Ford has taken the wraps off of its highly-anticipated new “Scorpion” 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8, which will initially do duty in the automaker’s revised 2011 F-Series Super Duty heavy-duty pickup trucks. Though Ford hasn’t released official technical specifications, the Michigan automaker says that the V8 will be the most powerful and most efficient in its class.
Developed internally at Ford , unlike the outgoing Navistar-designed PowerStroke V8, the engine boasts several industry firsts.
Rather than traditional gray cast iron, Ford used compacted graphite iron to form the engine block – the first such application in a heavy-duty truck. Designed to help strengthen the engine block for the increased power output, the material also helps reduce weight.
A Honeywell-supplied single-sequential turbocharger combines the faster response of a smaller unit with the compression ability of a larger turbo thanks to a double-sided compressor wheel mounted on a single shaft.
Bosch common rail fuel injection helps cut down on engine noise, improve NVH and dial down fuel consumption. Finally, the inboard exhaust, a modern diesel engine first, has been designed to make the best of throttle response and cut down on NVH by reducing heat transfer and saving space and weight.
The big engine will be compatible with up to B20 fuel, meaning up to 20 percent biodiesel can be used in it.
We expect Ford to release official horsepower and torque figures soon. The engine will do fierce battle against Dodge ’s Cummins V8 in its all-new Ram Heavy Duty and General Motors’ upcoming, redesigned, Duramax diesel.
