Ford has announced a new drivetrain lineup for the F-150, including a twin-turbo 3.5L EcoBoost V6, as well as some other changes for 2011.

A total of four new drivetrains are available: the aforementioned 3.5L EcoBoost V6, a 3.7L V6, a 5.0L V8, and a 6.2L V8.

The 3.7L V6 will develop 302 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 6,100 lb towing capacity. These are class-leading figures among V6 competitors according to Ford, and they claim that the fuel economy will also be class-leading, although no figures have been revealed.

As for the 5.0L V8, this appears to be a detuned version of the Mustang’s 5.0, with 360 horsepower ad 380 lb-ft of torque. The result is a 10,000 pound towing capacity. As with the 3.7L V6, Ford claims these figures are class-leading, this time among standard V8 competitors.

The 6.2L V8 is also a class-leader according to Ford, with 411 hp, 434 lb-ft of torque, and a 11,300 lb towing capacity.

The party piece, however, is the 3.5L EcoBoost V6. It develops 365 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, with the torque figures claimed to be best-in-class among premium V8 competitors. 90 percent of that torque is available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm. Towing and payload figures are also best-in-class according to Ford, with 11,300 lb of towing capacity (Same as the 6.2L V8) and 3,060 lb of payload.

All the engines will be connected to a six-speed automatic transmission, with optional SelectShift available. The transmission is said to be very good for fuel economy.

Further improving fuel economy is a class-exclusive electric power steering system. Ford says it also improves steering feel, and is programmed differently depending on the wheelbase, powertrain, and other factors.

Some changes to the trim levels have been made too. The XLT and Lariat both now come with off-road packages, including an electronic locking rear differential, skid plates, and off-road tuned shock absorbers. The FX2 and FX4 now share the same appearance, with only badging left to differentiate between them.

More importantly however, there are two new trim levels: the XLT Custom and Lariat Limited. The XLT Custom has been tailored for customers choosing the 3.7L V6. It includes 18-inch aluminum wheels, a chrome exhaust tip, body-colour running boards, new front and rear bumper fascias, and a front grille with a body-colour surround and chrome billet insert.

As for the Lariat Limited, it really is limited, with just 3,500 units planned for the US. It will only be available in a White Platinum body colour, and will come with a lot of chrome. A chrome grille surround, chrome running boards, chrome tie-down hooks, chrome “Limited” box-side lettering: the Lariat Limited has it all. To compensate, the headlights and taillamps have been blacked out and the grille billet is body-colour. There’s also a modified lower fascia, and enormous 22-inch polished aluminum rims with body-colour accents.

On the interior, the Lariat Limited comes with plenty of leather, ambient lighting, “Limited” scuff plates, and more. You also get an engraved serialization plate with the Vehicle Identification Number.

More info on the 2011 F-150 can be found in Ford’s press release right below the image gallery.

Press Release

2011 FORD F-150 ALL-NEW POWERTRAIN LINEUP DELIVERS BEST-IN-CLASS CAPABILITY, PROJECTED TOP FUEL ECONOMY

• The most extensive powertrain overhaul in the 62-year history of Ford F-Series highlights the 2011 Ford F-150. The engine lineup includes four new truck engines: a 3.7-liter V6, 5.0-liter and 6.2-liter V8s and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost^™
• Each engine is mated to a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission. Ford is the first and only automaker to equip its entire full-size pickup lineup with fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmissions as standard equipment
• Each engine delivers best-in-class towing and horsepower. The 2011 F-150 is projected to be up to 20 percent more fuel efficient than the 2010 F-150
• Class-exclusive electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), which improves steering feel and fuel economy, is now included on F-150
• 2011 Ford F-150 boasts new feature vehicles, including the Lariat Limited and the XLT Custom

DALLAS, Sept. 20, 2010 – The signature class-leading capability and durability of the Ford F-150 are enhanced for 2011 with projected class-leading fuel economy and performance. Ford F-Series, America’s best-selling truck for 33 years running, now comes equipped with an all-new powertrain lineup that will deliver best-in-class horsepower, torque and projected fuel-economy leadership.

“For the past 33 years, the Ford F-150 has stood alone as the truck people really rely on,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “The class-leading capability of the F-150, combined with the durability that defines ‘Built Ford Tough,’ has made it the No. 1 choice of full-size pickup buyers. Now for 2011, that class-leading towing and payload capability is enhanced even further with engines that deliver projected class-leading fuel economy, allowing our customers to be more productive by maximizing their workload and their fuel economy.”

Including the 3.5-liter EcoBoost, which will be available in early 2011, a total of four new powertrains are available in the 2011 F-150. Each new engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Ford is the first and only manufacturer to equip its entire full-size pickup truck lineup with fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmissions as standard

Another fuel saver is the addition of class-exclusive electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) to the 3.7-liter V6, 5.0-liter V8 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost powertrains. The EPAS system replaces a conventional hydraulic system, which runs continuously off the engine, with a system that draws power only when needed. Additionally, EPAS enables several other driver convenience technologies and provides better steering feel. Ford is the first manufacturer to widely offer EPAS on full-size pickup trucks.

“The 2011 Ford F-150 lineup offers our customers the widest array of powertrain solutions,” said Bob Fascetti, director of large gas and diesel engine engineering. “From the entry-level to the high-end customer, each 2011 F-150 will deliver projected best-in-class capability, power and fuel economy along with features and conveniences our competition can’t match.”

A look at the new engine lineup
The three new truck engines available at launch are the 3.7-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8, each with fuel-saving and performance-enhancing twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) technology, and a version of the 6.2-liter V8 that is the base engine in the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty. Here are the highlights of each new engine:

3.7-liter four-valve Ti-VCT V6

• Best-in-class 302 horsepower at 6,500 rpm vs. V6 competitors
• Unsurpassed 278 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm vs. V6 competitors
• Projected best-in-class fuel economy
• Best-in-class 6,100 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. V6 competitors

5.0-liter four-valve dual-overhead-camshaft Ti-VCT V8

• Best-in-class 360 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors
• Best-in-class 380 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors
• Best-in-class 10,000 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. standard V8 competitors

6.2-liter two-valve single-overhead-camshaft V8

• Best-in-class 411 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. all competitors
• Best-in-class 434 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm vs. all competitors
• Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors

3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost

• 365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel
• Best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm vs. premium V8 competitors
• Up to 90 percent of peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm
• Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors
• Best-in-class 3,060 pounds payload vs. all competitors

Six-speed automatic transmission now standard with SelectShift available

SelectShift functionality is available in the six-speed automatic transmission. SelectShift allows customers to select the desired gear. The transmission also features progressive range select, which allows the customer to lock out the available gears while in Drive.

Also enabled is tow/haul mode, which provides better control when hauling a heavy load or towing a trailer, especially when descending grades. The improved system uses an array of sophisticated electronic sensors to better predict the driver’s need for a downshift to provide engine braking and enhanced control.

A more nimble F-150

Along with improved fuel economy, another key benefit of EPAS is that the steering gear can be more precisely tuned for optimum feel for on-road and parking efforts. The tuning is software-based, so the steering can be programmed and essentially customized to each model based on wheelbase, powertrain and other factors.

“The addition of EPAS is a huge step forward for the F-150,” said Eric Kuehn, chief engineer of the 2011 Ford F-150. “It allows for lighter parking lot efforts but will retain that on-road feel and steering precision truck customers expect.”

Increased content, increased choices throughout the F-150 lineup

The wide range of powertrain options is complemented by the greater variety of offerings in the 2011 F-150 as well as the expanded content. A 4.2-inch LCD message center and larger
in-mirror rear view camera screen are among the new customer conveniences available.

New clusters include the available 4.2-inch LCD message center screen’s menu options display, which includes information related to fuel economy, towing performance and off-roading. The menu is navigated through a five-way button on the steering wheel. The screen in the rearview mirror for the rear view camera option not only is larger (increased from 2.5 inches to 3.5 inches), it has higher resolution than the outgoing version. Further, customers can zoom in or out, which is particularly helpful during towing hookup and other towing operations.

Other new standard and available content includes a three-point safety belt and head restraint for the middle passenger in the front seat, express up and down front windows, 110-volt outlet, Remote Start, telescoping steering wheel, HD Radio^™ and perimeter alarm.

Popular SYNC and Ford Work Solutions available

Two technology stalwarts of Ford trucks are available again for 2011 – SYNC^® and Ford Work Solutions^™.

SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information leverages industry-leading voice-recognition software, integrated GPS technology and a Bluetooth^®-capable mobile phone to deliver personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn directions and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports and weather – without the need for a built-in navigation system.

Ford Work Solutions features an in-dash computer that provides full high-speed Internet and wireless accessories that include a mouse and printer; Tool Link^™, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracking system that enables customers to maintain a real-time inventory of tools or equipment stored in the vehicle; Crew Chief^™, a fleet telematics and diagnostics system; and Cable Lock System to secure large tools or equipment in the cargo area.

Safety enhancements

New for the 2011 Ford F-150 are a seat-integrated shoulder belt for the front middle seat, a head restraint for the second-row middle seat and integrated spotter mirrors. These additions join numerous standard safety features, including an advanced safety cage with high-strength steel and six standard airbags.

More choice

The basic trim levels – XL, STX, XLT, FX2/FX4 and Lariat – are again offered in addition to King Ranch^®, Platinum, SVT Raptor and Harley-Davidson F-150. Joining the XLT lineup is the new XLT Custom package tailored for customers who opt for the 3.7-liter V6. Available in all cabs in two-wheel-drive configuration, the XLT Custom exterior includes 18-inch machined aluminum wheels, chrome exhaust tip, body-color 4-inch running boards, body-color front and rear bumper fascias, unique grille with body-color surround and chrome billet insert.

The 2011 F-150 FX2 and FX4 are now more unified, with FX2 customers able to share the sporty yet rugged off-road look originally pioneered by the FX4. The FX2 and FX4 share common grilles, 18-inch wheels (20-inch wheels optional), body-color power mirrors, body and tailgate handles, black surround headlamps and taillamps. The trucks are differentiated by unique badging on the box and front fenders.

Both the XLT and Lariat have added off-road packages, including electronic locking rear differential, skid plates and off-road-tuned front and rear shock absorbers.

Lariat Limited returns

Returning to the F-150 lineup for 2011 is the popular Lariat Limited, which debuted in 2008. This premium offering, limited to 3,500 units in the U.S., is powered by the 6.2-liter V8 rated at 411 horsepower.

Available in White Platinum tri-coat only, the Lariat Limited features chrome details and finish, including chrome surround in the unique grille, chrome-trimmed power-deployable running boards, chrome tie-down hooks and chrome “Limited” box-side lettering. Other exterior highlights include blacked-out headlamps and taillamps, body-color grille billets and unique lower fascia.

The 22-inch polished forged aluminum wheels with body-color accents are complemented by a specially tuned suspension for more precise handling.

Premium two-tone leather seat inserts highlight the interior, which includes leather-wrapped steering wheel with painted switch bezels, ambient lighting, brushed-metal “Limited” scuff plates and a wrapped center console lid with accent stitching, chrome ornament and engraved serialization plate with the vehicle identification number.

“The 2011 Ford F-150 has all the best-in-class towing and payload capability and durability our tough truck customers demand and now takes a giant leap forward in fuel economy, performance and technology,” said Kuehn.

The 2011 Ford F-150 will be available in late 2010.