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Ford Releases Fuel Economy Numbers for 2011 Ford F-150: 3.7-liter V6 Gets 23 MPG!

John Suit — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:00:03 +0000

Pending final EPA certification, the 3.7-liter V6 in the upcoming 2011 Ford F-150 will get you a stellar (for a truck, anyway) 23 mpg on the highway, and 16 mpg around town. The 5.0-liter V8 gets you 15/21 city/highway, which rivals its GM counterparts’ fuel economy numbers. While these numbers are preliminary, they can’t be too far off base or Ford wouldn’t release them. Click past the jump for complete breakdowns and comparisons. Truck fans will be especially interested in the Ford-provided charts at the bottom.

It seems like every year, the automakers bring out new commercials touting their trucks’ fuel economy. They always compare their V6-powered truck versus the competition’s V8, usually with 4×2 compared to 4×4. This can throw the numbers off by 2-4 mpg, and is the work of very good spin doctors. See the chart below, which comes directly from Ford’s press release. It compares their engines directly with the proper corresponding engines from the competition.

Segment Comparison for 3.7-liter V6

Mfr	Engine	Horsepower	Torque	Max towing	Max payload	4×2 MPG (c/h)
Ford	3.7L V6	302 @ 6,500	278 @ 4,000	6,100	1,920	16/23
Chevrolet	4.3L V6	195 @ 4,600	260 @ 2,800	5,400	1,956	15/20
Ram	3.7L V6	210 @ 5,200	235 @ 4,000	3,800	1,900	14/20
Toyota	4.0L V6	270 @ 5,600	278 @ 4,400	4,900	1,715	16/20

Segment Comparison for 5.0-liter V8

Mfr	Engine	Horsepower	Torque	Max towing	Max payload	4×2 MPG
Ford	5.0L V8	360 @ 5,500	380 @ 4,250	10,000	3,060	15/21
Chevrolet	4.8L V8	302 @ 5,600	305 @ 4,600	7,200	1,825	14/19
Ram	4.7L V8	302 @ 5,650	329 @ 3,950	7,650	1,760	14/19
Toyota	4.6L V8	310 @ 5,600	327 @ 3,400	8,600	1,870	15/20

Segment Comparison for 6.2-liter V8

Mfr	Engine	Horsepower	Torque	Max towing	Max payload	4×2 MPG
Ford	6.2L V8	411 @ 5,500	434 @ 4,500	11,300	1,770	12/17
Chevrolet	6.2L V8	403 @ 5,700	417 @ 4,300	10,700	1,997	13/18

Segment Comparison for 3.5-liter EcoBoost

Mfr	Engine	Horsepower	Torque	Max towing	Max payload	4×2 MPG
Ford	3.5L EcoBoost	365 @ 5,000	420 @ 2,500	11,300	3,060	TBA
Chevrolet	5.3L V8	315 @ 5,200	335 @ 4,000	10,000	1,774	15/22
Ram	5.7L V8	390 @ 5,800	407 @ 4,200	10,450	1,710	14/20
Toyota	5.7L V8	381 @ 5,600	401 @ 3,600	10,400	2,090	14/18
Nissan	5.6L V8	317 @ 5,200	385 @ 3,400	9,500	2,153	13/18

I will stress again that the 3.7-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8 are still awaiting final EPA certification, so I’ll have an update if the numbers change. Also, as seen in the chart above, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 hasn’t been tested at all. I would expect the city/highway numbers to be 16/24, give or take. Another note: if you’re looking at a 4-wheel drive model of any of the above-listed trucks, expect a 1-2 mpg drop in both city and highway mileage.

It’s an exciting time to be a truck buyer, with all the new engine options coming from Ford, GM and RAM. Even with the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards years away, the automakers are working hard to get ahead of the curve early. For more information about CAFE standards, click here.

Show Press Release

FORD LAUNCHES MOST FUEL-EFFICIENT FULL-SIZE PICKUP: 23 MPG HIGHWAY WITH NEW 3.7-LITER ENGINE IN 2011 F-150

The new 3.7-liter V6 engine in the 2011 Ford F-150 is projected to deliver best-in-class 23 mpg highway, pending final EPA certification
The new 5.0-liter V8 in the 2011 F-150 is projected to deliver best-in-class 21 mpg highway, pending final EPA certification
No other manufacturer offers better fuel economy in the respective segments

Click here to watch the live webcast of the announcement of the F-150′s fuel economy leadership.

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 14, 2010 – Ford Motor Company is launching the most fuel-efficient full-size pickup of any manufacturer – the all-new 3.7-liter V6 engine in the 2011 F-150. It is projected to deliver best-in-class 23 mpg highway, pending EPA certification.

The new 5.0-liter V8 engine is projected to deliver best-in-class 21 mpg highway, pending EPA certification.

“The all-new engine lineup for the 2011 Ford F-150 is focused on delivering what matters most to truck customers – best-in-class power, capability, durability and fuel economy,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president of Powertrain Engineering. “Each engine offers an unequaled combination of these attributes.”

The new 3.7-liter V6 is projected to deliver 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway in 4×2 configuration. The new 5.0-liter V8 is projected to deliver 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway in 4×2 configuration. No manufacturer offers better fuel economy numbers in these respective segments.

“Seventy percent of F-150 customers said better fuel economy is what they’d like improved most in their truck,” said Doug Scott, Truck Group marketing manager. “The 2011 Ford F-150 does exactly that with best-in-class fuel economy, best-in-class capability and power, and more powertrain choices to suit their different needs.”

The new V6 and V8 make up half of an all-new powertrain lineup for the 2011 Ford F-150, part of the most extensive engine makeover in the 62-year history of F-Series. Also new for 2011 are the 6.2-liter V8 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ truck engine. The EcoBoost will be available in early 2011. Trucks with the 3.7-liter V6, 5.0-liter V8 and 6.2-liter V8 will arrive in dealer showrooms later this year.

Each engine is mated to a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission. Ford is the only manufacturer to equip its entire full-size pickup lineup with six-speed gearboxes as standard.

This versatile new powertrain lineup enables F-150 customers to choose the engine that best suits their needs.

Several other improvements help increase fuel economy
The extensive work to maximize the efficiency of each engine is complemented by additional improvements to the transmission and other areas of the new F-150.

The tried-and-true 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission has been upgraded to bring available customer conveniences such as SelectShift capability with progressive range select and manual mode to the F-150 for the first time.

The transmission has been optimized for each new engine. The transmission matched to the 3.7-liter engine, for example, has fewer clutch plates compared with the other F-150 engines.

A one-way clutch, which allows for smoother 1-2 and 2-1 shifts, faster downshifts and improved fuel economy, has been added. The gear ratios, span and shift schedule have been optimized for better off-the-line performance and improved fuel economy. The double-overdrive gear also provides better fuel economy.

Another fuel saver is the addition of class-exclusive electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) to the 3.7-liter V6, 5.0-liter V8 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost powertrains. The EPAS system replaces a conventional hydraulic system, which runs continuously off the engine, with a system that draws power only when needed. Ford is the first manufacturer to widely offer EPAS on full-size pickup trucks. EPAS contributes about a 4 percent fuel-economy benefit compared with conventional hydraulic systems.

“Our new engine lineup allows greater flexibility for customers to select the powertrain choice that best suits their needs,” said Samardzich. “And each engine delivers outstanding power, capability and fuel economy.”

3.7-liter four-valve Ti-VCT V6
The 3.7-liter will be the most powerful, capable and fuel-efficient base V6 of any truck in its class. Key attributes include:

Projected best-in-class 23 mpg highway (4×2 configuration), pending final EPA certification. Also delivers 16 mpg city
Best-in-class 302 horsepower at 6,500 rpm
Unsurpassed 278 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm
Best-in-class 6,100 pounds maximum trailer tow
Ti-VCT (twin independent variable camshaft timing) creates precise, variable timing control of both the intake and exhaust camshafts to optimize power, performance and fuel economy
E85 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
Built at Cleveland Engine Plant

5.0-liter four-valve DOHC Ti-VCT V8
The 5.0-liter V8 in the 2011 F-150 offers many class bests compared with comparable base V8s, including:

Projected best-in-class 21 mpg highway (4×2 configuration), pending final EPA certification
Best-in-class 360 horsepower at 5,500 rpm
Best-in-class 380 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm
Best-in-class 10,000 pounds 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
E85 flex fuel capability
Built at Essex Engine Plant; Windsor, Ontario

6.2-liter two-valve SOHC V8
The 6.2-liter V8 is a premium engine offering on the 2011 F-150. It is now standard on F-150 SVT Raptor, with expanded offering on other specialty applications. Its attributes include:

Best-in-class 411 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 434 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm vs. all competitors
Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors
Projected 12 mpg city, 17 mpg highway (4×2 configuration), pending final EPA certification
Durability of race-proven components and technology showcased in November 2008 when a 6.2-liter Raptor R not only survived the grueling Baja 1000, it earned a podium finish. The same engine then completed every mile of the 2009 Best in the Desert series
Utilizes a large bore and shorter stroke. This approach to creating power has its roots in storied Ford racing engines. 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
Because of the large bore size, 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
Built at Romeo (Mich.) Engine Plant

3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost
A premium powertrain offering available after launch, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost has more torque than any competitors’ V8 with the fuel economy of a smaller-displacement engine. This EcoBoost engine will establish a new benchmark for its combination of performance capability and fuel efficiency. Its attributes include:

365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel
Best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm on regular fuel
Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors
Best-in-class 3,060 pounds payload vs. all competitors
Up to 90 percent of peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm
New benchmark for combination of performance capability and fuel efficiency
Ti-VCT creates precise, variable timing control of both the intake and exhaust camshafts to optimize power, performance and fuel economy
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
Built at Cleveland Engine Plant

Segment Comparison for 3.7-liter V6

Manufacturer	Engine	Horsepower	Torque	Maximum towing	Maximum payload	4×2 fuel economy
Ford	3.7L V6	302 @ 6,500 Best in class	278 @ 4,000 Unsurpassed	6,100 Best in class	1,920	16/23 (city/highway) Best in class highway
Chevrolet	4.3L V6	195 @ 4,600	260 @ 2,800	5,400	1,956	15/20
Ram	3.7L V6	210 @ 5,200	235 @ 4,000	3,800	1,900	14/20
Toyota	4.0L V6	270 @ 5,600	278 @ 4,400	4,900	1,715	16/20

Segment Comparison for 5.0-liter V8

Manufacturer	Engine	Horsepower	Torque	Maximum towing	Maximum payload	4×2 fuel economy
Ford	5.0L V8	360 @ 5,500 Best in class	380 @ 4,250 Best in class	10,000 Best in class	3,060 Best in class	15/21 (city/highway) Best in class highway
Chevrolet	4.8L V8	302 @ 5,600	305 @ 4,600	7,200	1,825	14/19
Ram	4.7L V8	302 @ 5,650	329 @ 3,950	7,650	1,760	14/19
Toyota	4.6L V8	310 @ 5,600	327 @ 3,400	8,600	1,870	15/20

Segment Comparison for 6.2-liter V8

Manufacturer	Engine	Horsepower	Torque	Maximum towing	Maximum payload	4×2 fuel economy
Ford	6.2L V8	411 @ 5,500 Best in class	434 @ 4,500 Best in class	11,300 Best in class	1,770	12/17 (city/highway)
Chevrolet	6.2L V8	403 @ 5,700	417 @ 4,300	10,700	1,997	13/18

Segment Comparison for 3.5-liter EcoBoost

Manufacturer	Engine	Horsepower	Torque	Maximum towing	Maximum payload	4×2 fuel economy
Ford	3.5L EcoBoost	365 @ 5,000	420 @ 2,500 Best in class	11,300 Best in class	3,060 Best in class	TBA (city/highway)
Chevrolet	5.3L V8	315 @ 5,200	335 @ 4,000	10,000	1,774	15/22
Ram	5.7L V8	390 @ 5,800	407 @ 4,200	10,450	1,710	14/20
Toyota	5.7L V8	381 @ 5,600	401 @ 3,600	10,400	2,090	14/18
Nissan	5.6L V8	317 @ 5,200	385 @ 3,400	9,500	2,153	13/18

by John Suit

Source: Ford

Motor Trend gets 127 MPG in a Chevrolet Volt!

John Suit — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:00:54 +0000

Earlier this week I reported about Motor Trend having found out that the Volt isn’t purely motivated by electricity and how the on-board gasoline “range extender” engine kicks in to help out when traveling above 70 mph. The lead foots over at Motor Trend have released some real world mileage figures for the Chevy Volt. 127 and 75 mpg. Click past the jump for the explanation.

It turns out that if you take a fully-charged Volt and drive it like a sane person, you can get 127 mpg. If you run the air conditioning at full blast and drive more aggressively (including running the Volt up to its speed-governed 101 mph), you end up closer to 75 mpg.

Those numbers are still better than most cars, which may average in the mid to high 20-mpg range on the highway. And this was done mostly in the city.

While the exact cost to recharge a Chevrolet Volt may not yet be known, it most likely won’t be the $35-55 it takes to fill up most passenger vehicles these days, and having travelled 299 miles on around 2.5 gallons of gas, the Volt showed itself to be far more efficient than any other hybrid I’ve heard of.

This, ladies and gentlemen, is why it doesn’t bother me much that the Volt’s gas engine helps propel it in certain circumstances.

by John Suit

Source: Motor Trend

Luxury, Sport … and Fuel Economy? The Lexus CT 200h

John Suit — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 14:00:53 +0000

At the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, Lexus introduced us to the CT 200h. Production has been announced, and the new sporty luxury hybrid should be available later this year or early next year, although a specific production date has yet to be announced. The CT 200h is an odd choice for a company known for smooth, comfortable rides and no-fuss driving experiences. Read on for more details and the usual high-resolution pictures.

Its new hybrid is supposed to combine parent company Toyota’s hybrid drivetrain with Lexus’s build quality, with a healthy dose of “sporty” mixed in. While the power is far below that of the IS 350 or IS F, special suspension parts have been designed to give drivers more of an ES 350 experience, in a smaller and far more fuel efficient package.

In true Lexus fashion, all the latest safety features are included or optional, from traction control to regenerative brakes (which recharge the on-board batteries when the car’s brakes are being used) to dynamic vehicle control and a plethora of airbags.

With a combined EPA estimated 42 mpg, expect Toyota Prius fuel consumption, but in a much nicer package. This new car, while seemingly pitted against the same-sized but much cheaper Honda CRZ, looks to me like it will cannibalize sales of the new-for-2010 HS 250h, as they look to be very similar, at least on paper. Size is the big difference here, as Lexus is listing the 200h as a “premium compact.”

Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but when Lexus releases a production date, prices should be included, so look for more updates as this car gets closer to coming to market.

by John Suit

Source: Lexus

Update: 2011 Mustang V6 gets 31MPG, sets record

John Suit — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:00:05 +0000

Not in the history of automobiles has a manufacturer created a car that produces 300+ horsepower and gets 30+ MPG. Well, we can’t say that any more. The 2011 Mustang V6 was recently tested by the EPA and found to get 31 MPG highway when equipped with an automatic transmission, 29 MPG when equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission. The city MPG for both transmissions is 19.

The reasons Ford is able to squeeze so much horsepower out of the new V6 engine and still get 30+ MPG is three-fold. Aerodynamics, transmission setup, Electric Power Assist Steering.

The 2011 Mustang has a slightly redesigned front end and special bits designed to improve its ability to slice through the wind, which means less drag, which leads to less resistance when the car’s engine has to push it through the air. While this doesn’t make a huge difference when the car is going slow, as speed picks up, the car would have to work harder and harder to push through the air around it.

The automatic transmission’s gears are set up in such a way to maximize acceleration at lower speeds, followed by far superior fuel economy at highway speeds. That’s why the car gets only 19 MPG in the city, and such a high number on the highway. The manual transmission that can be fitted to the car has the same number of gears, but they are presumably set up for quicker acceleration, which could be the cause of the highway mileage number being lower.

Lastly, the Electric Power Assist Steering, or EPAS. This technology, which is becoming more mainstream each model year, replaces the old hydraulic power steering pumps with new electric motors. Hydraulic pumps are run from the car’s engine, meaning that as the engine turns, the power steering pump uses some of that energy to run itself. This leads to a parasitic loss because of the steering pump. With EPAS, the car’s electrical system runs the power steering pump, so a slight bump in use of the car’s alternator gives all the power steering boost you’d need to control the car’s direction. Since the car’s engine no longer has to run the power steering pump directly, more of its power can be used to motivate the car, which leads to better fuel efficiency.

Ford is currently taking orders for the new Mustang, and has received about 11,000 of them so far. About half of those orders are for the new V6. Traditionally, about 2/3 of new Mustangs sold each year are of the V6 variety, so it will be interesting to see what a 300+ horsepower V6 Mustang does to change that. Once Mustangs are hitting showroom floors, you can expect a review right here on Road Reality.

by John Suit

Source: Ford