Ford’s Diesel F-150

As the best-selling truck for over 40 years, the Ford F-150 has made waves in the truck industry since 1975. One of the largest changes in those years occurred in 2015, when the F-150 introduced a military-grade aluminum alloy body. This change cut weight by a whopping 700 pounds.

The weight savings have resulted in an improvement in gas mileage as well. For 2018, Ford steps it up a notch, revealing a sixth option to the engine lineup: a Power Stroke diesel engine that will improve efficiency even further.

While the F-Series Super Duty trucks have had diesel engine options, this is the first time that Ford has offered a diesel engine for the F-150. The 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine boasts an impressive EPA-estimated 30 mpg highway rating. Not only is it fuel-efficient, but the 2018 F-150 diesel engine will offer a best-in-class payload capacity of 2,020 pounds and best-in-class towing of 11,400 pounds.

Though not available for every trim level, the diesel is an option for the Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum edition SuperCrew models with a 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot bed, as well as SuperCab trucks with a 6.5-foot bed. Four-wheel-drive and two-wheel-drive vehicles will both have the diesel engine option.

2018 F-150 Features

The turbodiesel engine isn’t the only exciting feature though. The new F-150 has a lot of other features that are available. Some of the features many people are excited about include Ford’s new driver assist programs, like Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection. This safety enhancement allows the all-new 2018 F-150 can apply the brakes to prevent a collision with another vehicle or pedestrian.

There is also an available WiFi hotspot which can help you stay connected anywhere you go.

As another fuel-saving feature, the 2018 F-150 comes equipped with automatic start/stop. This feature prevents your engine from using too much fuel while you’re waiting for the light to turn. You can also disable this feature by installing an F-150 auto stop eliminator.

2018 F-150 Engine Features

The 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine for the F-150 will utilize the same forged-steel crank and compacted-graphite iron block construction found in Ford’s famous 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine, which will decrease weight without sacrificing durability. While the new Ford F-150 diesel engine shares many characteristics with the Super Duty’s 6.7-liter Power Stroke engine, the 3.0-liter was designed for F-150 customers in North America who need a truck that can both haul and tow over long distances on a frequent basis. Here some features that can be found in the F-150 Power Stroke engine:

• Compacted graphite iron block construction
• Forged-steel crank and aluminum alloy pistons
• High-efficiency variable geometry turbocharger
• Die-cast structural oil pan
• 29,000 psi diesel fuel injection
• High-pressure cooled exhaust gas recirculation
• Tuned elastomeric damper
• Secondary fuel filter

The high-efficiency variable geometry turbocharger enhances the responsiveness of the engine while reducing turbo lag. A die-cast structural oil pan helps with noise control, while a two-stage oil pump increases fuel efficiency. The 29,000 psi diesel fuel injection allows the engine to operate smoothly and quietly, with reduced noise, vibration, and harshness. Reduced emissions are due to the high-pressure cooled exhaust gas recirculation. Engineered for high-altitude and high-temperature performance, the 2018 F-150 diesel uses a mechanical engine-driven fan with dual radiator shutters rather than electric cooling fans. In testing the new 3.0-liter V6 Power Stroke diesel engine, Ford took the F-150 out to the Davis Dam in Arizona where it was able to maintain consistent power output on a 13-mile trek at a 6 percent grade, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees.

With best-in-class payload and towing capacities, the 2018 Ford F-150 Diesel produces a good amount of horsepower and torque. Peak torque comes in at 440 lb.-ft. at 1,750 rpm, which makes the F-150 diesel great at hauling loads over long distances. Producing 250 horsepower at 3,250 rpm, the new V6 diesel engine is not lacking in power.

Transmission Specifications and Features

Compared to the other Power Stroke engines that Ford has produced, the F-150 diesel engine will be equipped with a segment-exclusive SelectShift transmission.

The 10-speed automatic transmission offers best-in-class performance, choosing the proper gear ratio that is needed without using sequential order. With Auto Start-Stop a standard feature, the transmission for the Ford F-150 Diesel reduces emissions and fuel consumption. By maximizing gear ratios and shift points, the SelectShift transmission enhances efficiency, power, and performance.

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Image Credit: Ford, Car and Driver | Sources: Ford, Forbes

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