Sources
say Ford
continues to make good progress testing its upcoming in-house-designed
6.7-liter V-8 diesel engine. The new engine will replace the
Navistar-sourced 6.4-liter V-8 Power Stroke diesel engine in Ford's
heavy-duty pickups by 2011. Code-named Scorpion,
the new motor is said to pack plenty of sting -- plus a few other surprises.
The latest
power targets are said to be more than 390 horsepower and 720 pounds-feet
of torque. Today's Power Stroke diesel is rated at 350 hp and 650 pounds-feet.
Scorpion
fuel economy is expected to improve by 3 mpg or more compared to the
current Power Stroke. Helping the Scorpion's mileage will be a new
six-speed automatic transmission, like the 2009 Ford F-150 will have.
The Scorpion
is said to share several key traits with GM's revolutionary new 4.5-liter
Duramax V-8 diesel engine. Intake and exhaust
flow through the cylinder heads is reversed (relative to conventional
diesel engine design) with the exhaust exiting directly into dual sequential
turbos sitting in the engine's valley. The Scorpion
will also use lighter aluminum cylinder heads, abandoning the cast-iron
heads found in today's 6.4-liter Power Stroke.
Unlike the
Duramax, the Scorpion diesel will continue to use an overhead valve
engine design, rather than overhead cam.
The new
6.7-liter diesel engine will be manufactured in Mexico.
How important
is this motor? The move is expected to permanently end Ford's longtime
use of Navistar-built diesel engines in its heavy-duty pickups, due
to an ongoing legal battle between the two companies over warranty
and cost issues related to the old 6.0-liter V-8 Power Stroke (model
years 2003-07). Ford has used Navistar diesels in its F-Series
trucks since 1982.
It's not
yet known if the Scorpion will continue to use the Power Stroke name
or if Ford will create a brand new label for the engine. Whatever
it's called, Ford's competitors are sure to feel the Scorpion's sting!
