts down 270ish HP and 300 Trqs. I have a feeling it would get better gas mileage and still suit the needs of many.

TJW98LS

iTrader: (1)

The older F-150 had a 4.6L Standard V8 engine. The 5.4L was an upgrade.

They haven't had a 5.0 in awhile actually.

pagemaster

Actually the Toyota Corolla is the single most successful vehicle on the planet. More that 35 million Corollas have been made worldwide.

As for the F series. The F SERIES not the F 150 is the second best selling vehicle on the planet at 32 million units.