Cars + Trucks
Internal Overhaul: Ford’s New Engines & Transmissions
|
|
|
If you are the type of driver that likes to stick with one brand and one brand only, you probably figured out long ago that it takes quite a while for automakers to implement new internals in their North American vehicles. In some cases it can take a decade or more before some models receive any new internal hardware. For example, in the case of Ford’s famous V-8 Mustang, the 4.6L V8 has been the internal staple of the pony car since 1996. But as we will discuss, Ford has decided to upgrade the Mustang and various other models in their fleet with new engines and transmissions. If you are a fan of Ford, this is welcome news in terms of power and fuel efficiency.
New Ponies
Besides the F class pickup trucks, the Mustang is by far and away Ford’s most popular vehicle and for many years has been a top seller in its class. If you are a fan of the Mustang, you have probably noticed that it has been a while since Ford has done anything to upgrade the 3.8L V6 and the 4.6L V8. But with the release of the new and improved Camaro, Ford decided to step up the competition with new power plants in all classes of Mustang. The standard V6 version will have a 3.7L motor in it that produces a staggering 305 horsepower. With the help of a six-speed automatic transmission, the V6 Mustang will get 30 mpg on the highway.
In the “big boy” class, the Mustang GT will come with a 5.0L V8 that will produce 412 horses and 390 foot pounds of torque. Surprisingly, the V8 will get around 25 mpg on the highway with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission that replaces the standard five-speed. For those who are curious about the Shelby Cobra, it will maintain its 5.4L supercharged V8 beast motor that produces 540 horsepower, but with a few minor improvements, which is why Ford has classified it as a new release of sorts.
Fuel Efficient
In the “green” section of Ford’s lineup, drivers will discover four new engines. The new and improved Ford Fiesta will come with a 1.6L inline four cylinder, which, with the help of the six-speed “PowerShift” dual clutch transmission, will get more than 40 mpg on the highway. The ever-popular Ford Focus will receive a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that is powered by new naturally aspirated direct injection technology. Like the Fiesta, the Focus will also have a six-speed “PowerShift” dual clutch transmission to help with some impressive fuel mileage numbers.
Even though they will not be common in most Ford vehicles until 2013, Ford’s new “EcoBoost” engines will provide the power and fuel efficiency that many of us crave. Starting this year though, a 3.5L “EcoBoost” V6 will be included in select models of the popular F-150 pickup truck. The engine will have the power of a V8 with the help of twin turbo chargers and the fuel efficiency of a V6. Another “EcoBoost” engine, the 2.0L model will make an appearance at some point in 2010, but it hasn’t been decided which models it will be in yet.
The Monsters
For those out there who require a big truck for their daily tasks, Ford has decided to upgrade their Super Duty line of trucks with a few goodies that almost anyone would enjoy. It is expected that the new 6.7L Power Stroke diesel V8 will be tops in class in terms of fuel mileage and emissions. Even though these numbers aren’t official, it is rumoured that this beast will produce over 390 horsepower and an astounding 730 foot pounds of torque. In order to harness this power, the new six-speed automatic “TorqShift” transmission will come standard. With torque like that, a prospective owner could pull a house down! Like its predecessors, the new 6.7L will be aided in achieving its power with a turbo charger.
For those who prefer a Super Duty with a gas engine, a 6.2L V8 will be available. It is rumoured that this motor will produce 400 horses and put down 400 foot pounds of torque.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
