Ford has announced the forthcoming release for sale in the USA of its cleanest and quietest ever diesel engine.

The 6.4-litre Power Stroke Diesel engine will include a "low-sulphur diesel fuel and advanced diesel particulate filter" that is expected to offer particulate emissions levels comparable to those of a petrol engine.

The new engine will first be used in the 2008 F-Series Super Duty pickup that is set for release next year.

With displacement of 6.4 litres, the new engine takes a big leap forward from the 6.0-litre V-8 engine that is currently used in a large number of Ford's trucks.

"Clean diesel power will bring even more capability to our new Super Duty pickup – along with a new level of quietness and refinement," explained Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas.

A new diesel particulate filter that regularly cleans itself and removes black smoke from exhaust fumes is also included in the new engine.

When compared to diesel engines which were manufactured ten years ago, new models – such as the type used by Ford – have 80 per cent less particulate emissions, 70 per cent lower nitrogen oxide levels and 15 per cent better fuel consumption levels.

The US Department of Energy has predicted that if clean diesel technology were to infiltrate the US car market by 30 per cent in 2020, there would be a reduction of net crude oil imports by around 350,000 barrels per day.

The new pick-up will be unveiled at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas on September 28th.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd