Though we like the current F-150, we have found its two available V8s (a 4.6-liter and a 5.4-liter) to be relatively underpowered. All of that changes for the 2011 Ford F-150. For its base engine, the F-150 will come with a new 3.7-liter V6 making 300 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. This twin-cam V6 will deliver what Ford is calling "class-leading fuel economy," although the company will not quote an mpg number. A 2011 F-150 V6 will also offer up trailer towing capacity of 6,100 pounds.
If this new V6 doesn't do it for you, how about the new 5.0-liter V8? It will make 360 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, what Ford again describes as "class-leading fuel economy," plus towing capacity of 9,800 pounds. A 411-hp 6.2-liter V8 will be offered as the premium engine for the 2011 Ford F-150 (the same engine has already been featured in the F-150 SVT Raptor and the 2011 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson).
The other big news is the arrival of the twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 for pickup use. Ford isn't yet releasing output figures for this engine, saying only that it will get 20 percent better fuel economy than the 5.4-liter V8 in the 2010 F-150. The turbo V6 will not be available until early 2011, however. It's interesting to note that both the 3.5-liter turbo V6 and 6.2-liter V8 are said to have a maximum tow rating of 11,300 pounds. All of these engines will be bolted to an updated version of Ford's six-speed automatic transmission.
We've yet to drive the 2011 Ford F-150 but check back later for a full review with complete specs and driving impressions.
