March 22, 2002

New Ford Super Duty diesel has best-in-class torque

Dearborn, Michigan - Ford's 7.3-liter Power Stroke diesel V-8 now offers 525 foot-pounds of torque, the best-in-class torque on models equipped with an automatic transmission.

The Super Duty's 7.3-liter Power Stroke diesel provides more peak power sooner than any competitive engine, producing 525 lb.-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. The engine produces 250 horsepower at 2,600 rpm. This is an increase of 20 lb.-ft of torque versus last year's Power Stroke engine.

"Both commercial and personal use customers need torque to get the job done, and appreciate this increase," said Tim Stoehr, F-Series Super Duty marketing manager. "We wrote the book on diesel pickups. This is just another chapter."

More torque allows a diesel engine to move or tow heavier loads, while enhancing the vehicle's performance feel. High torque ratings allow drivers to maintain speed without frequent transmission shifting and enable drivers to easily launch highly loaded trucks from rest. In addition, torque also enables drivers to maintain speed while negotiating steep grades.

Since its introduction in 1994, the Power Stroke diesel has received power improvements five separate times. In addition to torque enhancements, noise vibration and harshness (NVH) improvements have been made to the engine to make the engine quieter and more refined.

The 7.3-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel V-8 engine features direct injection, part of a low pressure electro hydraulic fuel system. Direct injection delivers fuel under extremely high pressure with precise electronic control, contributing to improved fuel economy and clean diesel emissions. The Power Stroke is built with cast-iron heads for increased reliability and durability.

Super Duty's 7.3-liter Power Stroke is the best-selling engine in its class - gas or diesel - and outsells all diesel competitors combined. Roughly 70 percent of all Super Duty trucks sold are equipped with a Power Stroke diesel engine. Of the 1.2 million Power Stroke engines sold during the last eight years, 98.9 percent are still on the road today.

In addition to F-Series Super Duty models, the Power Stroke diesel also is available on the Ford Excursion and E-Series van, wagon, cutaway and stripped chassis models. The engine is built for Ford by International Engine Group, a division of Navistar International Corporation. Ford and International are currently developing the next generation Power Stroke diesel engine. Details will be announced later this year.

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