Ford made some pretty decisive moves with the development of its 2014 F-150 pickup, touting its aluminum construction and twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 engines as the fully modern combo to beat in power and efficiency for half-ton pickups. But when the inevitable questions about the ?D? word?as in diesel engines?entered the discussion, the manufacturer had little to say. Now we?ve snagged a video of an F-150 undergoing testing near Detroit, and the sound emanating from it is pure, unadulterated, compression-ignition music to our ears.
Speculation about a diesel-powered F-150 half-ton pickup has been rampant, even though Ford has repeatedly denied reports. Citing the steeper initial price point of a diesel truck and the higher cost of diesel fuel, Ford brass steadfastly maintained that a diesel half-ton just doesn?t pencil favorably for the average consumer. Meanwhile, the team over Ram popped the corporate 3.0-liter turbocharged EcoDiesel V-6 under the hood of its Ram 1500 half-ton and proceeded to sell them by, well, the truckload, despite the diesel’s commanding up to a nearly $5K premium?depending on powertrain and options?over a gas-powered Ram. With the viability of the business plan now confirmed, it’s only logical that Ford would realign itself to get its part.
2015 Ford F-150 XLT 2.7L EcoBoost 4×4
Ford has a few options as far as diesel power goes. The truck in the video above displays a very faint compression-ignition clatter and an unmistakable turbo...