Yes I have seen that article and it still cracks me up that Ford's uber-complicated transmission/ecu setup is so difficult to manage it can't even dyno properly. Because a small displacement engine even when turbocharged can't make good low end power, it has to slip the torque converter, dump a ton of fuel into the engine, create as much exhaust pressure as possible and get those turbos spooled as soon as possible. None of this is possible without a ton of extra sensors, mechanical/electronic components, wasted fuel and the hope that it all works! Way too much that can go wrong.
I'm not saying the Ecoboost doesn't perform but this whole thread is about unneccesary things on modern trucks and that F150 Ecoboost is a perfect example. It has all this extra stuff that can break yet performs similarly to much simplier long running basic V8's. Also, the HEMI doesn't just make more HP at 5k, it makes more at lower rpms too!
I don't need turbos, direct injection, an active torque converter, high pressure fuel pumps, etc... Just a good ole proven pushrod V8 with the same basic fuel delivery, ignition, exhaust and intake system used for over 10 years still getting it done at the top.
You don't need 400lb.ft for 99% of a trucks duties so to say a HEMI will constantly be at 5600 rpms is just plain ignorant. I know I've never seen over 3000 while towing and have no doubt I've towed more with that truck than you have with that Ecoboost and I bet I got better fuel mileage towing too! :laughing:
Most of them, manufacturers will remove all the accessories including the water pump and alternator just to get 1 more HP. It's far from accurate.
Anyways, back to useless stuff of modern trucks...