By Al Vinikour
MotorwayAmerica.com

(August 11, 2010) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford Motor Company today announced the most extensive powertrain lineup overhaul for the F-150 in the vehicle’s 62-year history.

For the 2011 model year the F-150 is getting four new truck engines. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard on the F-150 on all engines. Ford is the first and only manufacturer to equip its entire full-size pickup truck lineup with the fuel-saving six-speed automatic as original equipment.

Each engine delivers improved fuel economy, outstanding performance and class-leading capability. The F-150s customers can choose the engine that best suits their needs. A 20 percent mileage improvement will be realized and tow ratings will range from 6,100 to 11,300 pounds. Owners will experience a 52 percent reduction in maintenance costs over the 2006 model offerings. Furthermore, each carry’s a 10,000-mile oil exchange interval.

Ford's 360-horsepower 5.0-liter V-8

The entry-level engine is Ford’s all-aluminum 3.7L Ti-VCT V6 that’s used in the 2011 Ford Mustang. It has been specifically engineered for truck duty but still retains an estimated 300-horsepower rating with an estimated 275 pound-feet of torque. It allows maximum trailer towing of 6,100 pounds. It will run on gasoline or E-85.

The expected volume leader will be the 32-valve, DOHC 5.0L V8, pumping out 360 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque – 50 pound-feet of torque higher than its closest competitor. Maximum trailer tow will be 9,800 pounds. It’s been designed for 150,000-mile/10-year durability and is E-85 capable.

A second V-8 is a heavy-haulers dream. The Maximum Performance 6.2L engine puts out a very impressive 411 horsepower and an even more impressive 454 pound-feet of torque. Maximum trailer tow is 11,300 pounds. All three statistics listed are class-leading.  

The fourth engine offering — the 3.5L EcoBoost — will be available in early-2011. Although a V-6 it will have power comparable to a naturally aspirated V-8 and is projected to enjoy class-leading fuel economy. Power and Torque ratings will be announced at a later date. Towing capacity will be 11,300 pounds.