Last month, we told you about Ford’s three new powertrains for the 2011 Ford F-150. At the time, Ford announced the truck’s first implementation of its 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 but was mum on power ratings. Today, Ford said the engine is rated at 365 horsepower with 420 pounds-feet of torque on regular fuel.
Those torque ratings beat out all but the new 6.2-liter V-8, available on the top-of-the-line F-150 and base 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty. The EcoBoost’s toque ratings are better than the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V-8s in the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the 5.7-liter V-8 in the 2011 Ram 1500, the 5.7-liter V-8 in the 2011 Toyota Tundra and the 5.6-liter V-8 in the 2011 Nissan Titan.
Up to 90 percent of the EcoBoost’s peak torque will be available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm — intriguing figures, considering the 3.5-liter EcoBoost implemented on Ford’s cars and crossovers hits peak torque around 3,500 rpm.
The V-6 can tow 11,300 pounds, which is the same maximum towing figure as the 6.2-liter V-8 and beats the best ratings that Chevrolet, Dodge and Toyota can cook up right now. Maximum payload is rated at 3,060 pounds, again the best rating for a half-ton pickup.
The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 will be mated to Ford’s revamped 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission, which is rated for up to 7,000 rpm. The model will also feature Ford’s electric power-assisted steering system, new to the Ford F-150 for 2011.
All of this is supposed to give the EcoBoost not only the best towing, torque and payload figures but also “outstanding” fuel economy, Ford says.
Ford has yet to release final gas mileage figures for this powertrain. The 2011 F-150 will be available later this year; the 2011 F-150 with EcoBoost will be available in early 2011.
Best-in-class 420 pounds-feet of torque at 2,500 rpm versus premium V-8 competitors
Up to 90 percent of peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm
Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer towing versus all competitors
Best-in-class 3,060-pound payload rating versus all competitors
