Start-Stop

All turbocharged 2017 Ford F-150s to get start-stop standard

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Ford announced Thursday that start-stop technology will be fitted as standard equipment to every turbocharged F-150 for model-year 2017, including the new SVT Raptor.

It's worth noting that the Blue Oval is not the first truck manufacturer to apply start-stop to its pickups – Ram has sold a 1500 HFE with the tech for years. In fact, it's not even the first time the F-150 has been offered with the fuel-saving system. It's sold on 2.7-liter EcoBoost versions of the MY2016 truck. By selling it as standard equipment on all EcoBoost trucks, Ford will boost the fuel economy of approximately 60 percent of the F-Series it sells.

"We haven't completed 2017 F-150 fuel economy certification with the EPA, and that is required before we can share final numbers," Ford's Jessica Enoch told Autoblog. "Auto Start-Stop does save fuel in stop-and-go city driving scenarios."

And she's right, start-stop systems are generally good for around a five-percent gain in fuel economy, though that can vary. That being said, the effects of start-stop systems aren't included in EPA estimates, so we wouldn't expect huge changes from the 2016 F-150's figures.

Even with the new system in place, owners that actually use their trucks for work won't be interrupted by engine shutdowns. Switch the truck over to tow mode or into four-wheel-drive (if equipped), and start-stop is automatically turned off, providing uninterrupted engine power.

The next obvious question about the 3.5-liter EcoBoost's new start-stop system focuses on the other vehicles that use the same basic engine. A version of the engine it is offered in the Explorer, Flex, and Taurus SHO, but Ford wouldn't talk about anything but the F-Series. Start-stop has proliferated throughout the brand's turbocharged range, though, so it's not so much a matter of if it will be offered on the large trio, but when.

Check out the official release down below.

AutoBlog

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PRESS RELEASE

JAN 21, 2016 | DEARBORN, MICH.

FORD GAS-SAVING AUTO START-STOP TECHNOLOGY TO BE STANDARD ACROSS ENTIRE 2017 ECOBOOST-EQUIPPED F-150 LINEUP
Auto Start-Stop to be standard across 100 percent of EcoBoost®-equipped 2017 Ford F-150 lineup, including all-new F-150 Raptor; technology could represent more than 60 percent of truck's sales
F-150 Auto Start-Stop technology is specially tuned for truck customers, shutting off the engine when the vehicle is at a stop – except when towing or in four-wheel-drive mode
With best-in-class towing, payload and EPA-estimated gas mileage for 2016, F-150 continues to change the game in capability and fuel efficiency

Ford, America's truck leader, continues to set the pace of innovation among full-size trucks with the expansion of Auto Start-Stop technology across the entire lineup of EcoBoost®-equipped 2017 F-150 pickups.

The 2016 F-150 with 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine comes standard with Auto Start-Stop. That offering continues for 2017, with the addition of the technology as standard equipment for all 3.5-liter EcoBoost engines including the all-new high-output version for F-150 Raptor.

At the rate EcoBoost is growing, fuel-saving Auto Start-Stop could represent more than 60 percent of the truck lineup – giving F-150 the highest number of Ford nameplates offering standard Auto Start-Stop technology.

"EcoBoost already powers F-150's best-in-class towing," said Doug Scott, Ford truck group marketing manager. "Now, with every EcoBoost-equipped F-150 mildly electrified with standard Auto Start-Stop technology, customers' fuel efficiency is expected to improve as well."

Specially tuned for truck customers, Auto Start-Stop shuts off the engine when the vehicle is at a stop – except when towing or in four-wheel-drive mode – to give drivers power on demand when they need it most. When the brake is released, the engine restarts quickly.

Auto Start-Stop for F-150 benefits from Ford's hybrid electric vehicle expertise, helping ensure smooth and refined engine restarts.

Actual fuel savings vary depending on driving patterns. The technology also contributes to a reduction in CO2 emissions due to decreased idle times.

The following Ford vehicles are available with Auto Start-Stop:

Focus 1.0-liter EcoBoost
Fusion 1.5-liter EcoBoost
Edge 2.0-liter twin-scroll EcoBoost
2017 Escape 1.5-liter EcoBoost, 2.0-liter twin-scroll EcoBoost
F-150 2.7-liter EcoBoost; 2017 F-150 2.7-liter EcoBoost, 3.5-liter EcoBoost, high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost

I greatly question how much this will help.

It will help sell tons of starters. That seems like it would be maddening in rush hour traffic.

Many manufacturers offer it on vehicles today and have done so for a few years now. Most of them the transition is seamless. I wouldn't expect any less here.

Toyota and VW have been playing with this technology for decades.

Might give slight fuel economy but probably will add cost related to functionality keeping accessories like a/c running when engine is off. Wonder if it requires a larger battery.