Ford has already announced the updates to its F-150 pickup truck lineup for the 2017. The truck gets a more powerful Gen2 3.5L EcoBoost V6 paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Obviously, there is the second generation 2017 Ford Raptor that is reported to go on sale in November of this year.
Still, new vehicle development never stops. We have information from Ford that the F-150 is getting a cosmetic update for the 2018 model year. The company has not officially confirmed or denied a turbo-diesel engine for the F-150. However, check out these F-150 test mules that we caught high altitude testing in Colorado. These trucks do not look any different from the current model, with the exception of a unique exhaust pipe, emissions testing equipment, and some stickers.
The exhaust tip with additional cutouts that use Venturi effect to help cool the exhaust gas temperature. You have seen similar exhaust tips on heavy duty diesel pickups for many years.
Which engine can Ford be testing? We don’t know for sure, but it could be a version of the 3.0L turbo-diesel V6, which is also found in the Land Rover and Range Rover SUVs. We tested the 2016 Range Rover Sport with the 3.0L diesel that produces 254 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. In the RR, the engine is paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. It performed really well, and it was the most efficient vehicle we have ever tested on the Ike Gauntlet.
Check out this quick prototype hunting video as Roman and Andre find several test mules of the F-150 as well as the Super Duty.
