The 2011 Ford F-150 now has more exciting engine choices than at any other time in the storied truck's history. But as much as we're looking forward to rocking the new 411-horsepower 6.2-liter V8, the 360-hp 5.0-liter V8 or the 300-hp 3.7-liter V6, the top of-the-line EcoBoost V6 has us the most excited. The reason? Ford keeps taunting us with tales of terrific torque curves and class-leading fuel economy.

While The Blue Oval is still playing coy on fuel economy, we've finally got official word on the power tip. The twin-turbo 3.5-liter will churn out 365 ponies, a figure that's great, but not terribly unexpected in a full-size pickup. The bigger story is the mill's promised 420 pound-feet of torque at 2,500 rpm. That lofty figure is more than General Motors or Chrysler can deliver with their light duty pickups, but not quite enough to out-twist the 434 lb-ft. from Ford's new 6.2-liter V8. But while the 6.2 has stronger numbers all around, the EcoBoost 3.5 can hold its twist longer, with 90 percent of peak power is available from 1,700 rpm all the way to 5,000 rpm.

The EcoBoost 3.5's power figures translate into the ability to tow a best-in-class 11,300 pounds or haul a payload of 3,060 pounds. Impressive stuff, indeed, but we'll only be blown away if the twin-turbo mill can also manage best in-class fuel economy. After all, EcoBoost variants will likely command a significant price increase over what appears to be a very capable new 5.0-liter V8. The EcoBoost 3.5 will become available early in 2011. Hit the jump to check out the official Ford press release.


Gallery: 2011 Ford F-150 engines





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