Ford's Second-Generation 3.5-Liter EcoBoost is More Powerful Than We Thought
Ford clearly low-balled its power figures when it issued a sneak peek of the second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 back in May.
The newly massaged engine, which will get its debut in the 2017 F-150, was thought to gain 30 pounds-feet of torque. Now, Ford claims the mill will gain 10 horsepower and 50 lb-ft, for a total of 375 hp and 470 lb-ft — a torque figure that beats the F-150’s V8-powered competition.
Ford will mate the twin-turbocharged mill to its new 10-speed automatic transmission, which was the result of a joint project with General Motors.
Engine tweaks include a dual-direct and port fuel-injection system that delivers fuel to both the intake port and cylinder, and turbochargers with lighter turbine wheels and electrically activated wastegates. The EPA hasn’t weighed in with fuel economy estimates, but Ford says buyers can expect improved acceleration and overall performance.
The new EcoBoost’s twist easily tops that of its domestic competitors. A Ram 1500 with a 5.7-liter V8 makes 395 hp and 410 lb-ft, while the 5.3-liter V8 in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra makes 355 hp and 383 lb-ft. A move up to GM’s 6.2-liter V8 still isn’t enough beat the EcoBoost’s torque — that mill only boasts 460 lb-ft. The 6.4-liter V8 in the Ram 2500 makes 429 lb-ft.
Sales of the Ford F-Series could clothe and feed the families of a modest-sized country. The automaker has no trouble achieving massive sales figures, so an even brawnier EcoBoost will only help broaden the lineup’s appeal. However, the new mill does make the F-150’s available 5.0-liter V8 seem somewhat disposable. Come this fall, that engine will offer just 10 hp and 17 lb-ft more than its six-cylinder brother.
[Image: Ford Motor Company]
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