Ford Trucks has launched its new 12.7-litre Ecotorq GEN2 engine. Designed for the F-Max and F-Line models, the engine is also said to be compatible with 70% of the manufacturer’s trucks. Ford Trucks conducted an extensive test programme with the new engine covering more than 1.5 million kilometres, over 25,000 hours across eight countries. The geographical split of testing locations were chosen to test the engine in a range of different climates and road conditions.
The Euro 6 compliant engine was developed to help operators lower total cost of ownership through improving fuel efficiency and durability so the engine lasts longer than the previous Ecotorq GEN1.5 unit. Efficiency is said to be improved by up to 11.3%.
The new Ecotorq GEN2 is also compatible with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) with no modifications required to run this fuel. HVO is a more environmentally friendly alternative to diesel. While it has the same tailpipe emissions, the production process is less carbon intensive, allowing fleets to immediately reduce their emissions and environmental impact by switching to HVO.
The launch of Ford Trucks’ Ecotorq GEN2 engine coincides with a range of updates to the F-Max series. As well as improvements to the engine’s efficiency, the truck features new aerodynamic equipment to offer further fuel savings. A camera system instead of traditional side mirrors reduces air resistance and Ford Trucks has introduced a new active grille shutter feature.
The F-Max now comes with tyres that use a new pattern to reduce rolling resistance and contribute to additional fuel efficiency gains. Other fuel saving features include lower gear ratios and an overdrive transmission to allow operation at a lower rpm when the truck is driving in the highest gear. Front air suspension has been introduced to improve driving comfort too.
