Ford seeing strong demand for EcoBoost-equipped F-150

Thanks to its combination of power and fuel economy, buyers are clamoring for Ford's EcoBoost-powered F-150.

Eight-cylinder engines have long been the bread and butter of full-size truck sales but Ford's new F-150 EcoBoost option is proving that smaller, turbocharged engines could be the wave of the future.

Ford began production of its EcoBoost F-150 model in January, expecting only a few early adopters to check the V6's option box. However, demand for the twin-turbocharged truck has far exceeded expectations, with Ford now scrambling to keep up with demand.

"We had a sales forecast but it has jumped up a little faster than we thought," said Marc Lapine, consumer marketing manager for Ford.

During the month of April EcoBoost-equipped F-150s have accounted for a whopping 36 percent of the truck's total sales. Moreover, 40 percent of the F-150 currently on order are speced with the turbocharged 3.5L engine.

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Although truck sales usually fall when fuel prices increase, the F-150 EcoBoost's combination of good power and excellent fuel economy is luring typical V8 buyers. The EcoBoost engine generates 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque - besting the F-150's optional 360 horsepower, 380 lb-ft torque 5.0L V8 - while delivering up to 22mpg on the highway. In comparison, the aforementioned V8 can only hit 21mpg on the highway.

Ford currently only has a 13-day supply of EcoBoost F-150s on hand.

References
1.'Ford: Optional...' view