Ram’s EcoDiesel 3.0-liter engine, which has enjoyed a coveted ride as the preferred low-emissions, high MPG light-duty pickup powerplant, may be facing more competition from Ford.It seems that a new Ford F-150 that was meant to be veiled from public view wasn’t so hidden after all.
Truck enthusiast websites are buzzing about a recent picture of a camo-clad, prototype F-150 traveling around Dearborn, Michigan.
Only the truck’s bed is donned in that familiar what-do-you-think-you’re-looking-at black and white vinyl wrap.
What’s got everyone talking, however, is the Venturi exhaust tip in the picture poking out below the rear bumper. That distinct tip and the sound of the engine reported by the guy who shot the photo suggest that Ford is testing a V6 turbo diesel engine.
As autoblog points out, Ram’s 3.0-liter EcoDiesel may have some serious competition coming.
A light-weight aluminum F-150 paired with a diesel sipping V6 could command a lot more attention with consumers and elsewhere.
The EPA recently lauded automakers, particularly the pickup segment, for making better than expected gains in emissions and mpg.
The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel currently dominates the fuel economy race at 29 mpg highway. Ford’s in second place with the F-150 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with 25 mpg highway.
When paired up with low-emissions renewable, or synthetic diesel, no current gas-burning OEM can come close to the EcoDiesel.
The question is though how much closer can the next guy get to that Ford prototype?
