2011 TwinForce F-150 EPA figures

[Zembonez]

Do any of the other trucks tested even have 3.15 gears? if they are not all the same ratio and weight, the 1-2mpg gain is negligible.

Not really.

Everything depends on the transmission gearing. Much like the 3.08 gears that come with the new GM 6 speed 5.3 trucks. The first gear is so low that the rear gears are supposed to be something like the equivalent of 3.73s (according to the GM crowd). The old school way of thinking rear end gears is going out the window with the new transmission technologies coming along.

 

[Z71_Silvy]

Its comparable to every other truck out there, i expected much better....

It can tow a house mind you.....

No...it can't.

Here is the breakdown of gears and tow rating:

4x2 3.15 (tested gear): 8,800 pounds
4x4 3.31: 8,600 lbs
4x2 3.55: 9,800 lbs
4x2/4x4 3.73: 11,300 lbs

 

[Stumpuller6.5]

well mine has 3.73`s and is rted for 10400#s, 11,300 is signifigantly more.

 

[daddy]

I don't know how a V6 putting out more power (on average) and torque while also having better MPG's is less than people expected? It's a V6 outworking V8's. What did you expect, it to be comparable to the Cummins or something?

 

[Zembonez]

I'm actually quite impressed. We need technology for the future. Ford is at least starting somewhere here. What's GM doing? AFM? Lame XFE Silverados?

In order to meet federal guidelines and deal with predicted rising fuel costs, trucks are going to have to get lighter and smaller displacement engines are going to become the norm.

I know many people refuse to believe this... but it is coming.

 

[daddy]

Hell, just imagine the numbers they may be able to put out with a V8 and similar technology.

 

[nubuilder]

Those are some decent numbers for MPG. They're not that impressive until you look at the HP and TQ numbers! Sure the MPG is barely more than the 5.3L, but with 50hp and 85ft/tq more you're gonna have a fun drive.

I'm slightly skeptical towards turbos (mainly because I have no experience with them nor have I ever driven anything with one), but time will tell how this will turn out.

Has anyone else (manufacturers) started exploring turbos and superchargers?

 

[mblouir]

Baby steps....agreed. I would have liked to see more mileage, too, though. Taking into consideration it's a V6 doing what the V8s can do, it's impressive. To me (IMO) it was just hyped up more than it should have been.

At least it is a step in the right direction.

 

[nubuilder]

Hell, just imagine the numbers they may be able to put out with a V8 and similar technology.

Well, figuratively, a V8 could be 480hp and 560ft/tq.

Wow, I just realized the V6 is making 420ft/tq at 2,500rpm!!! That's cool!

 

[Zembonez]

Has anyone else (manufacturers) started exploring turbos and superchargers?

The turbocharger was invented by Swiss engineer Alfred Büchi. His patent for a turbocharger was applied for use in 1905. Diesel ships and locomotives with turbochargers began appearing in the 1920s. Semis have used them for trillions of miles over many years. European manufacturers use turbos on tiny diesel engines to achieve power and superb fuel economy numbers.

This is not some witch doctor voodoo magic hatched up by Ford as some would like to make it look.