Diesels planned for '09
 

Ford has planned to offer a diesel and a larger gas engine for the 09 Models. I know we've all heard this before, I hope this time it's true.

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl.../61106001/1024



| Latest News |

Pending Approval
Ford plans a diesel engine for Expedition

By AMY WILSON | AUTOMOTIVE NEWS


ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Ford Motor Co. will offer a diesel and more powerful gasoline engines in its Expedition SUV this decade.

Expedition chief engineer John Viera wouldn't provide exact timing but said the diesel and bigger gasoline engines will be available in the next two years.

A spokesperson said the diesel Expedition is in Ford's plans but has not received final approval.

At a press event here, Viera said: "In this market, having an economical, fuel-efficient powertrain is at the top of everybody's list." He added that Ford still is considering a couple of diesel options.

Ford officials already have confirmed that the F-150 pickup will offer a diesel in 2008 or 2009. It's likely to be a bigger version of a 3.6-liter V-8 diesel used in European Land Rovers.

The same engine could be used in the Expedition, which shares front-end architecture with that next-generation F-150.

Viera said the diesel Expedition could arrive at the same time as the F-150 diesel. He said the Expedition's sibling, the Lincoln Navigator, may also get the new engines.

The diesel especially makes sense for the extended-length versions of the 2007 model SUVs. Viera noted that they largely serve as replacements for the Ford Excursion SUV. Before the Excursion was discontinued in 2005, around 60 percent were sold with diesel engines.

Said Viera: "To have diesel in our mix is the right thing to do."

A step in the right direction for sure...

Anyone know if Ford will consider using the 4.5L v-6 powerstrokes for the F-150s and Expeditions, that they are currently using in their larger commercial trucks called the LCF's?

re
 

This is good news. Ford was suppose to come out with a diesel in 2007 before the Navistar fiasco in 2003 with the 6.0 diesel. Apparently they canceled a program for Design and Research on a V6 diesel. I just wonder if this is not going to be THAT engine since Ford and Navistar are joined at the hip until 2010.

I bought a 2006 expedition as I already had the F250 and did not need another pickemup. I have really growm to like it and the gas milage is really not so bad.

The only problem with the diesel in 2009 is that it will have the pollution controls as the F250's and up have in 2008. Still it will be interesting and I look forward to it seeing the day of light.

I did not know that the Excursion was discontinued, just as well I guess since all it could be is an pickemup SUV.

re
 

For those who may be wondering. Here is what i found on one of the news sites.

A variant of the VT365 is the new VT275 4.5 L V-6, which is basically a 6.0 L V-8 with two cylinders chopped off. It is used in the new 2006 Ford LCF (Low Cab Forward) truck, and International's CF (Cab Forward) products. It produces 200hp and 440 ft/lb of torque and is backed by a Ford TorqShift 5 speed automatic.

For what it is worth.

This is excellent news for Ford.

Finally a 'good move' from Ford. Their SUVs and trucks would sell well with a diesel option. They finaly listened to what we wants ang needs.