Besides new powertrains, including a 3.5-liter twin-turbo Ecoboost V6 and 5.0-liter V8; the 2011 Ford F-150 will also receive another update in the shape of electrically assisted steering. Truck manufacturers have already been experimenting with electric power steering systems as they seek to reduce parasitic loss and improve fuel economy.

However, until very recently, the only vehicles to be actually fitted with EPS systems on the market were small cars and crossovers. Besides reducing energy losses caused by driving a hydraulic steering system off the engine’s crankshaft, electric steering systems also allow for an infinite amount of tuning to suit optimal road conditions. Furthermore, by using an electro-mechanical motor to drive the steering system instead of a hydraulic pump, EPS is only needed when the vehicle is actually turning, as opposed to hydraulic systems which are constantly drawing power from the engine when it’s running. The result is  an average four percent gain in fuel economy and with the ominous cloud of tighter Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards on the horizon for light trucks as well as cars, the automakers are currently looking at any way they can to improve fuel consumption.

According to order guides released by Ford, electric power steering will be standard fitment on all 2011 F-150s equipped with the 3.7-liter V6; the Ecoboost twin-turbo and 5.0 V8; but specialty rigs, like the SVT Raptor and recently introduced Harley Davidson (both powered by the larger 6.2-liter V8), will continue to use hydraulic power steering.

[Source: Pickup trucks.com]

Ford‘s 2011 F-150 will do away with its current lineup of V8 engines in the F-150 in favor of new and more efficient powerplants, which will include a base V6, the Mustang GT’s 5.0-liter V8 and the company’s impressive EcoBoost V6.

The base 4.6-liter V8 will be tossed in favor of the company’s new 3.7-liter V6 engine, the same engine offered as standard equipment in the new 2011 Mustang. This will mark the first time Ford has offered a V6 in the F-150 since 2008. The current 4.6-liter makes 248 hp and 294 ft-lbs of torque and gets 19-mpg highway, while in the Mustang the 3.7-liter V6 makes 305-hp and 280 ft-lbs of torque, while delivering 31-mpg on the highway.

Ford’s optional Triton 5.4-liter V8 will then be replaced by the smaller displacement 5.0-liter from the Mustang GT. The 5.4-liter makes 320-hp and 390 ft-lbs of torque, with a 20-mpg highway rating, while the 5.0-liter V8 in the new Mustang GT creates 412-hp and 390 ft-lbs of torque, while getting 26-mpg highway.

Ford’s new twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine will also debut in the F-150 for 2011 and all engine options will come with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The biggest challenge for Ford will be in the marketing department, convincing traditional truck buyers that a smaller displacement or V6 engine can do the job of the larger V8 powerplants. We wouldn’t worry, as Ford has proven itself very capable over the past few years in marketing its products.

[Source: AutoWeek]