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2018 Ford F-150 Diesel Looks Close to Reality

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2018 Ford F-150 Diesel Looks Close to RealityIt is looking more and more like a 2018 Ford F-150 diesel will be hitting the market next year. A video and now photos are further pushing this speculation and it almost seems certain to happen.

2018 Ford F-150 Diesel Looks Close to RealityThe spy photos on Truck Trend clearly show an engine bay that doesn’t appear to look like any gasoline engine I have ever seen. While I don’t see a tell-tale second battery, the additional photos of the diesel placard, diesel fuel inlet and large exhaust pipe all seem to indicate Ford is at the very least testing the idea.

2018 Ford F-150 Diesel Looks Close to RealityTruck Trend furthers speculates the engine is likely going to come from the 3.0L “Lion” V6 from Range Rover and Range Rover Sport Td6 models. This engine produces 254 HP and 440 lb-ft of torque. If Ford mated this engine, which gets 25 percent fuel economy out of the box due to it being a diesel, to its new 10-speed transmission, we could very well have our first 30 MPG highway pickup.

2018 Ford F-150 Diesel Looks Close to RealityHitting the 30 MPG highway mark has been a target for truck makers for the last several years after the EPA announced new CAFE rules stating truck fuel economy had to improve across the board. Ford has done the most to hit this mark introducing the first mass-market application of aluminum body panels, turbo-charged engines and 10-speed transmissions. Through their product development, they have focused on dropping weight, improving aerodynamics and building more fuel efficient engines without sacrificing capability.

2018 Ford F-150 Diesel Looks Close to RealityIf any automaker is going to hit the 30 MPG mark, Ford will likely do it. Yet, the big question remains: will consumers buy it?

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Tim Esterdahl

Automotive Journalist Tim Esterdahl has been a lover of trucks and SUVs for years. He has covered the industry since 2011 and has pieces in many national magazines and newspapers. In his spare time, he is often found tinkering on his '62 C10 pickup, playing golf, going hunting and hanging out with his wife and kids in Nebraska.

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