While Ford F-150 fans are excited to hear about the new diesel option coming to the 2018 model, they’ll have to wait until spring of next year to get it.
The news came as Ford released more information on its upcoming half-ton pickup, including performance numbers on its all-new 3.3-liter V6, which the automaker reports has more horsepower, torque and improved gas mileage over its previous 3.5-liter V6. Ford also provides impressive numbers on its second-generation 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6. (See the first engine comparison chart below.)
Yes, the smaller-is-better crowd continues to grow as Ford reports that 75 percent of its customers this year have opted for new pickups with a V6 instead of a V8. (The second chart below shows a seven-year evolution of Ford’s V6 for the F-150.) For those of us that grew up revering V8s, like Ford’s 351 Cleveland, it’s sort of an awkward head-scratcher, but nonetheless you can’t beat the numbers—not only in terms of horsepower and torque gains, but for cutting weight.
“Aiding in light-weighting, the standard 3.3-liter V6 in the 2018 F-150 is projected to offer a 5 percent power-to-weight ratio improvement versus the steel-bodied 2014 F-150 equipped with 3.7-liter V6 – with better anticipated fuel efficiency and performance,” Ford states in its press release.
And Ford has been all about cutting weight. Going to an aluminum body on its F-150 has meant shedding 700 pounds over its steel counterpart. That adds up to more towing and hauling capabilities.
