For 2011 Ford F-Series, America’s best-selling truck for 33 years running, now comes equipped with an all-new powertrain lineup. Including the 3.5-liter EcoBoost, which will be available in early 2011. Three new truck engines available at launch are the 3.7-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8, each with fuel-saving and performance-enhancing twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) technology, and a version of the 6.2-liter V8 that is the base engine in the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty.
Each new engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Ford is the first and only manufacturer to equip its entire full-size pickup truck lineup with fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmissions as standard. SelectShift functionality is available in the six-speed automatic transmission. SelectShift allows customers to select the desired gear. The transmission also features progressive range select, which allows the customer to lock out the available gears while in Drive. Also enabled is tow/haul mode, which provides better control when hauling a heavy load or towing a trailer, especially when descending grades. The improved system uses an array of sophisticated electronic sensors to better predict the driver’s need for a downshift to provide engine braking and enhanced control.
Another fuel saver is the addition of class-exclusive electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) to the 3.7-liter V6, 5.0-liter V8 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost powertrains. The EPAS system replaces a conventional hydraulic system, which runs continuously off the engine, with a system that draws power only when needed. Additionally, EPAS enables several other driver convenience technologies and provides better steering feel. Ford is the first manufacturer to widely offer EPAS on full-size pickup trucks.
