DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 19, 2010 – The 2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost recently took a roundabout way to demonstrate durability and best-in-class towing capability.

The new truck/engine combination racked up 1,606 miles towing a best-in-class 11,300 pounds while circling the 1.5-mile Homestead-Miami Speedway oval at an average speed of 82 mph. It’s the latest test in a series of web-based documentaries to demonstrate the durability of the new 3.5-liter EcoBoost truck engine available in early 2011.

EcoBoost is fundamental to Ford’s strategy to provide technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that deliver uncompromised performance and fuel economy. EcoBoost engines deliver fuel economy gains of up to 20 percent and reduction of CO2 emissions of up to 15 percent, compared with larger, less-efficient engines.

In addition to turbocharging with direct injection, Ford engineers have enhanced EcoBoost’s technology capabilities by adding variable valve timing and precisely controlling all aspects of the engine. Ford has at least 125 patents on its EcoBoost technology.

The high-speed maximum towing test is the current phase of a testing program that started when this randomly selected EcoBoost engine endured the equivalent of 150,000 miles or 10 years’ use on the dynamometer, replicating the duty cycle of the harshest-use customer.

After the “Dyno Stress” torture testing, the engine was installed into a new 2011 Ford F-150 to work as a log skidder in Oregon, dragging logs weighing up to nearly five tons.

Go to http://www.fordvehicles.com/trucks/f...experiencef150 to see firsthand how the EcoBoost truck engine performs.

NASCAR Ford Fusions taken for a ride
In this latest demonstration, the 2011 F-150 EcoBoost towed a pair of NASCAR Sprint Cup Ford Fusions, each weighing 3,450 pounds, plus additional weight to reach maximum capacity. The truck and trailer ran for 24 hours, stopping only for fuel, driver changes, to check temperatures, inspect truck tires and replace trailer tires.

The EcoBoost powered the truck and fully loaded trailer to top speeds approaching 100 mph on the straightaways, with average lap speeds above 80 mph. The engine utilized its maximum horsepower of 365 and its maximum best-in-class torque of 420 lb.-ft. several times each lap – with regular 87 octane fuel.

Consider that last year’s pole speed for the season-ending Ford 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Homestead-Miami Speedway was about 174 mph. The 2011 F-150 EcoBoost pushed to near 100 mph with a truck and trailer combined weight that is more than three times heavier than a Sprint Cup car.

While at Homestead-Miami Speedway, the 2011 F-150 EcoBoost:

Turned 1,061 laps
Compiled 1,606 miles
Had a fast lap of 99 mph
Averaged 82 mph
“The engine and the truck performed flawlessly,” said Eric Kuehn, chief engineer of the 2011 Ford F-150. “These demonstrations reinforce that every engine we put under the hood of a Ford F-Series has to pass all of our Built Ford Tough testing – and pass it readily.”

Of particular importance to maximum towing customers is the performance of the stock turbochargers and cooling systems tested during this demonstration.

“The twin turbochargers were pushed to the absolute limit multiple times every single lap with no problems whatsoever,” said Kuehn. “The stock cooling systems were outstanding as well. The engine coolant, transmission temperatures and oil temperatures ran at or below where we expected throughout the entire test.”

Trailer sway control helps keep maximum load under control
In addition to demonstrating the performance of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost, the Homestead-Miami track also proved to be a showcase for standard trailer sway control. Even with strong wind gusts combined with variable banking of 18 to 20 degrees in the turns, trailer sway control helped keep the maximum load under control.

Trailer sway control works in conjunction with AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) to determine if a trailer is swaying and takes immediate measures to help the driver bring the vehicle and trailer under control. The system is automated and requires no driver interaction.

“The 2011 F-150 EcoBoost tows the most and does it with a trailer sway control system unmatched by anyone else,” said Kuehn. “Pulling an 11,300-pound trailer at 100 mph on steep banking in a strong wind is an extreme condition well beyond what a customer would experience, but the 2011 F-150 EcoBoost handled everything with ease.”

The 2011 F-150 EcoBoost will be available in early 2011.

 

I love it, I swear I do, Let's Go Ford

 

Im curious. Do all of you guys really think this was a test of its limits? While I have never tried a test like this nor will I ever attempt such. How much of a strain is it really to mash the pedal and keep a constant speed on an oval race track. Why not test this in the hills of colorado or some other state that would actually present a challenge like constant stop and starts and massive hill climbs and descents. Not doubting the eco boost just asking a simple question.

 

I believe thats the next video and its against chevy and dodge

 

I would like to the see what the mpg's were during this. That would be a real life scenario. We may not be able to blow it up but if you get 10 mpg's while towing then whats the point.

 

Real world testing is going to be the judge on this truck IMO

 

Personally, I would regard the unloaded/non towing real world MPG achieved as more important than towing/loaded MPG as thats what most of us are doing most of the time. They report 29 mpg in testing with customers on MPG trial loops. Will be interesting to see what it gets when released mainstream. We'll see how things pan out. Looks promising though.

 

You read my mind and I was going to post the exact same comments.
Not knocking the truck but if they think driving around a (flat) oval track at constant speed (and at sea level) is a "real world" test I don't buy it. Bring it out here to Colorado and drive it in normal driving conditions then report back.
Driving in a flat circle doesn't prove anything. Once you get that mass going on a flat surface it's not that difficult to keep it going. Trow some stop and go and some hills in there and see how it does.


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When you put out new technology, you'll want to make baby steps in testing it. This is the motor they did the dyno test with, and they tok it 1,606 miles in a loop. This is a real world test which replicates highway driving minus stops and hills. It tests the truck's ability to keep cool and keep performing. We all know Ford, they have been good on testing everything and anything they miss, you know Motor Trend, Car and Driver, Inside Line, etc will do unbiased testing. Again, this is a first of many tests, gotta take it a step at a time.

And you gotta consider this. They're towing 11,300lbs in a half ton. Anyone who tows knows that you're much safer towing no more than 8,000lbs in a half ton anyway. Give it time, Ford will do more and better testing. If they don't impress, then they will certainly please.

 

I think what you guys fail to realize is that full throttle acceleration at maximum capacities at hi speeds is the worst "loading" condition. It demands the most the drivetrain can possibly muster and with a turbo engine, repeated max throttle conditions is extreme torture due to the tremendous heat created. What I will agree with is that at high speeds more air is passing through the radiators compared to a Colorado mountain condition. Keep in mind that Ford wanted to create some buzz and have a test in a safe controlled environment. They can replicate virtually any real world condition on a dyno if they wanted to.

What i would love to know is how this baby holds up after a few over-due oil changes, crusty radiators, and a crappy parking brake that won't release under max load!!

 

Is it just me or has that truck sounded more like a v8 in each video??

 

A good test of towing capability would be towing west over the Twin Sisters heading from Flaming Gorge to Evingston Wyoming against a 30 MPH head wind. I did this with my 2002 F150 towing a 26 ft Trophy fishing boat following my buddy who was in his Dodge Cummings diesel towing a fifth wheel trailer. Out of overdrive mode of course, pedal to the floor, I could only muster around 50 max, but the Dodge wasn't much better off. Temp never budged from the spot it is in all the time when warm. I have only done that twice, but if they wanted to test that engine, they should try that ever day for a few months. The Sisters are legendary to campers and fishermen here in Utah who like to spend weekends at the Gorge. They will put the towing capability of a truck to the test every time. I've got almost 100,000 on my 02 FX4 and the motor and transmission work flawlessly. I always use Amsoil in both, don't know for sure that it matters, but I believe it does.

I've always been a chevy guy until I bought this truck barley used with 9000 miles in 03. I got a deal I couldn't pass up on it. Only gripe I have with it is the front brake calipers. In bad snowy weather the rods the calipers slid on get moisture and crap inside the rubber boots that are supposed to protect them and corrode and freeze up causing uneven wear and rotor warping. Needless to say, keeping them greased up is a must.