For the 2011 model-year, the Ford F-150 is getting the most extensive powertrain overhaul in the truck's history, according to the manufacturer. The 2011 F-150 has four new truck engines, all coupled to a revised six-speed automatic transmission.

Available are a 3.7L V-6 and a 5.0L V-8, each with fuel-saving, performance-enhancing twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) technology, and a version of the 6.2L V-8 that is the base engine in the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty. A 3.5L EcoBoost truck engine, specially tuned and calibrated for the F-150, will be available in early 2011.

The 2011 F-150 lineup delivers best-in-class fuel economy. The 3.5L EcoBoost engine added to the engine lineup in early 2011 will support an up to 20-percent fuel economy improvement for the 2011 F-150 compared to the outgoing 2010 F-150.

Extensive Testing Program to Ensure Truck Application

To ensure the highest quality and most reliable engines, Ford engineers studied the warranty history of the outgoing engines and developed testing procedures based on the real-world driving experiences of current F-150 drivers. 

Prototype engines underwent a wide range of tests to ensure complete compatibility with truck application and truck durability, with all components and systems passing testing to the equivalent of 150,000 miles. Components such as the exhaust manifolds and the crankshaft (forged steel) were upgraded, piston-cooling jets and oil coolers were added, and engines were specifically calibrated for improved heavy-duty operation and durability in F-150.

3.7L Four-Valve Ti-VCT V-6

The 3.7L will be the most powerful, capable, and fuel-efficient base V-6 of any truck in its class, according to Ford, and will be built at the Cleveland Engine Plant.

Key attributes include:

• Best-in-class 302 hp at 6,500 rpm and 278 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm.

• Best-in-class 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway (4x2 configuration).

• Best-in-class 6,100-lb. maximum trailer tow.

• Ti-VCT creates precise, variable timing control of both the intake and exhaust camshafts to optimize power, performance, and fuel economy.

• E-85 flex fuel capability.

• Piston-cooling jets, which squirt oil on the underside of the pistons to keep the piston crowns cool under extreme operating conditions.

• Forged-steel crankshaft for improved durability.

The base 3.7L V-6 is the latest application of the Duratec V-6 engine, with additional technology and upgrades for truck application. In particular, more work was done on the bottom end of the engine, a strong point of all Duratec V-6 engines.

"This is a well-designed engine with a massive amount of attention to detail around the block and the structure of the block," said Jim Mazuchowski, V-6 engines program manager. "This attention to the stiffness and rigidity of the bottom end, how the engine is fastened with four-bolt mains and two side bolts, enhances durability and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness)."

Other enhancements for durability include a forged-steel crankshaft, cast-iron exhaust manifolds, and a die-cast aluminum oil pan, which supports a 10,000-mile interval for oil changes. The design of the cylinder bore and piston rings has been optimized for efficient lubrication.

In addition to engine durability, Ti-VCT leads a host of technologies that increase overall engine efficiency. Ti-VCT's precise and variable control of the intake and exhaust camshafts optimizes performance and fuel economy. The piston squirters enable faster engine warm-up, and the polished buckets reduce friction, which aids fuel economy.

5.0L Four-Valve DOHC Ti-VCT V-8

Built at Ford's Essex Engine Plant in Windsor, Ontario, the 5.0L V-8 offers:

• Best-in-class 360 hp at 5,500 rpm and 380 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm.

• Best-in-class 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (4x2 configuration).

• Best-in-class 10,000-lb. maximum trailer tow.

• New, strengthened block and new cylinder head optimized for performance and enhanced cooling.

• Unique intake camshafts, combined with Ti-VCT, composite intake manifold, and optimized compression ratio for improved low-speed torque and towing capability.

• Forged-steel crank and all-new oil cooler enhance durability.

• Piston-cooling jets, which squirt oil on the underside of the pistons to keep the piston crowns cool under extreme operating conditions.

• E-85 flex fuel capability.

This 5.0L V-8 engine has several important attributes to optimize it for the harsh duty cycle truck customers demand. Camshafts were tuned to improve low-speed torque, the 10.5:1 compression ratio was optimized to reduce knock tendency at lower engine speeds while towing, and hardware added to the 5.0L includes an additional oil cooler, which helps extend oil life to 10,000-mile intervals; foam covers for the fuel injectors to reduce NVH; and cast exhaust manifolds for improved durability. 

6.2L Two-Valve SOHC V-8

The 6.2L V-8 is a premium engine offering on the 2011 F-150, with an expanded offering on the F-150 SVT Raptor and other specialty applications. It will be built at the Romeo, Mich., Engine Plant with key attributes such as:

• Best-in-class 411 hp at 5,500 rpm and 434 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm.

• Achieves 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway (4x2 configuration).

• Best-in-class 11,300-lb. maximum trailer tow.

• Utilizes a large bore and shorter stroke. The large bore allows for larger intake and exhaust valves for improved engine airflow, and the short stroke allows higher engine speed for increased horsepower.

• Two spark plugs per cylinder are used to more efficiently burn the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber, enabling better fuel economy and increased engine torque. The twin plugs also help maintain a smooth, stable idle.

The 6.2L V-8, standard on the 2011 F-Series Super Duty, is uniquely tuned for the F-150 with a special cam profile. The engine is standard on the 2011 F-150 SVT Raptor and other specialty applications, and pumps out up to 411 hp and 434 lb.-ft. of torque. 

3.5L Ti-VCT EcoBoost

The 3.5L EcoBoost is a premium engine offering with power comparable to a naturally aspirated V-8 and fuel economy of smaller displacement engines, according to the manufacturer. It will be built at the Cleveland Engine Plant. Its attributes include:

• 365 hp at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel with 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm on regular fuel.

• Best-in-class 11,300-lb. maximum trailer tow.

• Best-in-class 3,060-lb. payload.

• Up to 90-percent of peak torque available from 1,700-5,000 rpm.

• Ti-VCT creates precise, variable timing control of both the intake and exhaust camshafts to optimize power, performance, and fuel economy, according to Ford.

• Fuel economy improves up to 20 percent versus 2010 F-150 5.4L V-8.

• Improved intake and exhaust camshafts optimized for improved fuel economy and performance.

• Cast exhaust manifolds for heavy-duty operation and durability.

• Improved manifold and cylinder heads for improved performance.

• Direct-acting mechanical bucket (DAMB) valvetrain with polished buckets to reduce friction and improve fuel economy.