2021 Ford F150 To Be Powered By New 4.8-Liter V-8

When the 2021 model year dawns in a little more than a year, the Ford F150 will sport a new powerplant. For years, the pickup series has used the 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 for power. However, when the upcoming 14th generation appears, it will sport a new engine. A newly developed 4.8-liter V-8 will power the next-gen Ford F150.

2021 Ford F150 Engine Under Development Since 2016

The new engine has reportedly been under development since 2016. At that time, Ford was making its decisions about its Windsor, Ontario engine line. The automaker decided to spend about $47 million on the new engine as it added capacity. The investment was for a more efficient V-8 for the pickup line.

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Interestingly, after the engine made the news, it was as if there was a blackout clamped on its development. Except for the confirmation that a new V-8 was under construction to replace the F150’s 5.0-liter Coyote V-8, there was very little news out of Windsor regarding the 4.8-liter V-8. According to The Ford Authority, Ford plans to use the new engine in place of the current 5.0-liter V-8, It will be standard on the Ford F150 King Ranch and Platinum. It will be an option on the XL, XLT, and Lariat price levels. For those who may be wondering, neither the F150 Raptor nor the F150 Limited models will receive the new powerplant. Those two models are available with only Ford’s high-output version of the 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6, rated at up to 450 horsepower with up to 510 foot-pounds of torque. New Small Ford Bronco Juggles Names

Since the current V-8 turns out 395 horsepower and 400 pounds-feet of torque, it is quite likely that the upcoming 4.8-liter engine will offer better peak performance and torque. However, because the engine is smaller than the current mill, the new engine will likely be more fuel-efficient. Fuel economy for the Coyote V-8 runs up to 23 mpg, highway, 17 mpg, city, and 18 mpg, combined. The economy figures for the current engine depend on the drivetrain. The mileage figures apply only to F150s with rear-wheel-drive.

Ford F150 Engine Has Some Interesting Features

The current 5.0-liter V-8 has a couple of great features. For example, it offers independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) and direct injection. Also, the Coyote engine is the heart of the CNG/Propane gaseous Engine Prep package. This package lets the V-8 run on compressed natural gas.

Though the following numbers aren’t official, reports indicate that the new naturally-aspirated 4.8-liter V-8 will turn out about 420 horsepower and around 420 pounds-feet of torque for the 2021 Ford F150. Likely, the engine will also support advanced direct injection. The 4.8-liter powerplant will also feature a four-valve, dual overhead cam design. Ford’s 10-speed automatic will handle the shifting chores.

Marc Stern has been an automotive writer/columnist/editor/professional for more than 45 years. He began writing a weekly column “You Auto Know” in 1971 and continued writing it for 32 years. Now, semi-retired, Marc spends his time finding pieces for Torque News as the Volkswagen – and subsidiary – reporter, as well as pieces on pickups and SUVs. He has also been known to write a race report or two. Also, he covers more generalized auto news pieces as well. Marc has also written for the Examiner.com, Fixya.com, Gearheads.org and others, including some smallish publications -- Popular Mechanics, Mechanics Illustrated, AutoWeek, Automotive News, and Automotive Age. You can follow Marc on Facebook and Twitter.