Ford to launch diesel in 2018 F-150

The F-150 gets a new Power Stroke turbo diesel offering - the first diesel in an F-150. The engine features key elements from the EcoBoost engine. This new engine aims to be best-in-class for fuel economy while still offering plenty of towing power.

The 2018 F-150 got some cosmetic upgrades, but that new diesel under the hood gives buyers 6 engine options when sitting with a dealer to spec that new pickup. With the new Power Stroke 3-liter V6, this truck can two 11,400 pounds and has a 2,020-pound payload capacity. The engine features 250 hp and 440-pounds-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a SelectShift 10-speed automatic transmission designed to optimize power and low-rpm torque. This transmission can non-sequentially select the right gear ratio for the job.

The engine features a compacted-graphite iron block material and forged-steel crank also found on the 2.7-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine. For less turbo lag, Ford chose a high-efficiency variable geometry turbocharger and pushed common rail fuel pressure to 29,000 pounds per square inch. This provides quieter operation and reduced emissions.

The F-150 moved to a high-strength, military-grade aluminum-allow body in 2015,which lightened the load and boosted fuel economy. For 2018, the truck gets stronger axles and a high-strength steel frame for added durability. To handle extreme driving conditions, the Power Stroke diesel features a mechanical engine-driven fan and dual radiator shutters for improved high-temperature, high altitude performance. The company claims this is an advantage versus competitors.

In more moderate driving, the F-150 engine control system can back off the fan load using a viscous coupler, and closing down two radiator shutters. That improve aerodynamic efficiency and parasitic engine loss. Ford engineers tested the truck at Davis Dam in Arizona where the diesel-equipped machine climbed 13 miles at a 6% grade in temperatures above 100 degrees F, and maintained consistent power throughout.

Yes this new diesel will need diesel exhaust fluid, but one fill should last 10,000 miles according to some car magazine sources. It's a reading that can be checked in the central dash display too, since you don't want to run out. The engine also includes dual fuel filters for improved break-in, while a cast-aluminum oil pan and two-stage oil pump reduces parasitic loss and boosts fuel efficiency.

For 2018, with the new diesel, the Ford F-150 brings a lot of engine choices to the party. The list includes a 3.3-liter V6 (290-hp); 2.7-liter V6 EcoBoost (325 hp); 3.5 Liter V6 EcoBoost (375 hp); 3.5-liter V6 high output EcoBoost (450 hp); 5-liter V8 (395 hp); and the new 3-liter Power Stroke diesel (250 hp). Auto start-stop is now standard for all engines - including the new Power Stroke diesel.

The 10-speed transmission that's mated to the new Power Stroke diesel is also available as an option for some gas engine models - all but the 3.3-liter V6. Both transmissions feature selectable drive modes. For the 6-speed the modes include normal, tow/haul, and sport. For that 10-speed the choices include normal, tow/haul, snow/wet, eco-select and sport.

The 2018 F-150 gets an interior upgrade for the XLT Sport, XLT Special Edition, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum and Limited that includes color and material changes for the seat. The Platinum interior is shown here with the Dark Marsala treatment. The King Ranch gets Kingsville, the Limited gets Navy Pier. And there are plenty of choices for entertainment too including a new B&O Play Premium Audio System by Harman.

Beyond the Harman audio, there's the Sync system, long a Ford staple. The Sync Connect is optional on the XLT and Lariat and standard on King Ranch, Platinum and Limited. The system includes a wi-fi hotspot for connecting up to 10 devices. There's also adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality and pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection available. And a Technology Package is now available with the 2.7 liter EcoBoost engine.