Ford announced the installation of its 500,000^th 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine, which went into a new 2014 Ford Super Duty F-350 Lariat pickup truck. The engine was installed September 23 at Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville.

"This is a significant milestone for an engine that was introduced just a few years ago," said Doug Scott, Ford Truck group marketing manager. "Demand for the engine has outpaced our expectations; our customers love the combination of performance, towing capability, and fuel economy."

The 6.7L Power Stroke V-8 diesel engine delivers 400 hp at 2,800 rpm and 800 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,600 rpm, along with class-leading fuel economy while adding more fueling flexibility and easily meeting stringent emissions requirements. The 6.7L diesel shares Super Duty's legendary reliability and durability while enabling up to 24,700 pounds towing capability for F-450 pickup and up to 26,600 pounds for F-550 chassis cab.

Ford is the only heavy-duty pickup truck manufacturer that designs and builds its own diesel engine and transmission combination, ensuring the powertrain will work seamlessly with all chassis components and vehicle calibrations, from concept to driveway, according to the manufacturer. This approach enables Ford engineers to optimize the vehicle's performance across the entire lineup.

Benefits of the 6.7L Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine include:

• Compacted graphite iron engine. Stronger than cast iron, the block structure is optimized for reduced weight and maximum strength to meet the demands of higher horsepower and torque.

• Advanced inboard exhaust and outboard intake architecture – an automotive-industry first for a modern production pickup truck diesel engine – reduces overall exhaust system volume, which leads to better throttle and turbo response for the customer; additionally, reduced exhaust system surface area minimizes heat transfer to the engine compartment and improves noise, vibration and harshness performance.

• Engine architecture enables easier service work for all major engine components, potentially reducing downtime.

• Turbocharger is uniquely center-mounted on a pedestal low in the back of the valley for improved NVH control. 

• High-pressure fuel system injects fuel at more than 29,000 psi. The system delivers up to five injection events per cylinder per cycle, using eight-hole piezo injectors to spray fuel into the piston bowl. The direct-injection system is calibrated and phased for optimum power, fuel efficiency and NVH performance.

• Aluminum cylinder heads for reduced weight; the mid-deck construction with dual water jackets provides increased strength and optimal cooling; six-head bolts, instead of four as found on other engines, help improve sealing and maintain cylinder integrity.

• Compatible up to B-20 biodiesel, allowing greener fueling options of up to 20-percent biodiesel and 80-percent petroleum diesel.

Watch the video below of Ford installing its 500,000th 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel engine at the Kentucky Truck Plant: