Source: SEMA Sources tell photographer Brenda Priddy that Ford continues to make good progress testing its upcoming 6.7L V8 diesel engine, designed and built in-house. The new engine, codenamed Scorpion, will replace the Navistar-sourced 6.4L V8 Power Stroke diesel engine in Ford's heavy-duty pickups by 2011. The latest power targets are said to be more than 390 horsepower and 720 lb.-ft. torque. Ford's current Power Stroke diesel is rated at 350 hp and 650 lb.-ft. Scorpion fuel economy is expected to improve by 3 MPG or more compared to the current Power Stroke, aided by the same new six-speed automatic transmission slated for the 2009 Ford F-150. How important is this motor? The move is expected to permanently end Ford's longtime use of Navistar-built diesel engines in its heavy-duty pickups, due to an ongoing legal battle between the two companies over warranty and cost issues related to the old 6.0L V8 Power Stroke (model years 2003–2007). Ford has used Navistar diesels in its F-Series trucks since 1982. It's not yet known if the Scorpion will continue to use the Power Stroke name or if Ford will create a brand-new label for the engine.
