Ford has announced that the F-150 pickup truck will gain a diesel engine for the first time. This spring, customers will be able to choose a fuel-efficient powertrain option that is suited for their towing and hauling needs.
The 2018 Ford F-150 will be available with a 3.0-liter Power Stroke V6 diesel engine that delivers 250 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. The powertrain allows for 11,400 pounds of towing capacity and 2,020 pounds of payload capacity.
Fuel-efficiency is boosted by standard features like the SelectShift 10-speed automatic transmission and Auto Start-Stop. Fuel economy numbers have yet to be released but the automaker is targeting 30 miles per gallon (mpg) for highway driving.
According to Ford, the all-new Power Stroke V6 engine was designed and engineered by the same team behind the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 engine of the F-Series Super Duty trucks. Their goal was to develop a powertrain that would meet the towing and hauling needs of customers.
To ensure strength and durability without adding too much weight, the Power Stroke V6 engine uses the same compacted-graphite iron block metal construction and forged-steel crank of the 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine. It also comes with a highly efficient variable-geometry turbocharger, a common-rail fuel injection system and high-pressure injection calibration. These translate to an smoother, optimized and fuel-efficient performance.
Moreover, the Power Stroke V6 also comes with a mechanical fan that is able to move more air across the radiator and intercooler compared to the electric fans used by other vehicles. The fan will allow the 2018 F-150 to perform even with extreme loads or under harsh road conditions.
The diesel engine will be available for the 4x2 and 4x4 models with the 2018 F-150 Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum trims as well as SuperCrew and SuperCab configurations with 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot beds.
Ford will begin taking orders for the 2018 Ford F-150 with the 3.0-liter Power Stroke V6 diesel engine in mid-January. Deliveries are scheduled to arrive this spring. Pricing has not been announced but customers should expect to add about $3,000 to $4,000 more than the standard engines.
