Ford Engines - please help educate me (2.7l vs. 3.0)
 

Set up / Context:

After browsing the specs for the 2020 Ford Explorer, I found the ST and Platinum versions have a 3.0l Twin Turbo option (similar to the Lincoln Aviator)

the specs differ slightly, with 365hp / 380tq for the Platinum and; 400hp / 415tq for the ST.

This engine differs from the 2.7l Eco we find in our F150s in that the block is cast aluminum.

Question:

With 325hp/ 400tq available in the 2.7l....why build a completely new engine/block? To the lay person, this seems like a huge overlap; and, unnecesssary. What am I missing?

Just my 2c but I'm guessing the 3.0 with an aluminum block is not quite as heavy duty as the 2.7 liter? Or maybe they just wanted to spread out the development costs as the Lincoln was the only one with the 3.0TT initially? Either way I'd love to take an Explorer ST for a spin! :engine:

I honestly wonder if Ford will consolidate and drop the 2.7 at some point... however, the 3.0 is so close in numbers to the 3.5 that it wouldn't be marketing smart.

My wife has a 2017 Explorer Sport with the 3.5EB (which is detuned since it's transverse and has the fragile PTU) and it's a rocket. Reports from the Michigan State Police testing say the 2020 Explorer with the 3.0 is insane.

Where did you read the explorer engine 3.0 is a aluminum block?

the new 3.0 ecoboost that debuted in the lincoln continental is a CGI block and is the 2.7L Nano derivative.

When you look on the ford webpage for the Explorer, or look up the continential etc - note they never say the engine is AL.

As far as I know - the newer 3.0L ecoboost is a CGI block and is a modified 2.7L.

Here's hoping that 3.0L TT makes it into the next gen Ranger Raptor and we can actually buy one. Probably just wishful thinking...

Considering the 2.7 is probably the best engine in the F150, I would be surprised. I guess if they were only going to offer one engine then the 3.0 might make sense.

The Platinum and ST HP figures are only different in that one is rated on 87 octane while the other is on 93(just like the lower trim Expedition vs Expedition Plati)

Put 93 in a the plati Explorer and I bet you make the same power.

As to why they make a 2.7 and 3.0, well, idk. I kinda wonder if we will see an F150 Hybrid with the 3.0 similar to the 2020 Lincoln Aviator. They already spotted an F150 test mule in the wild with independent rear suspension. My guess is they have something in the works for an uber F150 pimp sled.

A quick guess would be the 3.0, which is bored out a bit, is designed for increased HP. The 2.7 was intended as a truck engine and has great torque, with good HP. The 3.0 has notably higher HP, with similar torque figures to the 2.7. HP numbers are important marketing tools in CAR/SUV wars, even if most people driving them would never notice the difference (torque makes a vehicle feel fast).

This should absolutely be the truck's name.

"Cool truck bro, is that a Platinum?"
<adjust hat with feather>
"No, that's a 2020 F150 Uber Pimp Sled edition."

It states on Ford's web site under specs/engines the 3.0 ecoboost has cast aluminum block and heads with direct injection. Doesn't have the dual port and direct injection like the 3.5 eco.