The 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor.
Ford is playing it by the numbers as it gets ready to roll out the updated, 2017 F-150 pickup.
The full-size truck, the most popular version of the comprehensive Ford F-Series line-up, has undergone a number of big changes over the last two years, starting with its switch to a lighter, “aluminum-intensive” body. It’s also gotten an assortment of downsized engines, including a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 that was already one of the F-150’s toughest haulers. But the twin-turbo package will get a 30 pound-feet bump for 2017, even as it delivers better fuel economy.
A key to the mileage increase is the launch of an all-new 10-speed automatic transmission. That new gearbox was developed as part of an unusual partnership between Ford and erstwhile rival General Motors. Expect to see it roll out on a variety of Ford and GM products over the next several years.
“It’s not about efficiency or performance. It’s about efficiency and performance,” said Kevin Norris, Ford’s manager of the 10-speed transmission program.
The new Ford 10-speed, in the foreground, was developed in a joint venture with GM.
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Gone are the days when pickup buyers all but automatically opted for V-8s, especially at Ford, where the majority of F-150 models now are ordered with six-cylinder alternatives, both naturally aspirated and turbocharged EcoBoost versions. The latter, more advanced packages account for about 60% of the truck’s total volume now.
The 3.5-liter EcoBoost already matches the performance of the V-8 engine, and it will get even more hauling power for 2017, Ford increasing torque from 420 to 450 pound-feet. The 365 horsepower rating will carry over. Though final figures aren’t yet available, Ford truck marketing manager Doug Scott said he expects the upgrade to deliver greater towing capacity than the current version of the 3.5-liter engine, 12,000 pounds.
To increase both torque and fuel economy – the final EPA rating not yet released – Ford said it is making several changes to the powertrain. That includes new pistons and turbochargers, new cylinder heads, and two fuel-injection systems. But another key move is the switch from a six-speed transmission to Ford’s new 10-speed automatic.
Automakers, in general, have been adding more gears to their transmissions, a move designed to help an engine stay closer to its fuel economy sweet spot at all times. Six- and seven-speed gearboxes have become the industry norm, with more and more eight- and nine-speed versions available. While other makers are pushing even further, Ford and GM will be the first to get to market with a 10-speed automatic.
The two companies cooperated on basic development and continue to share some research, though as the 10-speed gets closer to production they are largely moving off in separate directions.
GM will debut its 10-speed in the Camaro ZL1, with seven more models to follow.
Ford will initially offer the 10-speed on the F-150 before adding it to other products in its line-up. It spent $1.4 billion to update its Livonia Transmission Plant in suburban Detroit, and that facility plans to begin production of the new gearbox in June.
GM is starting out by putting its 10-speed into the newly updated Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, a V-8 bruiser making 640 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque. Underscoring the efficiency of the new transmission, Camaro Chief Engineer Al Oppenheiser recently told TheDetroitBureau.com he expects the automatic package to be measurably quicker on the track than the ZL1 with a 6-speed manual.
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Eventually, the new 10-speed will show up on at least eight different General Motors vehicles, hinted Mark Reuss, GM’s global product development chief. At least one application is believed to be in the GM truck line-up.
Bringing advanced transmissions to market can be tricky. Fiat Chrysler, for example, has had major problems with a nine-speed used on products like the Dodge Dart. If they aren’t programmed right, these boxes can spend a lot of time hunting for the right gear, an issue reflected in low quality and reliability scores.
But with manufacturers like Ford, GM and others facing tough new emissions and mileage standards, the need to improve powertrain efficiency is expected to make transmissions like the one in the 2017 Ford F-150 more the norm than the exception.
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