In previous TDR magazines, I have touted that the 6.7-liter Cummins engine that was introduced in January of 2007 is already 2010 emissions compliant.  The proven Dodge/Cummins powertrain gives the truck an  advantage over the competitive Ford and GM products.

Back in Issue 64, we wrote about the Ford and Navistar divorce that was reported in January of 2009.  January, 2009 . . . only a year away from the 2010 truck introduction.  What would Ford have to offer for 2010?

News from the 08/31/09 issue of Automotive News gives us some insights.  Reporter Richard Truett writes, "Ford Diesel Tries, Quietly, to Silence Predecessor's Quality Issue."

I laughed out loud at the title and wondered how it was that Ford was successful in selling the previous truck with the Navistar engine.  Did the prospective owner not know about the 6.0-liter and 6.4-liter Navistar problems?

On the other hand, the loyal Ford owner could point to the GM's and Chrysler's bankruptcy fiascos and wonder why one would purchase a truck from a company that has an uncertain future.  Yet again, how secure is Ford?  I digress.  I looked in the mirror and the laughter subsided.

Back to the Richard Truett report.  Truett writes, "The first thing you notice about Ford Motor Co.'s new 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel truck engine is how quiet it is. Standing next to it, you wouldn't know it was a diesel unless someone said so.

"The engine debuts early next year in Ford's revamped line of Super Duty pickups. Ford won't talk about horsepower and torque until the Texas State Fair on Sept. 24. But auto writers recently got a preview.

"The engine is important. Ford lost customers because of quality problems with the current diesel, which is supplied by International Truck and Engine Corp. Ford produces the new diesel itself.

"Ford engineers designed the new Power Stroke with various innovations:

- Fast-acting piezo fuel injectors supplied by Bosch deliver as many as five shots of fuel per piston stroke. This nearly eliminates the familiar diesel clatter, improves performance and cuts emissions.

- Aluminum cylinder heads with inward-facing exhaust ports reduce noise.

- A single, sequential turbocharger with twin impellers delivers performance at low and high engine speeds, reducing turbo lag. The turbocharger, made by Honeywell, is mounted in the "V" between the cylinder heads.

- A block made of lightweight compact graphite iron helps cut 160 pounds of weight compared with the outgoing 6.4-liter International diesel block. Ford buys the block from Tupy SA, of Brazil.

- A urea injection system, also from Bosch, helps neutralize emissions of oxides of nitrogen. It's the first Detroit 3 engine to use urea. The chemical will be available at Ford dealerships, truck stops and auto parts stores. The urea tank must be refilled every 7,500 miles.

"The engine is designed to last 300,000 miles without major service, says Adam Gryglak, the Power Stroke's lead engineer.

"It has been in development for four years. It will be built in Chihuahua, Mexico.

"The diesel is one of Ford's most expensive options. The current base F-250 Super Duty starts at $26,275 including delivery. The diesel engine package adds $9,325, which includes a bigger engine cooling system, a stronger transmission and bigger brakes.

"Ford says 60 percent of Super Duty F-series pickups are sold with Power Stroke engines, or about 175,000 units last year."

On behalf of the TDR audience, over the past two years I have quizzed industry contacts about Ford's diesel engine for the future.  I am amazed that they have been able to keep stories about the engine's development quiet.  I look forward to the official unveiling of this engine at the Texas State Fair on September 24, 2009.