Ford’s EcoBoost engine family hit the scene with a splash for the 2010 model year. The engine was launched in the Ford Taurus SHO and quickly made the rounds through the blue oval product line, ultimately being heavily promoted in the Ford F150. The good news for Ford is that a ton of people have slurped the Kool-Aid, the bad news is that they can barely keep up with the demand, even with two shifts at the legendary Cleveland engine plant.
There’s a reason people buy this engine once they have test driven a truck equipped with one. The power is very impressive, as we’ve experienced first hand and the economy blows the doors off the comparable V8 alternative engines. People often talk about the “new normal” and one of the things to start getting used to are V6 engines in light duty trucks. The mill makes 365hp and 420 lb/ft of torque. These are massive numbers when compared to the anemic performance of the small displacement Ford OHC V8s of years passed.
In this story from Cleveland.com, it is noted that last month was the first time that V6 engines outsold their V8 options in the long history of the F150. Outside of the $2,000 upcharge to get the EcoBoost, there isn’t much of a decision to make, in our mind anyway. Hell, the truck, bone stock, on street tires, and the A/C on, will run mid-14s!
You’ve got to believe that GM is scheming (or more) on a direct head-to-head competitor for the EcoBoost engine family, which has really been popular in the Ford line up for both cars and trucks. Fiat/Chrysler will be bringing reduced displacement turbo engines along in a hurry as well.
It seems as though we have definitely entered the replacement for displacement era, sadly or otherwise.
I got a FX2 SCREW when ther first came out at a big discount, the dealer wanted some on the street. Power when you need it, fuel economy when driven normally. Close as you can get to the best of both worlds. I have towed around 8000 pounds with it and then it uses gas like any big V8 would. When not towing on a 75 mph highway trip, it will easily roll 21-22 mpg. It is also very smooth and quiet. There is a reason FoMoCo is selling so many, they are the real deal.
Ever since I heard of them, I’ve wanted one.
Still do.
an ECOBOOST V-8!