A couple months ago Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F] released information about the second generation of its EcoBoost 3.5-liter V-6, which debuts in the 2017 F-150. At the time, Ford said the twin-turbocharged engine's horsepower output would remain unchanged at 365 and torque would increase from 420 to 450 pound-feet.
Now, as we get closer to production, Ford has announced new power figures, and both are higher. The Gen 2 3.5 EcoBoost will put out 375 horsepower and a stump-pulling 470 lb-ft of torque.
Ford boasts that the torque figure is the highest for any light-duty pickup, including diesels and V-8s.
ALSO SEE: GM patents new tech for twin-turbocharged engines
Ford Gen 2 Ecoboost 3.5-liter V-6
The main reason for the power increase is an increase in boost pressure. The new turbochargers, which use lighter turbine wheels and electrically actuated wastegates, spin out 16 psi of boost versus the 14.5 psi of the last-generation engine. New pistons also help increase compression from 10:1 to 10.5:1.
The new engine adds port fuel injection to the carryover direct injection and comes with a stop/start feature.
CHECK OUT: Report: Billionaire seeks to resurrect iconic Land Rover Defender
All 3.5s will be paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission that Ford developed in cooperation with General Motors.
Ford says the new powertrain will deliver improved acceleration, and more low-end and peak performance, making it ideal for hauling heavy payloads and towing heavy trailers.
Ford 10-speed automatic transmission
As we learned in May, this isn't just a minor update. Every component is new. The new engine shares only its bore centers and deck height with the outgoing engine.
Fuel economy numbers for the 3.5/10-speed are not yet available and Ford is not quoting a percentage of fuel economy improvement.
A version of the 3.5 will also be used in the 2017 F-150 Raptor. Power numbers in that configuration are not yet available, but Ford is promising figures higher than the 411 horsepower and 434 lb-ft of torque of the 6.2-liter V-8 used in the last Raptor.
The 2017 Ford F-150 with the new EcoBoost 3.5-liter V-6 goes on sale this fall.
