Roush introduces the first
dedicated propane-powered F-150 pickup truck using an advanced liquid
propane injection (LPI(TM)) system. The Roush F-150 LPI(TM) is designed and
manufactured to operate solely on propane while providing the same
horsepower, torque and drivability of an F-150 equipped with a
gasoline-powered 5.4-liter, 3-valve Triton(TM) V-8 engine.
Roush will begin taking orders for the propane-powered F-150
immediately. The truck can be ordered, delivered and serviced through a
nationwide network of select Ford dealers. Offered as a 2007.5 model year
vehicle, it is the only propane-powered light-duty truck available from an
original equipment manufacturer this year.
The Roush F-150 is available in Regular Cab, SuperCab and SuperCrew cab
styles with XL or XLT trim and the full range of bed lengths. The LPI(TM)
option includes dedicated propane fuel lines, fuel rail assembly and fuel
tank. Additionally, the vehicle's OEM computer has been re-calibrated to
provide optimum performance and fuel economy.
The base LPI(TM) option is $6,500 and includes a unique 20 gallon
toroidal fuel tank, mounted in place of the underbody spare tire. For
customers in need of increased range, a 50 gallon, in-bed fuel tank is
available as an additional option.
The Roush F-150 LPI(TM) will be introduced at the NPGA Southeastern
Convention and International Expo in Atlanta, Georgia. The conference runs
April 14-17 and is the largest propane industry conference in the United
States.
"Aside from its superb engineering, this vehicle is right here, right
now! It is an alternative fuel vehicle that has an established refueling
infrastructure to support it," says Tom Arnold, director, alternative fuel
products for Roush. "This vehicle will have a positive impact on reducing
emissions and our dependency on foreign oil."
The LPI(TM) fuel rail assembly is made up of two billet aluminum
propane injection fuel rails, an insulated cross-over, a combined
pressure/temperature sensor, and a service port that provides data to the
engines' computer allowing for more precise fuel control at the intake
port. Roush uses fuel injection and fuel storage systems supplied by
CleanFUEL USA and ICOM, Italy. LPI(TM) is a registered trademark of
CleanFUEL USA.
The standard toroidal fuel tank and optional in-bed fuel tank include a
special high flow fuel pump, dual filters, and the required control valves
needed to run the engine. The tank also contains the fuel sender and
electronic auto stop fill system. Fueling is done through the fuel filler
door, and an automatic stop fill device prevents overfilling. This will
allow the vehicle to be filled without using the "bleeder" system that
vents propane vapors during filling. Fuel is also filtered prior to
entering the tank.
Vehicle start is controlled by a "one-touch" system, where the engine
controls take over from the driver to provide the fastest possible start
with the lowest emissions. The OEM engine control is used with unique
calibration values to suit the changes in properties from gasoline to
propane.
The maintenance schedule for the Roush F-150 LPI(TM) is similar to that
of a gasoline engine schedule with no special oils or change intervals
required.
The Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) awarded the contract
to Roush in February 2006, and Roush designed, manufactured and brought the
truck to market in only 14 months. "Roush has an unparalleled reputation
for technical expertise, quality and value," says Brian Feehan, managing
director of engine fuel programs for PERC. "It is because of this expertise
and experience that we chose Roush to develop this vehicle." For more
information or to order a Roush F-150 propane-powered truck, call
1-800-59ROUSH or visit http://www.propanetruck.us.