Lincoln just introduced the 2015 MKC crossover. It has as an option a 2.3L Ecoboost engine that puts out 275 HP and 300 torque. Similar to the current 3.7L V6 standard in the F150.

Does this engine make it into the F150 lineup? Discuss......

 

I think it would be a great choice, but I don't know if the average truck buyer would warm to the idea of a four-cylinder full size pickup.

 

I would be willing to wager that that 2.3L EB will most likely carry higher price points than the 3.7L v6. This would most likely keep if from the lineup for companies and individuals who want stripped down base model work trucks.

 

I could see this in say XL, STX & XLT models. Reg/ Super Cab, preferably 6/speed manual, but we all know it would be automatic only. Probably not geared lower numerically than 3.55 at the least but 3.73 and a 4.10 option would be best suited. Would also likely be 2wd only, like the four cylinder EcoBoost Explorer?

 

It would be a nice option if they ever built a lighter weight F100 style truck, but on the current F150, I don't see it as an improvement over the current engines.

 

I've read where Ford is working on it's next gen EB engines also known as Nano engines. A 4 banger EB is reported to be on the horizon for the F-150.

 

Since the 2015 F-150's are targeted by Ford to go down by as much as 700 LBS. in vehicle weight, the 2.3 Eco sounds like a reasonable engine option in some models. I think it's a possibility.

 

My wife currently drives a Ford Edge with the 2.0 ecoboost.

Its 240 hp. no clue on the Tq....

It moves the 4K lbs Edge around with no problems whatsoever.

You would never know it was a 4 banger.


While the 2.3 would be fine in a F150.... I don't think the Truck buying public is ready for that......... yet.

 

The 2.0 Eco in my escape is super fast. 275 hp sounds decent for a truck, maybe more for someone who might not tow heavily. The 4.6 3v was 292 hp, not that far off....

 

It's not the hp I would be so worried about, it's the torque. While it's possible that this 2.3T could produce enough low-end grunt, but for how long and where would it fall off a cliff?

As crazy as it sounds, combining the 2.3T EcoBoost with say a CVT would help keep the power in the power band. My wife's car which is a 2013 Subaru Outabck (A somewhat heavy crossover vehicle) Only has a 170hp N/A 4-pot. But it "feels" more powerful than it actually is due to the CVT.

People may laugh or be uncertain about CVT's, and I was too before I owned one. But I am completely comfortable with them now, I also read one of the big three was considering a CVT in the heavy duty class to gain improved mpg's.

 

Too bad they didn't think enough to put a 2.3 in a Ranger :rolls eyes

 

LMAO!!! I remember this mirror image of conversations when rumors of the 3.5L in the F-150 were going around.

I think that we naysayers have been proven wrong. I'm keeping an open mind on this one.

 

As far as the additional cost over the 3.7 N/A for fleet purchases, I wouldn't be too sure of that. I'm seeing a *lot* of fleet F-150s running around with the 3.5EB in them, presumably for fuel savings.

For performance, keep in mind that it wasn't terribly long ago - 1997 - that the 5.4 was making 235hp @ 4250 and 335lb-ft @ 3000. The trucks have gained weight since then, but that will decrease for 2015 and probably get back down to where the 1997 trucks were. Plus, the turbo motor will deliver its power at much lower RPM.

I definitely wouldn't rule this one out - especially for people and fleets that use their trucks primarily to haul things around in the bed, and aren't towing heavy.

 

I was waiting for someone to mention it, and I'm glad it was Tim.
For someone like myself who rarely tows, but uses his truck for moderate duty work around the house and for fun (hauling bikes, furniture, etc) where a SUV doesn't really fit the bill due to vertical space or completely destroying an interior, I see the possibility of a 2.3L EB being a strong contender. I'm curious to see how this plays out. If the 2.3L EB could produce similar performance to the current 3.7L V6 yet produce a touch more economy then why not, right? Plus I'm sure that with a touch of tuning the 2.3L could be a screamer.

 

I bet that it would be a very similar comparison as between the current generation EB and 5.0L engine. Both make very similar amounts of power, but the EB makes more torque down low, so I would bet that the 2.3 would drive better. Just my opinion of course.