The 2011 Ford F-150 is getting the most extensive powertrain overhaul in the truck's history, according to the automaker. The 2011 F-150 will be offered with four new truck engines, all coupled to a revised six-speed automatic transmission.

Available engines include a 3.7L V-6 and a 5.0L V-8, each with fuel-saving, performance-enhancing twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) technology, and a version of the 6.2L V-8 that is the base engine in the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty. A 3.5L EcoBoost truck engine, specially tuned and calibrated for the F-150, will be available in early 2011.

"We are continuously monitoring the needs of our customers and implementing features and capabilities that are important to them. With our new engine lineup, we are able to continue our class-leading capability and provide best-in-class fuel economy with our 2011-MY truck," said John Ruppert, general manager, commercial and government operations for Ford NAFLRO (North American Fleet, Lease & Remarketing Operations).

Class-Leading Features

Fleets will be able to benefit from the new powertrain lineup.

"The key benefit is increased fuel economy and lower cost of ownership without sacrificing - and in most cases improving - power and capability. Our base 3.7L and mid-range 5.0L engines are also FFV capable," Ruppert said.

Several new features were integrated into the all-new F-150, from fuel-saving and in-vehicle technology to increased engine capability.

"The key changes for the 2011-MY are the all-new powertrains that provide class-leading capability and best-in-class fuel economy," Ruppert said. "Beyond the all-new powertrains, we have also introduced Select Shift (included with the Trailer Tow packages), spray-in bedliner (available on XL and above trims), a 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen (XLT and above), and a 110v power inverter (XLT and above)."

A 'Fleet-Minded' Truck

According to Ford, the best-in-class fuel economy, provided by the all-new powertrains will benefit all fleets, regardless of segment. 

"Those that will benefit the most from the improved fuel economy will be segments that accumulate greater mileage on their trucks," Ruppert noted. "The usage and mileage accumulation can vary greatly, even within a given industry, but certainly vocations such as landscaping, construction, utility, and rental will benefit from the significant improvement in fuel economy."

Ford is committed to meeting the feature and capability requirements of its fleets. 

"We continue to provide innovative features, such as SYNC and trailer brake control, and are focused on introducing new features such as spray-in bedliner and Select Shift to meet the evolving needs of our fleet customers and the industry," Ruppert said. "The 2011-MY F-150 provides industry-leading capability and performance our customers have come to expect and meets the Ford commitment of providing best-in-class fuel economy."[PAGEBREAK]

2011 F-150 Powertrain Lineup

■ 3.7l Four-Valve Ti-VCT V-6

The 3.7L will be the most powerful, capable, and fuel-efficient base V-6 of any truck in its class, according to Ford, and will be built at the Cleveland Engine Plant.

Key attributes include:

● Best-in-class 302 hp at 6,500 rpm and

278 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm.

● Best-in-class 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway

(4x2 configuration).

● Best-in-class 6,100-lb. maximum trailer tow.

● Ti-VCT creates precise, variable timing control of both the intake and

exhaust camshafts to optimize power, performance, and fuel economy.

● E-85 flex fuel capability.

● Piston-cooling jets, which squirt oil on the underside of the pistons to

keep the piston crowns cool under extreme operating conditions.

● Forged-steel crankshaft for improved durability.

■ 6.2L Two-Valve SOHC V-8

The 6.2L V-8 is a premium engine

offering on the 2011 F-150, with an

expanded offering on the F-150 SVT

Raptor and other specialty applications. It will be built at the Romeo, Mich., Engine Plant with key attributes such as:

● Best-in-class 411 hp at 5,500 rpm and

434 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm.

● Achieves 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway (4x2 configuration).

● Best-in-class 11,300-lb. maximum trailer tow.

● Utilizes a large bore and shorter stroke. The large bore allows for

larger intake and exhaust valves for improved engine airflow, and the

short stroke allows higher engine speed for increased horsepower.

● Two spark plugs per cylinder are used to more efficiently burn the

fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber, enabling better fuel

economy and increased engine torque. The twin plugs also help

maintain a smooth, stable idle.

■ 5.0L Four-Valve DOHC Ti-VCT V-8

Built at Ford's Essex Engine Plant in Windsor,
Ontario, the 5.0L V-8 offers:

● Best-in-class 360 hp at 5,500 rpm and

380 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm.

● Best-in-class 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway

(4x2 configuration).

● Best-in-class 10,000-lb. maximum trailer tow.

● New, strengthened block and new cylinder head

optimized for performance and enhanced cooling.

● Unique intake camshafts, combined with Ti-VCT, composite intake

manifold, and optimized compression ratio for improved low-speed

torque and towing capability.

● Forged-steel crank and all-new oil cooler enhance durability.

● Piston-cooling jets, which squirt oil on the underside of the pistons to

keep the piston crowns cool under extreme operating conditions.

● E-85 flex fuel capability.

■ 3.5L Ti-VCT EcoBoost

The 3.5L EcoBoost is a premium engine offering with power comparable to a naturally aspirated V-8 and fuel economy of smaller displacement engines, according to the manufacturer. It will be built at the Cleveland Engine Plant. Its attributes include:

● 365 hp at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel with

420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm on regular fuel.

● Best-in-class 11,300-lb. maximum trailer tow.

● Best-in-class 3,060-lb. payload.

● Up to 90 percent of peak torque available from 1,700-5,000 rpm.

● Ti-VCT creates precise, variable timing control of both the intake and

exhaust camshafts to optimize power, performance, and fuel economy,

according to Ford.

● Fuel economy improves up to 20 percent versus 2010 F-150 5.4L V-8.

● Improved intake and exhaust camshafts optimized for improved fuel

economy and performance.

● Cast exhaust manifolds for heavy-duty operation and durability.

● Improved manifold and cylinder heads for improved performance.

● Direct-acting mechanical bucket (DAMB) valvetrain with polished buckets

to reduce friction and improve fuel economy.