Ford to bring diesel to F-150 range for 2009

Ford will launch the next-generation F-150 pickup with a diesel powerplant when the new truck goes on sale in 2008 or 2009, a former executive told Automotive News. Dave Szczupak, who retired from Ford last week, said the engine would be derived from the 3.6-liter V-8 diesel used in the Land Rover Range Rover in Europe.

If it arrives on schedule, th enew F-150 might end up being the first light-duty pickup with a diesel engine in North America. Toyota and Nissan are seeking diesels for their Tundra and Titan pickups, but neither company has secured a powerplant.

In mid-September, Ford confirmed plans to launch a new F-150 in 2008 with "powertrain, design and feature upgrades."