Ford Motor Company will be upgrading its 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbocharged diesel powering the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty to 800 pounds-feet of torque and 400 horsepower
, said Barb Samardzich, vice president of powertrain engineering.

"These numbers are impressive, yes, but that is not why they matter," Samardzich said. "The higher torque means that fleet operators, such as Florida Power & Light, can plow through deep swamps and get to downed power lines faster and more confidently. It means that oil and gas crews in the Northwest can tow up an 8,000-foot grade maintaining a steady speed and using less fuel."

Ford will provide the power upgrades free of charge to all current owners of a 2011 Super Duty diesel pickup. Customers will receive letters explaining the procedure, a 30-minute software adjustment to the truck's powertrain control module, and inviting them to visit their dealerships for the upgrade.

The upgrade program will begin by Aug. 31 and continue for the next 12 months. The 2011 Super Duty diesel pickups in dealer inventory will receive the upgrade as well.

Benefits of the new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbocharged diesel engine include:

* Use of a compacted graphite iron (CGI) engine block in a Super Duty-class vehicle in North America. The block structure was optimized for reduced weight and maximum strength to meet the demands of higher torque and horsepower.

* Unique inboard exhaust and outboard intake architecture, which reduces overall exhaust system volume and leads to better throttle response for the customer; additionally, reduced exhaust system surface area minimizes heat transfer to the engine compartment and improves noise, vibration, and harshness performance.

* The new engine architecture enables easier service work for all major engine components, potentially reducing downtime.

* The turbocharger features a dual-sided compressor wheel that works in a single housing.

* The high-pressure fuel system injects fuel at more than 29,000 psi.

* Aluminum cylinder heads for reduced weight; the mid-deck construction with dual water jackets provides increased strength and optimal cooling; also, six head bolts, instead of four as found on other engines, help improve sealing and maintain cylinder integrity.

* Compatible up to B20 fuel.

Fuel economy is expected to improve at least another 2 percent, Ford says.

More info: www.ford.com