The 2010 Ford F-150 diesel was caught under-going gruelling testing in Death Valley, CA and spy photographers were able to get detailed shots confirming that the prototype is indeed carrying a diesel engine.
Inside the cabin, a "Diesel Fuel Only" warning sticker sits below the redesigned gauge cluster, warning drivers not to fuel with petrol.
A quick look inside the F-150's fuel door revealed a urea fill port alongside the regular diesel fuel port. The urea port will allow use of an aqueous urea, which acts as a selective catalytic reducer, allowing the new F-150 diesel to meet emissions requirements. The urea tank is sized to be filled at the F-150's regular oil change intervals. A Powerstroke labeled engine cover makes it pretty clear that Ford will carry over its brand name from the heavy-duty diesel engine.
Fitted with a 4.4 litre V8, sources say the 2010 F-150 diesel will benefit from a 9% increase in power and a 15% increase in torque, while delivering a 20% increase in fuel economy when compared to Ford's current 5.4 litre V8 petrol engine. Expect the Expedition SUV to be carrying the same diesel engine in 2010.
The facelifted F-150 pick-up will go on sale in the U.S, late 2008 with the diesel engine on sale in late 2009, marketed as a 2010 model.