Work Truck Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Ford Launches Fuel-Efficient F-150

DEARBORN, MI - Ford Motor Company is launching the all-new 3.7L V-6 engine in the 2011 F-150, according to Ford. It is projected to deliver best-in-class 23 mpg highway, pending EPA certification.

by Staff
October 19, 2010
6 min to read


DEARBORN,MI - Ford Motor Company is launching the most fuel-efficient full-size pickup of any manufacturer - the all-new 3.7L V-6 engine in the 2011 F-150, according to Ford. It is projected to deliver best-in-class 23 mpg highway, pending EPA certification.

Ad Loading...

The new 5.0L V-8 engine is projected to deliver best-in-class 21 mpg highway, pending EPA certification.

Ad Loading...

"The all-new engine lineup for the 2011 Ford F-150 is focused on delivering what matters most to truck customers - best-in-class power, capability, durability and fuel economy," said Barb Samardzich, vice president of Powertrain Engineering. "Each engine offers an unequaled combination of these attributes."

The new 3.7L V-6 is projected to deliver 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway in 4x2 configuration. The new 5.0L V-8 is projected to deliver 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway in 4x2 configuration. No manufacturer offers better fuel economy numbers in these respective segments.

"Seventy percent of F-150 customers said better fuel economy is what they'd like improved most in their truck," said Doug Scott, Truck Group marketing manager. "The 2011 Ford F-150 does exactly that with best-in-class fuel economy, best-in-class capability and power, and more powertrain choices to suit their different needs."

The new V-6 and V-8 make up half of an all-new powertrain lineup for the 2011 Ford F-150, part of the most extensive engine makeover in the 62-year history of F-Series. Also new for 2011 are the 6.2L V-8 and 3.5L EcoBoost truck engine. The EcoBoost will be available in early 2011. Trucks with the 3.7L V-6, 5.0L V-8, and 6.2L V-8 will arrive in dealer showrooms later this year.

Each engine is mated to a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission. Ford is the only manufacturer to equip its entire full-size pickup lineup with six-speed gearboxes as standard.

Ad Loading...

This versatile new powertrain lineup enables F-150 customers to choose the engine that best suits their needs.

[PAGEBREAK]

Several other improvements help increase fuel economy
The extensive work to maximize the efficiency of each engine is complemented by additional improvements to the transmission and other areas of the new F-150.

The tried-and-true 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission has been upgraded to bring available customer conveniences such as SelectShift capability with progressive range select and manual mode to the F-150 for the first time.

The transmission has been optimized for each new engine. The transmission matched to the 3.7-liter engine, for example, has fewer clutch plates compared with the other F-150 engines.

Ad Loading...

A one-way clutch, which allows for smoother 1-2 and 2-1 shifts, faster downshifts and improved fuel economy, has been added. The gear ratios, span and shift schedule have been optimized for better off-the-line performance and improved fuel economy. The double-overdrive gear also provides better fuel economy.

Another fuel saver is the addition of class-exclusive electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) to the 3.7-liter V6, 5.0-liter V8 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost powertrains. The EPAS system replaces a conventional hydraulic system, which runs continuously off the engine, with a system that draws power only when needed. Ford is the first manufacturer to widely offer EPAS on full-size pickup trucks. EPAS contributes about a 4 percent fuel-economy benefit compared with conventional hydraulic systems.

"Our new engine lineup allows greater flexibility for customers to select the powertrain choice that best suits their needs," said Samardzich. "And each engine delivers outstanding power, capability and fuel economy."

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. Key attributes include:

  • Projected best-in-class 23 mpg highway (4x2 configuration), pending final EPA certification. Also delivers 16 mpg city

  • Best-in-class 302 horsepower at 6,500 rpm

  • Unsurpassed 278 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm

  • Best-in-class 6,100 pounds maximum trailer tow

  • Ti-VCT (twin independent variable camshaft timing) 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

  • Built at Cleveland Engine Plant

Ad Loading...

5.0L Four-Valve DOHC Ti-VCT V-8
The 5.0L V-8 in the 2011 F-150 offers many class bests compared with comparable base V-8s, including:

  • Projected best-in-class 21 mpg highway (4x2 configuration), pending final EPA certification

  • Best-in-class 360 horsepower at 5,500 rpm

  • Best-in-class 380 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm

  • Best-in-class 10,000 pounds 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

  • Built at Essex Engine Plant; Windsor, Ontario

6.2L Two-Valve SOHCV-8
The 6.2L V-8 is a premium engine offering on the 2011 F-150. It is now standard on F-150 SVT Raptor, with expanded offering on other specialty applications. Its attributes include:

  • Best-in-class 411 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 434 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm vs. all competitors

  • Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors

  • Projected 12 mpg city, 17 mpg highway (4x2 configuration), pending final EPA certification

  • Durability of race-proven components and technology showcased in November 2008 when a 6.2-liter Raptor R not only survived the grueling Baja 1000, it earned a podium finish. The same engine then completed every mile of the 2009 Best in the Desert series

  • Utilizes a large bore and shorter stroke. This approach to creating power has its roots in storied Ford racing engines. 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

  • Because of the large bore size, 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

  • Built at Romeo (Mich.) Engine Plant

3.5L Ti-VCT EcoBoost
A premium powertrain offering available after launch, the 3.5L EcoBoost has more torque than any competitors' V-8 with the fuel economy of a smaller-displacement engine. This EcoBoost engine will establish a new benchmark for its combination of performance capability and fuel efficiency. Its attributes include:

Ad Loading...
  • 365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel

  • Best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm on regular fuel

  • Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors

  • Best-in-class 3,060 pounds payload vs. all competitors

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

  • New benchmark for combination of performance capability and fuel efficiency

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

  • 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

  • Built at Cleveland Engine Plant

More Operations

A shot of a Volvo electric vehicle with a man charging it in front of a residence.
SponsoredAugust 1, 2026

Top 50 Executive Fleets

It is that time of year again! Time for the 2026 list of the Top 50 Executive Fleets, presented by Automotive Fleet and Volvo as part of its annual Fleet 500. Download now to see this year's list of companies!

Read More →
Lauren Fletcher points toward the red-and-white Ringmaster of the Road soap box derby car. Bold text reads “Race Ready,” “Ringmaster of the Road,” and “Akron Bound.”
Operationsby Lauren FletcherJuly 31, 2026

Behind the Scenes: Building the Ringmaster of the Road from Body to Paint Part 2

The body is built, the paint is on, and Team Fletcher’s Soap Box Derby car is nearly ready for testing ahead of race day in Akron.

Read More →
Chris Brown of Automotive Fleet and Lauren Fletcher of Work Truck pose beside a Soap Box Derby car in a Team Brown vs. Team Fletcher race graphic benefiting The Hourglass Foundation.
Operationsby News/Media ReleaseJuly 30, 2026

It's All Downhill from Here! Fleet Industry Raises $22,000 for Skilled Trades Scholarships

Work Truck’s Lauren Fletcher and Automotive Fleet’s Chris Brown turned a friendly racing rivalry into $22,000 for automotive technology and skilled trades scholarships.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Lauren Fletcher stands against a dark blue background beside the headline “Fleets Run on Confidence.” Additional text reads “July 2026” and “Safety, Technicians, Leadership, Mixed Energy.”
Sponsoredby Lauren FletcherJuly 30, 2026

Fleet Confidence, Safety, and Smarter Risk Management Lead This Month

This month’s TruckChat: Top Monthly News Recap explores what it takes to build confidence across a fleet, from stronger leadership and technician support to better safety preparation, smarter use of telematics, and clearer plans for when something goes wrong.

Read More →
Tina Kourakos smiles beside bold black-and-yellow Fleet Legends graphics promoting her spotlight interview on decades of fleet leadership.
Sponsoredby Lauren FletcherJuly 29, 2026

From Fleet Operator to OEM Leader: Tina Kourakos’ Career Lessons

Tina Kourakos shares the lessons, relationships, and career pivots that shaped more than 30 years in fleet, plus the advice every new fleet manager should hear.

Read More →
Six WEX and Standard Fleet team members pose together in front of a WEX-branded backdrop, commemorating a business partnership or collaboration between the two companies.
Operationsby News/Media ReleaseJuly 29, 2026

WEX Brings Standard Fleet's Connected Vehicle Platform to Fleet Customers

This week’s product launch with Standard Fleet’s connected vehicle platform reflects WEX Venture Capital's strategy of turning startup innovation into customer solutions. Standard Fleet is now available to WEX fleet customers.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Work Truck Trucks, Tips & Tours YouTube thumbnail promoting Motive Atlas AI, featuring a rugged tablet displaying the Atlas interface with the headline, “Save Time with AI,” and a Truck Chat “Watch Now” button.
Operationsby Wayne ParhamJuly 27, 2026

Meet Atlas: Motive's AI Assistant for Fleets

Artificial intelligence is becoming a practical tool for fleet operations. In this video, Emily Parsons introduces Atlas, Motive's AI-powered assistant that combines conversational search with the ability to perform actions across the Motive platform.

Read More →
Commercial Fleet
SponsoredJuly 23, 2026

The Top 300 Commercial Fleets

The Top 300 Commercial Fleets: See the List

Read More →
NTEA promotional graphic featuring the Federal Excise Tax Guide for the Work Truck Industry alongside the NTEA logo, highlighting a comprehensive guide to the 12% federal excise tax on work trucks, tractors, and trailers.
Operationsby News/Media ReleaseJuly 22, 2026

NTEA Releases Updated Federal Excise Tax Guide for the Work Truck Industry

NTEA’s latest revised edition of its Federal Excise Tax Guide for the Work Truck Industry is now available to help fleet leaders navigate complex federal tax requirements.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Multi-level car carrier transporting white pickup trucks and sedans along a highway, illustrating commercial vehicle logistics and fleet vehicle delivery.
Operationsby News/Media ReleaseJuly 20, 2026

Super Dispatch Powers Centralized Vehicle Transport Operations for Merchants Fleet

Merchants Fleet has replaced fragmented transportation processes with Super Dispatch’s unified, API-powered platform to improve visibility, automation, and carrier performance.

Read More →