Automotive Web site Just-Auto.com announced June 5 that Ford Motor Company will introduce a new six-liter V-8 diesel engine and a five-speed automatic transmission for its F-series Super Duty pickup and Excursion sport-utility vehicle, beginning in early 2003. The new diesel engine and transmission will combine to develop what Ford claims is a best-in-class 325 horsepower at 3,300 rpm and 550 foot-pounds of torque at 2,000 rpm. The new diesel will offer up to 10 percent better fuel economy and 20 percent lower emissions. "Truck customers are demanding more power, better NVH and increased fuel economy," said Ford powertrains vice-president Dave Szczupak. According to Ford, the Power Stroke six-litre V8 engine is a direct injection, 32-valve diesel with a cast-iron block and cylinder heads. It has a single, block-mounted camshaft in a compact over-head valve (OHV) design, with hydraulic-valve lash adjustment. The engine will be built later this year at Navistar's Indianapolis engine plant while the five-speed TorqShift automatic will be made by Ford’s Sharonville, Ohio transmission plant.