New Ford F-150 EcoBoost Engine Delivering on Its Promises

Competitions, Tests Prove Power and Fuel Economy Claims

LONDONDERRY, NH (12/07/2010)(readMedia)-- Although customers won't have a chance to drive away with one until early next year, the newly introduced Ford F-150 EcoBoost engine is proving that it provides the best combination of capability, power and efficiency in its segment. Fitted with an EcoBoost engine with the equivalent of 10 years of rugged use, a "torture tested" F-150 EcoBoost race truck was recently used for work as a log skidder in Oregon before racking up 1,606 miles towing a best-in-class 11,300 pounds at a high-speed NASCAR track. The truck then proceeded to beat all competitors in a steep-grade towing contest at Davis Dam.

Ford is offering customers a first-hand look at this "F-150 EcoBoost Torture Test" at http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/experiencef150/.

The F-150 represents a new frontier for Ford's EcoBoost engines, which were first introduced in 2009 on Ford Flex and Taurus SHO models, and which Ford plans to use in more of its vehicles in 2011. Through a combination of turbocharging, direct fuel injection and lighter-weight components, the patented EcoBoost promises the torque and power of a V-8 engine with the appetite of a V-6. While it has proven itself in models like the Flex, some industry watchers wondered if it would have enough power to handle the towing and hauling that the F-150 is known for.

The F-150 EcoBoost engine offers 365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and a best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm. Up to 90% of the engine's peak torque is available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm, which helps drivers maintain power at lower speeds and accelerate from a stop. Even with all this power, the Ford F-150 EcoBoost offers unmatched fuel economy in its segment.

"With the addition of the EcoBoost engine to the Ford F-150, the idea that you must sacrifice fuel economy for power and capability has been eliminated," said Jim McGovern, general manager at Ford of Londonderry, a Southern New Hampshire Ford dealer. "Truck buyers are naturally skeptical, because they've been told that it takes a big engine to get the job done. The skeptics will be very impressed when they get behind the wheel and see what this truck can do."

Improved fuel economy is a consistent theme across the new powertrain line for the 2011 Ford F-150, as it has been a top request from customers to Ford dealers in recent years. The Ford F-150's 3.7-liter V-6 delivers 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway in two-wheel drive mode, and the new 5.0-liter V-8 offers 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway in two-wheel drive mode. In addition to these models, the 2011 lineup includes a 6.2-liter V-8 for extra hauling and towing capacity, and the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine. While EPA estimates for the EcoBoost have yet to be released, Ford is estimating a 20% improvement over its outgoing 2010 V-8, which would put it in the range of 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.

"Ford has done a fantastic job of offering customers a versatile F-150 lineup so that they may find the mix of capability, power and efficiency that best suits their needs," added McGovern. "For customers who want nothing but raw power, we've got that as an option. For those who want power and fewer stops at the gas station, we have a truck for that too."

About Ford of Londonderry:

Ford of Londonderry is the premier Southern New Hampshire Ford dealer serving those in nearby Derry, Concord, Nashua and Manchester. Ford of Londonderry has the extensive new and used Ford inventory New Hampshire drivers desire, with amazing prices and specials on all the latest models. You can preview their wide selection of Fords at www.fordoflondonderry.com, call them at 888-871-1155, "like" them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FordofLondonderry, or visit their Ford dealership at 33 Nashua Road in Londonderry, NH.