Future Tech: Ford’s Lion Diesels

Updated Sep 3, 2014

Ford 3.0L TD V-6

Ford’s 3.0L “Lion” V6 could be the first diesel in the aluminum-bodied F-150s.Ford’s 3.0L “Lion” V6 could be the first diesel in the aluminum-bodied F-150s.

Ford doesn’t have to look very far to find a V-6 diesel worthy of slipping into the engine bays of the all-aluminum F-150s coming to market in 2015: They already have one.

It’s known as the “Lion” diesel overseas where Tata Motors is using it  to power the latest model Discovery and Range Rover.

The 3.0L TDV6 diesel develops 255hp and 443 lb/ft torque in 2014 Land Rover Discovery and Land Rover Range Rover. 

Backed by an 8-speed automatic, the composite graphite (CGI) block/aluminum head engine in the 5,600-pound Discovery is said to deliver 31.4 mpg combined fuel economy.

Such an offering would slip right in between Ford’s two gas EcoBoost V-6s, giving commercial buyers the option of having both better fuel economy and torque in a similar-sized diesel package.

Ford 4.4L  SD V-8

Ford’s 4.4L TDV8 is currently in production as a favorite power choice for Range Rover owners overseas.Ford’s 4.4L TDV8 is currently in production as a favorite power choice for Range Rover owners overseas.

If Ford decides to be more aggressive in the 1/2-ton towing market, like they have been in the heavy-duty pickups, a natural progression is to offer the 4.4L SD V-8 diesel in the aluminum-body F-150.

It’s the turbo-diesel powering Tata Motor’s Land Rover’s current Range Rover and has been in production for several years out of the same Chihuahua, Mexico engine plant that builds the 6.7L diesels- and it was the engine we expected to be in the 2009 F-150. Ford had F-150 test mules on the road with it in 2008.

Today’s 4.4L diesel makes 335hp and 500 lb/ft torque while delivering a combined 27mpg with the eight-speed automatic according to Land Rover specs

Such power and fuel economy from these two Ford-built diesels are the result of some innovative engineering utilizing direct injection and dual-sequential turbos like used in the 6.7L Power Stroke.

Getting the 4.4L diesel to meet the tightening EPA emissions standards should be a no-brainer for the Blue Oval team.

 

 

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