News concerning Ford's future engines, including the 5.0!

PickupTrucks.com is reporting that by the end of 2010, Ford will alter the three engine options that currently make up the engine choices in the F-150. What is coming in time for the 2011 model year will be a new 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and a 5.0-liter V8 code-named "Coyote."



Subbing the V6 EcoBoost for the V8 is about providing the same power with more efficiency. Said to be the premium engine for light-duty trucks, the direct-injection gas engine will offer something like 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque while carrying an EPA rating of "at least 23 miles-per-gallon on the highway." Those power numbers handily beat what you'll get from any of the current engines on offer, even though it's down two cylinders.



The "Coyote" 5.0-liter, modular, four-valve V8 will have "huge heads," and will return the same numbers as the V6: 400 hp and 400 lb-ft. This engine will become the standard F-150 lump, returning the same gas mileage as the current 5.4-liter but with much more power. This same engine will also reportedly find its way into the Mustang. That will leave the 6.2-liter V8 (the Boss) slated for the Raptor later this year as last engine choice (unless there's a 4-cylinder EcoBoost added in 2013), and it will go into special edition F-150s and the Super Duty trucks.



[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Performance West Group Ford F-350 Striker to debut at SEMA

In stock form, the Ford F-350 is a formidable sight. It looks much like a freight train coming down the highway, both in size and looks. It's the perfect platform for excess.



Enter the F-350 Striker, a heavily fortified show truck version of the F-350 created by the mad scientists at Performance West Group which will make it's debut at SEMA. Part truck and part Mustang GT500KR, the Striker will be intimidating other, lesser vehicles at the show.



Gale Banks is tuning the PowerStroke V8 engine above its 350 hp and 650 lb-ft. Hulst Customs is fabricating the bodywork. American Lightweight will be providing the aluminum 24" wheels. Katzkin Leather and Sony are doing duty inside to make sure you enjoy what will surely be a monster system in beauteous comfort.



The truck will then be covered in Striker Silver and Badass Blue before being set loose. Even if the thought of fueling the thing up scares you more than seeing it behind you on the highway, the Striker would make a nice driveway conversation piece.