Diesel Bombers - Report: Ford unveils gas-fueled F-650

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Medium-duty truck buyers looking to purchase a Ford F-650 can currently expect to pay at least $57,000. A big reason for the high price of entry is Ford's effective but expensive 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine. According to PickupTrucks.com, a new lower-cost solution is apparently on the way. The website reports that Ford plans to offer a 362-horsepower, 457 pound-feet of torque 6.8-liter V8. The engine, which used to be available in the Super Duty, will reportedly drop the base price by up to $8,000 while offering fuel economy within about 10 percent of the diesel. Ford is hoping to hit that lofty figure with the help of the 6R140 six-speed transmission that currently changes gears for the 6.7-liter diesel.

A cost savings of $8,000 is significant, but what good is a medium-duty truck if you can't tow? That won't be a problem for the gas-powered F-650, as Ford promises a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 30,000 pounds and a Max Gross Combined Rating of 33,000 lbs. The 6.8-liter V8-packing F-650 will be available early in 2012.

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