For 2011 Ford gives the Harley-Davidson F-150 a new 6.2-liter V8.
It’s normally supposed to be all about the bikes, this week, in Sturgis, South Dakota. But there’s a spotlight shining on a big four-wheeler at this week’s event.
Sturgis Bike Week is the biggest and most eagerly-anticipated motorcycle event of the year, drawing countless thousands on everything from little off-roaders to the biggest, baddest choppers ever assembled. But they’re getting some competition from Ford, which is unveiling the most powerful version ever of its Harley-Davidson-branded F-150 pickup.
The 2011 Harley-Davidson F-150 features a 6.2-liter V-8 churning out 411 horsepower and 434 lb-ft of torque. If that sounds familiar, that’s because it’s the same powertrain spinning the oversized tires on Ford’s over-the-top 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor.
“The engine has tons of torque and already has been proven in the field,” says the V8 engine’s program manager, Mike Harrison.
There’s enough torque, in fact, to pull a 9,300-pound trailer, according to Ford, a big bump up from what the pickup could tow with the old 310-hp 5.4-liter V8.
The 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 won't be available until later this year. Price is expected to exceed the $43,400 of the current truck.
The new engine features an SOHC valvetrain with roller-rocker shafts to enhance breathing and low-end torque, dual-equal variable cam timing, which helps optimize fuel economy without sacrificing performance, according to Ford, and dual spark plugs to smooth out the big engine’s idling.
As before, the Harley edition distinguishes itself from more mainstream versions of the F-150 with features like a specially-tuned suspension, for one thing, and some significant appearance details, including “beefy” 22-inch low-profile “Euroflange” wheels and tires, and a unique front fascia featuring a distinctive, 6-bar, billet-like grille. A specially-designed set of running boards gives the truck a lowered appearance, compared to a conventional F-150.
The 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 comes with a hefty load of standard equipment, including moonroof, remote start, second-row heated seats, a backup camera and a voice-activated navigation system with an 8-inch touch screen. There’s also a 4.2-inch LCD “productivity screen” that can display information such as fuel economy and towing performance.
The 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 comes fairly well-loaded among the automaker's full-size pickup line-up.
In a tip of the hat to Henry Ford, the Harley-Davidson F-150 comes only in black, though in this case, it’s a more macho combination of Tuxedo Black and Ingot Silver.
Set to reach showrooms later this year, Ford says the 2011 Harley-Davidson F-150 will be more expensive than the outgoing model, which was priced at $44,300.