Engineer9860 wrote:
Around town, and on acceleration the lighter weight will help.
Once at speed aerodynamics become a larger factor. To get 20% better fuel mileage at speed they will need to reduce the truck's aerodynamic profile. (smaller body dimensions)
The 2.7L engine is not going to be a tow hoss, so buyers will have to choose between a fuel sipper, or a truck that is work capable.
Interesting point about the fuel economy benefits of reducing wind drag vs. reducing curb weight, especially at higher speeds (above 45 MPH?).
Makes sense that reducing curb weight would help fuel economy in city, stop & go driving. It certainly takes extra fuel to get that extra weight moving everytime you start accelerating from a dead stop--not as much of an issue once you get up to speed. From personal experience, just adding 15-20 lbs. to each axle with heavier wheels and tires (i.e., going from D to E load rating) can kill MPG's to the tune of 2-3 MPG. Of course this is rolling, dynamic weight which is very different from static weight on the chassis or cab.
When I tow a jetski and trailer with my 1/2 ton V8, approx. 1100 lbs. gross, which has some wind resistance (very streamlined and low), I lose about 1 - 1.5 MPG at 75 mph. With this in mind, not sure reducing curb weight 700 lbs. (Ford's estimate) is gonna give 3-4 MPG (20%) better mileage on the highway. Maybe I'm missing something.
Just thinking out loud here . . .
