Ford just launched an all-new F-150 for the 2009 model year, but more big changes are on the way for the popular pickup. Starting in 2010 for the 2011 model year, the F-150 is rumored to be seeing a complete reshuffling of its powertrain offerings, including two all-new engines.
According to PickupTrucks.com, Ford will be replacing the F-150’s base 4.6L V8 with an all-new 5.0L unit. Internally known as ‘coyote’, the new V8 will feature four-valves per cylinder and a massive jump in power over the current 4.6L. Whereas the current 4.6L produces 248 horsepower and 294 lb-ft of torque in base-guise, the new engine will deliver 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque – all while returning fuel economy figures comparable to the truck’s current 5.4L V8.
The 5.0L will also replace the mid-level three-valve 4.6L V8.
In a bit of a twist for the truck segment, the F-150’s top 5.4L V8 engine option will be replaced by Ford ’s new EcoBoost 3.5L V6. Although die-hard truck fans will likely take issue with a V6 displacing the V8, it’s hard to argue with the powerplant’s numbers. The six-cylinder will match the 5.0L’s power figures – with torque likely to be above the 400 lb-ft mark – but will return at least 23 mpg on the highway, 2 mpg better than the most fuel efficient F-150 offered today.
The truck’s 6.2L V8 will be sticking around, but will only be used in Raptor and Super Duty models.
Expect the new powertrain offerings to hit the market in late 2010.
