Archives

Ford has jumped on the fuel-efficiency bandwagon. (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080919.WBdriving20080919111057/WBStory/WBdriving)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/550/F_150SFE.jpgJeremy Cato - GlobeandMail.com - Sept. 19, 2008

SFE = Super Fuel Economy, Really? -- Ed.

Ford is trying to drum up interest in its 2009 F-150 pickup before it goes on sale next month, and the hook is fuel economy.

The fact the new light-duty pickup will be able to tow 5,126 kg (11,300 pounds) and carry 1,374 kg (3,030 lbs) is almost an afterthought, it seems.

In a web briefing yesterday, Ford said it zeroed in on fuel economy this time around. The new truck is sleeker, the V-8 engines are more efficient and there is a reworked six-speed transmission to boost fuel economy, too. Across the lineup, fuel economy is up eight per cent and as high as 12 per cent with some models, says Ford.

And then there is the new SFE edition for 2009. SFE stands for Superior Fuel Economy. This version has low-rolling resistant tires, a six-speed transmission, a 3.15 rear axle and other technology improvements to boost fuel economy.

Apparently fuel economy is registering with buyer like never before.

Matt O'Leary, the F-150 chief engineer, says it “has moved from 10th to third place among pickup buyers' top purchase considerations -- right behind durability and value.”… http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080919.WBdriving20080919111057/WBStory/WBdriving

If the claims are true then this is a boon to people who actually need these trucks to do work. With regards to the air haulers who are all hat and no cattle, that is another story :rolleyes:

And why shouldn't those who legitimately need a truck have the option for better fuel economy? Good progress.

It still looks like an aerodynamic disaster. I imagine there's a lot of room for aero improvements like underbody panelling, adjustable grill blocks and the like.

That's super new (if true) for people like my parents that legitimately need a big 'ole truck, but it's interesting that the article never once mentions what the mpg is. Unless I missed it?

They bumped the MPG from 14/20 to 15/21 :rolleyes: I guess if you drive these things a lot, that makes a bit of a difference, as long as the "super" fuel economy option doesn't come with an additional price up-mark.

If those numbers you mentioned are right, that is horrible for "superior fuel economy". I hope that this is a starting point for them, and that they will increase the numbers from here on out.

One of the things to look at is which engine they are putting in it. The result is good for an eight cylinder engine. The 2009's reported FE rating with the eight is higher than the 08's six cylinder rating. I think they could've made more progress working with the six, but would've sacrificed towing power which would be an issue for many people. Unfortunately it looks like it will only be available on the short bed supercrew, which in my experience is more of a car/plaything for the horse and auto racing crowds than a working truck. http://wot.motortrend.com/6285157/auto-news/2009-ford-f-150-fuel-efficiency-numbers-new-sfe-package-touted/index.html

Its good to see Ford keep the improvements on the FE front. Its a step in right direction and the possible upcoming ecoboost engine would improve on the SFE model. Ford not only improved the gas mileage but also improved the capeabilities of the truck. Keep up the good work, Ford. :flag:

The higher gas prices would keep it from selling like it used to before, but the silver lining is that those individuals who need the truck to "haul" their smart phones and Blackbarries to their office would have to look for alternative mode of transportation. :p

They pushed the FE a little more than 5%. A good start, but there is still so much more to go. Thumbs up for Ford.

I think its an awesome first step. with all the p/u trucks i see every day a 5% increase would make a huge difference across the country. Total gallons that is.

I still would love to have a truck my wife's xterra barely pulls our ski boat and we have popup camper we use once a month. Where I live there is at least one pickup truck in the driveway to pull their weekend toys (boat, camper, 4wheelers, etc)

I still think the most headway can be made in the pickup and suv market if they can get better FE.

I still think the most headway can be made in the pickup and suv market if they can get better FE.

Imagine a ~3.5L turbo-diesel mated to a six speed manual transmission, the sixth being for highway cruising. Drop this into a midsize truck (Dodge Dakota, Toyota Tacoma) and then have the varying bed length options and towing packages.

It would probably out-pull any of the gassers currently on the market and probably still get 30 MPG highway, perhaps 25-27 combined.

I would think that a well designed small diesel pickup would beat the 30 mpg. that you estimate. My Dodge diesel (5.9 Cummins with auto) will get 21 to 22 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg city and it weighs about 7000 lbs with me and some equipment on board.