As previously reported, Ford may be the first carmaker to introduce a diesel motor in a light-duty pickup truck. The F-150, a perennial bestseller, is rumored to get a diesel engine for 2009, making it the first vehicle in its class to get diesel power.
According to AutoWeek, Ford would launch a 4.4-liter V8 diesel motor, a larger version of the 3.6-liter V8 some markets get in the Land Rover Range Rover . Ford and diesel engine manufacturer International Truck and Engine Corp., the blue oval’s current diesel engine manufacturer, have had strained relations since earlier this year over quality and warranty issues. It is expected that Ford would produce the 4.4-liter V8 in Mexico for the F-150 and, possibly, the Expedition.
International and Nissan have apparently been in talks about producing diesel engines for the Titan pickup, although no further details are known.
