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



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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."