Ford V-6 beats v-8's in towing competition

[Willl]

I personally would be highly interested in a 1/2 ton diesel. But it doesn't have to be a horsepower war like the big 1-tons. Rather, let it be a MPG war.

I like that idea.

And maybe even a smaller PU class w/ a little 4 bang diesel. :thumbsup:

 

[Ford850]

Interesting numbers.
Auto Sales - Markets Data Center - WSJ.com

Those are great numbers Will. Thanks. There are a lot of good details for all auto sales. And for those who didn't take the time to open the link, Ford does sell more pickups than Chevy and GM combined. I was surprised to see how few GMC's are sold compared to Chevy. I thought they were closer.

 

[JasG]

And considering it will be a smaller engine, it shouldn't cost 6k more. rather something like 3-4k more and I think they would be able to sell like wildfire just from an economy standpoint. To me, a $35,000 diesel 1/2 ton that gets 30+ MPG would be a better buy than say a $32,000 gasser that gets under 20

From what I have read, both Ford and Chevy were going to come out with 1/2 ton diesels about now and started development a few years ago. Both have recently dropped the idea. They where projecting about $6000.00 as what it would cost. Even dropping 4 cylinders from a current V-8 would not cut the price in 1/2. There is a huge cost to develop and test any new engine. The electronics and controls of a modern diesel are light years ahead of gassers now. It's gotten so bad that Caterpillar has dropped out of the trucking market to focus on off road only.

Now if Cat with the brand loyalty they have can't make money on truck engines and needed more time to develop engines, do you really think Ford or anyone is going to produce an engine in the sub $4000.00 dollar range for a 1/2 ton truck? Maybe they can, but I'm not sure it is possible.

 

[Dmace]

From what I have read, both Ford and Chevy were going to come out with 1/2 ton diesels about now and started development a few years ago. Both have recently dropped the idea. They where projecting about $6000.00 as what it would cost. Even dropping 4 cylinders from a current V-8 would not cut the price in 1/2. There is a huge cost to develop and test any new engine. The electronics and controls of a modern diesel are light years ahead of gassers now. It's gotten so bad that Caterpillar has dropped out of the trucking market to focus on off road only.

Now if Cat with the brand loyalty they have can't make money on truck engines and needed more time to develop engines, do you really think Ford or anyone is going to produce an engine in the sub $4000.00 dollar range for a 1/2 ton truck? Maybe they can, but I'm not sure it is possible.

That's why IF there is a half-ton diesel in the US, it will be a Dodge Ram. Cummins already has developed and manufactured small diesel engines for use in light duty trucks. Engines like the 4 cyl 3.8l ISF3.8 making 167hp and 443 lb.ft of torque. I am sure you'll see one within 5 years making that power and returning 25+ mpg in a full size truck.

 

[check]

That's why IF there is a half-ton diesel in the US, it will be a Dodge Ram. Cummins already has developed and manufactured small diesel engines for use in light duty trucks. Engines like the 4 cyl 3.8l ISF3.8 making 167hp and 443 lb.ft of torque. I am sure you'll see one within 5 years making that power and returning 25+ mpg in a full size truck.

Let's hope so - but in a Ford!

 

[canoetrpr]

I would welcome a baby Cummins / Powerstroke / Duramax for upto $4k-5k and 20% better MPG. I drive enough miles for it to pay me back on fuel costs and would appreciate the longevity of a diesel.

 

[Willl]

And for those who didn't take the time to open the link, Ford does sell more pickups than Chevy and GM combined.

Huh ?, I see YTD totals for General Motors @ 1,243,513 and Ford @ 1,109,283

Unless I'm reading it wrong

 

[crazyal]

Actually I think Toyota is best positioned to offer a small Diesel engine since they already make them for other markets.

 

[Eric M]

Huh ?, I see YTD totals for General Motors @ 1,243,513 and Ford @ 1,109,283

Unless I'm reading it wrong

Those numbers are for total light truck sales which would include SUV's and possibly crossovers as well.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I personally would be highly interested in a 1/2 ton diesel. But it doesn't have to be a horsepower war like the big 1-tons. Rather, let it be a MPG war.

My chevy 5.3 half ton does whatever I need it to. But the 16-17MPG sucks.

When they have the ability to make the big diesels push over 700HP and gobs of torque, why not scale that down a bit to a more modest 350HP or so, smaller displacement, and GREAT MPG. If they can make 700HP diesels in 1-tons push 22 MPG or better, there is no reason at all why a smaller displacement less powerful diesel shouldnt be able to do north of 30mpg, and still tow/haul better that the smaller V8 gassers in a half-ton with close to double the mileage.

And considering it will be a smaller engine, it shouldn't cost 6k more. rather something like 3-4k more and I think they would be able to sell like wildfire just from an economy standpoint. To me, a $35,000 diesel 1/2 ton that gets 30+ MPG would be a better buy than say a $32,000 gasser that gets under 20

Currently a diesel in a 3/4 ton truck and up is about a $8000 option or more. So $6000 in a 1/2 ton is going to be the number. Its just too hard to justify.

Chris