Automotive

Ford F-150 EcoBoost proves less really can be more

Ford F-150 EcoBoost proves less really can be more
The F-150 has best-in-segment torque figures courtesy of the V6 EcoBoost
The F-150 has best-in-segment torque figures courtesy of the V6 EcoBoost
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The 10-speed automatic in the F-150
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The 10-speed automatic in the F-150 
Ford EcoBoost motors are smaller and more powerful than V8s almost twice the size
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Ford EcoBoost motors are smaller and more powerful than V8s almost twice the size
Ford's breakdown of its new engine
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Ford's breakdown of its new engine
The F-150 has best-in-segment torque figures courtesy of the V6 EcoBoost
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The F-150 has best-in-segment torque figures courtesy of the V6 EcoBoost
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By now, we're familiar with the benefits of Ford's EcoBoost downsizing. More power, more torque and less weight are all byproducts of the strategy, which has worked its way up from the Fiesta, before finding its way into the Mustang and F-150. The latest EcoBoost V6 to make its way into the F-150 is more efficient and torquier than V8s almost twice the size.

The V6 EcoBoost in the 2017 F-150 will punch out 280 kW (375 hp), which is 7.5 kW (10 hp) more than the current model can manage. Where the real improvement lies, however, is in the twisting force. Peak torque is now 637 Nm (470 lb-ft), an improvement of 68 Nm (50 lb-ft) over the outgoing model. This improvement comes, in part, thanks to a new valvetrain and new turbochargers.

If you bow at the altar of displacement, now is a good time to look away, because the upgraded V6 EcoBoost motor is now torquier than the 6.2-liter V8 you can get in the Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra. Sure, it's only got 14 Nm (10 lb-ft) more than those GM trucks, but that's enough to make it the most powerful truck in its class and is a step toward proving the benefits of smaller engines and turbocharging.

Ford says, combined with the 10-speed automatic gearbox in the new F-150, the new motor will be perfect for people who want to tow a heavy load.

The car launches in US Fall this year.

Source: Ford

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1 comment
1 comment
habakak
It might only make a little more torque than the V8. BUT. It will deliver that torque much lower in the rev range and maintain it much longer.