Photo of 10-speed transmission and 3.5L EcoBoost engine courtesy of Ford.

Photo of 10-speed transmission and 3.5L EcoBoost engine courtesy of Ford.

The 2017 F-150 will arrive with a more powerful twin-turbo V-6 and 10-speed transmission to deliver improved acceleration and performance than the prior model, Ford has announced.

Ford's second-generation 3.5L EcoBoost is rated at 450 lb.-ft. of torque, an improvement of 30 lb.-ft. Ford will continue to offer the 2.7L V-6 EcoBoost.

The new engine provides better low-end and peak engine performance for hauling heavy payloads and towing heavy trailers, according to Ford.

The engine features a new dual-direct and port fuel-injection system. Two injectors per cylinder — one mounted in the intake port where air enters the cylinder and one positioned inside the cylinder — work together to improve power output, efficiency, and emissions.

New turbochargers deliver more boost thanks to improved twin turbos and a lighter turbine wheel. The new turbos work with electrically activated wastegates to enhance operating efficiency. Ford added a lighter-weight turbine wheel made out of high-temperature super alloy Mar-M-247 that was developed by the aerospace industry.

The 10-speed automatic transmission replaces the existing 6-speed for the 3.5L V-6.

The new transmission uses optimized wide-span gear spacing and drag-reduction actions. Three overdrive gears and a wider ratio span enable lower-numerical rear-axle ratios to help improve fuel efficiency at highway speeds, according to Ford.

The 10-speed uses advanced materials and alloys to save weight, and it is the first Ford gearbox without cast-iron components. An integrated torque converter/turbine clutch also helps shave more than 2 pounds of weight.

Smarter shift logic assists while the truck is in tow/haul mode. New real-time-adaptive shift-scheduling algorithms monitor more than a dozen powertrain- and driver-control signals to ensure the right gear at the right time.

An integrated electric pump works with the standard automatic start-stop system for seamless restarts and improved driving efficiency, according to Ford.

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet

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