Ford recently announced that its 2018 F-150 will not only get a redesign, but it will also come with a first-ever diesel option. The 2018 update will include bold new front and rear styling, a pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection option, and four new engines from which to choose. The new engines, include an all-new 3.3L V6, a second generation 2.7L EcoBoost, an improved 5.0L V8, and an all-new 3.0L V6 Power Stroke diesel.
The 3.3L V6 will offer direct-injection for increased fuel efficiency. The 3.3L is expected to provide the same 282 horsepower and 253 foot-pounds of torque as the previous model’s standard 3.5L V6.
An updated 2.7L EcoBoost will also be offered with the new F-150. This engine features advanced dual port and direct injection technology, reduced internal friction and improved robustness—all for improved levels of output, efficiency, quality and durability. Like the older 3.5L EcoBoost, the newer 2.7L EcoBoost will be paired to the segment-exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission for 2018.
The 5.0L V8 will also see improvements in 2018, as the naturally aspirated engine features significant upgrades for increased power and torque. It’s also paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission for the first time.
The 2018 F-150 will also offer an all-new 3.0L Power Stroke diesel engine, designed, engineered and tested in-house and paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission. It’s the first-ever diesel engine offered for the F-150.
In addition to the segment-first 10-speed automatic, the 2018 Ford F-150 will be the first full-size pickup truck to add an automatic start/stop mode as standard equipment across all models and engines. This fuel-saving feature quickly shuts the engine off during all stops and rapidly starts it back up as soon as you lift your foot off of the brake pedal. In more extreme driving situations, such as towing, hauling or driving in four-wheel drive, the F-150 automatically disables the feature.
The 2018 Ford F-150 includes numerous innovations first made available in 2015 model year, including a high-strength steel fully boxed ladder frame and a high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy body to save weight and add capability. In 2015, the aluminum body enabled the F-150 to deliver a 2,799-pound payload rating that rivaled many three-quarter-ton trucks. If you’re like me, you’re probably curious about the payload capability of F-150 with the new 3.0L diesel. I asked, unfortunately, Ford still doesn’t have that number, but will be publishing that information later this summer.
According to Ford, all Ford F-150 models will receive new grilles, headlamps and bumpers that create a visually wider and more planted stance and maximum differentiation between the series. On the Sport Package-equipped Lariat F-150, the signature twin bars will be painted the body color for a custom athletic appearance.
The new 2018 F-150 will go on sale in Sept. It will be built at the Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Michigan, and at the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri.
Now for the million dollar question. How much is this truck going to cost?
My guess is the high 40s or low 50s.