Although there’s absolutely zero question which pick-up truck is completely dominating the segment right now, things only continue to get better for the Ford F-150. Remember, this is coming from a non-pick-up-loving guy.
After going for a ride in Agent 001’s F-Series, there’s no question that the others aren’t even in the same ballpark. For 2017, the gap widens thanks to the introduction of yet another EcoBoost motor.
This 3.5-liter V6 will replace the current-gen EcoBoost motor that resides in the F-150. For 2017, this EcoBoost six will produce a respectable 375 horsepower and a staggering 470 lb.-ft. of torque. This makes for a 10 horsepower and 50 lb.-ft. increase in output. Coupled with this capable powertrain will be a 10-speed automatic transmission.
As of now there hasn’t been any info released from Ford about its towing capacity or its respective fuel economy. We’re betting it will be better than the 2016 F-150.
Ford's press release follows:
2017 FORD F-150 WITH ALL-NEW 3.5-LITER ECOBOOST V6 NETS BEST-IN-CLASS, V8-BEATING 470 LB.-FT. OF TORQUE, MORE HORSEPOWER
- All-new, second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine in the 2017 Ford F-150 produces 375 horsepower and a segment-best 470 lb.-ft. of torque, a gain of 10 hp and 50 lb.-ft. from previous 3.5-liter EcoBoost
- Class-leading torque of 3.5-liter EcoBoost and new 10-speed automatic transmission will deliver improved acceleration and performance
- 3.5-liter EcoBoost paired exclusively with the first volume-production 10-speed automatic transmission available from any automaker
DEARBORN, Mich., July 11, 2016 – Ford, America’s truck leader, continues its relentless pace of innovation, delivering segment-leading torque for 2017 F-150 customers with the all-new 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission.
The new second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine will provide 50 lb.-ft. more peak torque compared with the first-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, to a segment-best 470 lb.-ft., beating all diesel- and gasoline-powered competitors, including V8 engines with nearly twice the displacement of the EcoBoost V6. Horsepower jumps 10 from the previous version, to 375 hp.
“The 2017 Ford F-150 now delivers the best torque in the segment,” says Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president, Product Development, and chief technical officer. “This class-leading torque arrives with a transformative 10-speed automatic that improves nearly every aspect of F-150 performance.”
The 3.5-liter EcoBoost in the 2017 F-150 is paired exclusively with the first volume-production 10-speed automatic transmission available to consumers from any automaker.
The more capable powertrain combination will deliver improved acceleration and performance compared with previous six-speed automatic transmissions. The new engine provides better low-end and peak engine performance, ideal for hauling heavy payloads and towing heavy trailers.
The new 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine builds on the success of the 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine and first-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine available for the 2016 F-150. The 2.7-liter and first-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost engines account for approximately 60 percent of F-150 sales.
The Ford F-150 remains the first and only truck in its segment to offer a twin-turbo gasoline engine.
The 2017 Ford F-150 goes on sale this fall.