2011 Ford F-150 will have a new standard V6 engine, instead of V8

Instead of a V-8, Ford Motor Co’s 2011 F-150 pickup will feature a V-6, according to industry and dealer sources. The V-6 has better fuel economy but Ford recognizes the challenge for its marketers to convince pickup buyers to prefer a V-6 engine over the V-8.

The last time that ford offered a V-6 was in the 2008 F-150. Sources reveal that the 2011 F-150, which starts selling early next year, will be powered by a standard 3.7-liter V-6 engine. A 4.6-liter V-8 had powered the 2010 F-150’s standard engine. Meanwhile, the 2011 F-150 will also have a 5.0-liter V-8 available. The 2011 Ford Mustang offers both the 3.7-liter and 5.0-liter engines.
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g2ok - 7/21/2010 4:35:58 PM

-6 Boost

Why not give a V8 with cylinder deactivation ?
V6 on a full size truck seems questionable.

91z4me - 7/21/2010 7:42:53 PM

+7 Boost

The cylinder deactivation systems are much more complex on OHC engines than OHV (GM and Chrysler's V8s). I can only recall Honda's 3.5 OHC V6 as having cylinder deactivation.

Also V6s have been used for decades in low level work fullsize pickup trucks, the more powerful modern V6s shouldn't have any issues in performance.

uaw_lax - 7/21/2010 11:27:39 PM

+3 Boost

V6's have been powering full size pick ups for over 30 years.

pennfootball - 7/22/2010 10:20:12 AM

+3 Boost

One of the best motors Ford ever made was an inline 6....the number of cylinder's doesn't matter but how well it's but together...keep in mind the new 300HP 3.5 V6 has as much Hp as the old 5.4 litter V8!

tango - 7/21/2010 5:02:05 PM

+6 Boost

Ford had always previously offered a V6 base engine in the F-150. As did/does Chevrolet, as did/does Dodge/Ram. This is nothing new. As to why the 2009+ F-150 didn't have one remains to be seen.

bfghemicuda - 7/21/2010 6:45:23 PM

-1 Boost

I took it as the V6 will be the standard engine and the V8 an option. Rather than the V8 standard and the V6 the option. The V6 is fine as long as the torque is there. In a truck, I would still prefer an efficent V8.

bfghemicuda - 7/22/2010 11:18:38 AM

+1 Boost

Also It would be even better to have a 6 cyl diesel with a hybrid option.

rxh8me9000 - 7/22/2010 8:36:50 AM

+3 Boost

It will bring in more customers who want a F150,but did not buy one due to a V8 being associated with bad gas mileage. The V6 is going to have more hp and tq than the last V8 which is nice. I might pick one up myself.

Blindcorner - 7/22/2010 12:58:45 PM

+3 Boost

Makes me wonder why Ford doesn't focus on making a competitive compact truck like the Tacoma. As a consumer if you can get by with a V6 you probably don't need to be lugging around that big frame either. If efficiency is the focus as it very much is these days then, consider how much much efficient this same V6 would be in a much lighter more approprietly sized truck.

85bmw745i - 7/23/2010 2:39:24 AM

+2 Boost

Trucks are so heavy now a v6 would be anemic. the 300hp 5.4 still needs about 9 seconds to get to 60. the first lightning was only 245hp and got to 60 in 7.2 seconds. I do think they should offer one though. I also think they should offer a 6 cylinder diesel. Yes I remember the old 300 inline 6. it towed as good as any v8 but was indestructible.

85bmw745i - 7/23/2010 2:41:08 AM

+1 Boost

Also, V6 engines worked in pickups for ages, why wouldn't it work now other than the fact that these vehicles today are too fat and heavy.

Whelan - 8/10/2010 3:01:11 PM

+1 Boost

I would expect to see Ford revive the Ranger in some form. Wether if it given a new name or they bring back the F100 moniker in some fashion. I wholly expect to see it coming. Probably with an option of the ecoboost 4 or the V6.