May 29, 2002

Ford announces new 6.0 litre 'Power Stroke' diesel

Dearborn, Michigan - Ford Motor Company announced it will introduce an all-new 6.0-litre V8 diesel engine and a heavy-duty 5-speed automatic transmission beginning in early 2003 for its F-Series Super Duty pickup and Ford Excursion sport-utility vehicle.

Ford says the new, more powerful, cleaner 6.0-litre Power Stroke Diesel and new 5-speed TorqShift automatic transmission will combine to make a best-in-class 325 horsepower at 3,300 rpm and 550 foot-pounds of torque at 2,000 rpm.

The new diesel will offer up to 10 percent better fuel economy and 20 percent lower emissions. The new diesel also has reduced noise levels and has improved speech intelligibility while driving by more than 20 percent.

The new 6.0-liter Power Stroke V-8 engine is a direct injection, 32-valve diesel with an all-new cast-iron block and cylinder heads. The engine employs a single, block-mounted camshaft in a compact over-head valve (OHV) design, with hydraulic-valve lash adjustment. This proven configuration provides a low-friction and durable valvetrain system and is ideal for engines with a normal operating range of less than 4,000 rpm.

First shown in concept form at the North American International Auto Show in January, as the engine powering Ford's Mighty F-350 Concept Truck, the new 6.0-liter Power Stroke Diesel incorporates a number of diesel engine innovations, including:

• Electronic Variable Response Turbocharging (EVRT): A system that helps ensure exceptional turbo boost over a wide range of engine revolutions for impressive grade climbing capability, high-altitude performance and towing capability. EVRT employs a set of vanes that automatically adjust to optimize the airflow within the turbo.
• Tow-Haul Mode: The new powertrain features a "tow-haul mode" that, once activated, can help increase a driver's feeling of control when towing large loads up and down steep grades and automatically minimizes shifts and maximizes available torque. Upon descent, the tow-haul mode utilizes engine braking to help extend brake-life and improve driver control.
• Hydraulic Rail Fuel Injection: Fuel injectors are actuated by a high-pressure hydraulic rail system that generates injection pressures up to 26,000 psi. The high-pressure fuel is quickly atomized as it is released into the combustion chamber, generating a clean and efficient combustion event.
• Pilot Injection: By delivering small quantities of fuel into the combustion chamber prior to the main injection event, the combustion process is both smoother and quieter.
• Exhaust-Gas Recirculation (EGR): Cooled exhaust gases are re-circulated back into the combustion chamber, lowering the burning temperature of the combustion event and, as a result, reducing oxides of nitrogen (NOx).
• Ease of Maintenance: The oil filter is located on top of the engine, so it can be easily removed. An innovatively designed oil cartridge, similar in concept to a printer cartridge, keeps oil self-contained during a filter change and the engine free of dripping oil during routine maintenance.

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