Ford has given a critical future-engine programme code-named ‘Hurricane’ the green light following at least two years of on-again-off-again deliberation over whether to produce the beefed-up engine, according to Dow Jones.
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Ford, currently restructuring of its struggling North American vehicle operations, is developing the V8 engine capable of competing with the popular ‘Hemi’ V8 made by Chrysler Group, multiple sources at Ford told the news agency.
Citing one source, the report said Ford will have the new engine in its lineup by the time the redesigned version of its best-selling F-Series large pickup truck hits the market in late 2008 as a 2009 model year vehicle. The engine will be built in Romeo, Michigan, according to a separate source, and Ford is in talks with parts suppliers.
Other reports said the engine had originally been axed to reduce costs but was now seen as providing an attractive new engine for the next series that could also be used in powerful and sporty versions of other Ford vehicle lines.
