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2017 Ford F-150 Fuel Economy Improves with 10-Speed and New EcoBoost

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2017 Ford F-150 Fuel Economy Improves with 10-Speed and New EcoBoost

Now with more fuel economy, the 2017 Ford F-150 continues to set the MPG standard for half-ton trucks.

Equipped with a 10-speed transmission and the next generation 3.5L V6 EcoBoost, the 2017 Ford F-150 fuel economy estimates have improved by up to 2 MPG better combined than previous models. This is a big improvement and further pushes Ford gasoline-powered trucks ahead of the pack.

The latest edition of America’s best selling vehicle is once again pushing the boundaries on truck fuel economy. Ford has been a leader in this area as it uses every strategy out there to try to hit the EPA CAFE targets like extensive use of aluminum and high-strength steel.

Now, the half-ton 2017 Ford F-150 gets two additional bonuses in engine and transmission improvements.

While cab configurations and rear axle ratios will alter these numbers, here are the base numbers for fuel economy:

2017 Ford F-150 Fuel Economy Improves 2 MPG - 10 Speed and New EcoBoost

New 10-Speed Transmission

Starting with the 10-speed transmission, designed via a partnership with Ford and GM, Ford was able to not only boost the fuel economy, but also improve the towing and hauling control through the gearing setup.

Ford says this is the first volume-production 10-speed automatic transmission on the market and it is pretty impressive as well as complex. The transmission uses all “new adaptive shift-scheduling algorithms to monitor more than a dozen powertrain and driver control signals in real time – ensuring the right gear at the right time for an engaging driving experience, including in sport mode,” according to a press release. Plus, there is a unique high-speed one-way clutch to allow for non-sequential shifting (1 to 3 or 4 to 6 instead of 1, 2 then 3, etc…).

While it seems we are getting to the point of diminishing returns with all of these gears, Ford seems to have made good use of the 10-speed.

2017 Ford F-150 Fuel Economy Improves with 10-Speed and New EcoBoost

The additional gear along with adaptive-shift scheduling makes towing a lot easier.

Next-Level EcoBoost Engine

Next, Ford improved their well-known EcoBoost to deliver 375 HP and an astounding 470 lb-ft. of torque – an improvement of 10 HP and 50 lb-ft. of torque. These improvements to engine performance mean faster off the line speed, better peak performance and better fuel economy performance.

This engine was improved using a new twin-port and direct-injection to deliver fuel at more efficiently. Plus, a lighter and stronger crank and valvetrain components, redesigned twin turbocharger with electronic wastegate, and redesigned valvetrain and variable-displacement oil pump all work together to create the additional HP and torque.

The EcoBoost engine has been a great addition to their powertrain lineup and with these changes, Ford seems to have taken that engine to another level.

 

 

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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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