Wheels Automotive

America’s best-selling pickup, the Ford F-Series, is raising the bar once again - this time with unexcelled firing material efficiency on the recent 2009 Ford F-150, acknowledgments to significant miles per gallon improvement across the entire F-150 lineup.

On market in October 2008, the new Ford F-150 offers fuel economy that has improved any average of 8 percent across the entire lineup as a result of a wide-range of engineering enhancements. The firing material economy gains reach taken in the character of high as 12 percent versus the prior model year on Ford F-150 models equipped with the high-volume 3-valve, 5.4-liter V-8 implement. At the same time, the new F-150 delivers class-leading towing capability of 11,300 pounds and hauling capacity of 3,030 pounds - a combination no other competitor can match.

In addition, Ford is announcing the introduction of the new Ford F-150 SFE “superior fuel economy” edition delivering up to 21 miles per gallon without ceasing the highway while still providing 7,500 pounds of towing faculty - fuel economy that is unsurpassed in the full-size pickup segment.

“Ford has committed to have the best or equal to the best fuel economy with every repaired product we bring before the public, and we are delivering by the new F-150,” said Matt O’Leary, Ford F-150 chief engineer. “Fuel economy has moved from 10th to third place amidst pickup buyers’ zenith purchase considerations - right behind durability and value. The strange F-150 delivers on all three at the same time that the industry leader.”

Fuel Economy throughout the Lineup

The 8 percent improvement in fuel economy across the entire lineup of V-8 F-150s is the end of using lightweight ultra-high-strength steel to lighten the wares up to 100 pounds versus the current example and aerodynamic refinements.

The new F-150 is now best-in-class for aerodynamics. The new F-150 SuperCrew 4X2 with a 5.5-foot box has the lowest coefficient of drag - 0.403 - in the segment. That’s 6 percent lower than a to be compared 2008 Ford F-150.

Key aero improvements for the renovated F-150 include:

• A repaired chamfered shape to the rear of the cab, which incorporated the center-high-mount stop lamp. This shape helps direct aerodynamic wake over the pickup box efficiently.
• The top of the tailgate, that angles outward to create a bold lip. This wider surface at the top of the tailgate works with the cab chamfering to direct airflow over the coachman’s seat efficiently.
• The front bumper valence and spoiler design, which has been improved to better manage airflow underneath the truck without compromising off-roading.

In addition, as part of the firing economy improvements, Ford’s powertrain team delivered technology upgrades to figure the F-150 powertrains to a greater degree efficient.

The new six-speed automatic transmission offers a wider gear ratio span than four-speed transmissions, allowing engineers the flexibility to have responsiveness in low gears and better fuel economy in the taller gears. The new double-overdrive gearbox is designed to contribute a 4 to 6 percent fuel economy improvement.

Both the 5.4-liter and 4.6-liter 3-valve V-8 engines take advantage of open valve injection. This unique feature improves the air/fuel charge terms in the combustion chamber, allowing greater buck advance at higher loads and engine speeds. This delivers increased horsepower during towing and higher rpm operations, lower emissions and more efficient use of fuel.

The Ford F-150 also regulates gas consumption by using aggressive deceleration fuel shut-off. The firing shut-off is self-acting and requires no unusual actions from the driver. When the driver releases the accelerator pedal, the system temporarily turns off the fuel. The flow of fuel seamlessly resumes when the truck reaches a low speed or the driver accelerates again.

To prevent engine hesitation normally associated with fuel interruption, Ford’s powertrain team developed see preprinter software to integrate the technology with the F-150’s powertrains.