Ford started production this week on the new 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbocharged V-8 diesel engine that powers the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks.? Leapfrogging the competitors, the new engine boasts best-in-class 800 lb.-ft. of torque and 400 horsepower, an increase of 65 lb.-ft. of torque and 10 horsepower.
?These numbers are impressive, yes, but that is not why they matter,? said Barb Samardzich, vice president of powertrain engineering. ?These numbers matter because our customers say they do. The higher torque means that fleet operators, such as Florida Power & Light, can plow through deep swamps and get to downed power lines faster and more confidently. It means that oil and gas crews in the Northwest can tow up an 8,000-foot grade maintaining a steady speed and using less fuel.?
In an industry-first customer loyalty program, Ford will provide the power upgrades free of charge to all current owners of a 2011 Super Duty diesel pickup. Customers will receive letters explaining the procedure, a 30-minute software adjustment to the truck?s powertrain control module, and inviting them to visit their dealerships for the upgrade.
The upgrade program will begin by Aug. 31 and continue for the next 12 months. The 2011 Super Duty diesel pickups in dealer inventory will receive the upgrade as well.
A rigorous testing protocol that included computer, laboratory and on-road validation ensured 250,000-mile durability in the new Power Stroke?s components and systems. This strict testing opened the door for the 2011 Super Duty?s increased capability.
?We know that durability and reliability is uppermost in the minds of our Super Duty customers, along with torque and horsepower, so we took a conservative approach that ensured that the new Power Stroke would be absolutely bulletproof while delivering significantly improved power,? said Chris Brewer, chief engineer of the 2011 Super Duty.
The new Super Duty debuted not only with a new diesel engine, but with a new heavy-duty TorqShift? six-speed automatic transmission. As experience was gained building the new powertrain, engineers continued to test components, check data and seek optimizations.
