Ford F-150 And Expedition's New Advanced Engines Maximize Lightweight Materials For Greater Performance, Efficiency

June 16, 2017 by Ford

•Four years after moving to advanced high-strength, military-grade aluminum-alloy bodies for Built Ford Tough trucks, customers are receiving additional benefits – including improved performance, capability and fuel economy

•All-new 3.3-liter V6 delivers even more power, torque and better EPA-estimated gas mileage than the previous 3.5-liter V6, further reinforcing how Ford F-150's light-weighting strategy enables customers to get more done with two fewer cylinders

•All-new Expedition offers its most powerful 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine yet, rated at up to 400 horsepower and 480 lb.-ft. of torque; Auto Start-Stop and all-new 10-speed transmission come standard, with available best-in-class towing of 9,300 pounds

DEARBORN, Mich., June 16, 2017 – Lightweight advanced materials, plus new engines and a newly available 10-speed transmission bring new 2018 Ford F-150 and all-new 2018 Ford Expedition customers even better performance, capability and efficiency.

The latest benefits tie back to Ford's investment years ago in its high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy bodies and high-strength steel frames. This helped save up to 700 pounds of weight on the all-new F-150, allowing customers to tow and haul more than ever with their trucks.

Since then, Ford has expanded high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy bodies and high-strength steel frames to the latest F-Series Super Duty heavy-duty pickup trucks and all-new Expedition full-size SUV. The weight savings from these strong and lightweight materials is further enhanced by new and improved engines.

'Each F-150 and Expedition customer has unique needs, and we can deliver even more of the capability and efficiency they are looking for, thanks to our strategic use of lightweight materials and innovative V6 engines,' said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford executive vice president, Product Development and Purchasing. 'Our dedication to this kind of innovation helps our F-Series and Expedition customers take care of their growing families and businesses, all with fewer stops for fuel along the way.'

New 2018 Ford F-150

Customers have snapped up 75 percent of new trucks this year with V6 engines. For 2018, the new F-150 arrives with an even more capable powertrain lineup and more V6 choices.

For 2018, F-150 introduces an even smaller, more efficient 3.3-liter V6 that adds dual port and direct-injection technology to deliver more power and torque than the previous 3.5-liter V6, plus improved projected EPA-estimated gas mileage – a win-win for customers.

Aiding in light-weighting, the standard 3.3-liter V6 in the 2018 F-150 is projected to offer a 5 percent power-to-weight ratio improvement versus the steel-bodied 2014 F-150 equipped with 3.7-liter V6 – with better anticipated fuel efficiency and performance.

With advanced dual port and direct-injection technology, the all-new second-generation 2.7-liter EcoBoost® engine delivers a 25 lb.-ft. increase in torque, and at lower engine speeds compared to a traditional V8. Like the second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost that debuted last model year, the 2.7-liter will be paired to a segment-exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission for 2018.

The 5.0-liter V8 also is enhanced for 2018. This naturally aspirated engine brings significant upgrades including advanced dual port and direct-injection technology for 10 more horsepower and 13 ft.-lb. of torque. In addition, the engine features spray-on bore liner technology featured in the high-performance Mustang GT350, all to squeeze out even more weight from the aluminum block.

For the first time, the V8 is paired with a Ford-built 10-speed automatic transmission. EPA-estimated fuel economy will be announced closer to market availability.

F-150 adds an available all-new 3.0-liter Power Stroke® V6 diesel – designed, engineered and tested in-house – paired with the 10-speed automatic. The first diesel engine offered for F-150 will be available next spring.

In addition to its segment-first 10-speed automatic, F-150 is the first full-size pickup to add Auto Start-Stop as standard equipment across all models and engines.

The 2018 Ford F-150 arrives in dealerships this fall. It is built at Ford's Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Michigan, and Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri.

All-new 2018 Ford Expedition

Expedition's all-new high-strength, aluminum-alloy body and redesigned high-strength steel frame are the foundation for its rugged off-road and strong towing capabilities. Using advanced materials saved up to 300 pounds – with much of the savings reinvested to offer customers more technology and features than ever before.

Powered by a new 3.5-liter EcoBoost with standard Auto Start-Stop and the Ford-built 10-speed automatic, the all-new Expedition is the most powerful Expedition ever.

Expedition's 3.5-liter EcoBoost will offer customers two power ratings, depending on trim level, and up to a best-in-class 9,300 pounds of towing capability. Expedition features class-exclusive Pro Trailer Backup Assist™, making it easier than ever for customers to tow and haul with confidence.

The all-new Expedition is available in XLT, Limited and Platinum series, with an FX4 Off-Road Package available for XLT. An XL version will be available for fleet customers, from law enforcement to emergency services. All series will be available on the extended-length Expedition MAX.

The 2018 Ford Expedition arrives in dealerships this fall. It is built at Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky.

Photo credit: Ford
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