Producing an all new powertrain

Ford and International each revamped a plant to build a new powertrain for Ford's super-duty trucks and Excursion sport utility vehicle.

An overhauled transmission plant and a redesigned engine assembly facility provide the production staples for an all-new powertrain launching mid-2003 model year in Ford Motor Co.'s F-Series Super Duty trucks (F-250 and F-350) and Excursion sport utility vehicle.

To prepare for the new product, diesel engine manufacturer International Truck and Engine Corp. modified its 1.1 million ft² Indianapolis Engine Plant with an all-new assembly line, block line, and cylinder line. The $300 million-plus investment emphasized quality-check improvements throughout the manufacturing process for production of electronically controlled, turbo-charged, 6.0-L Power Stroke Diesel V8 engines capable of producing 325 hp (242 kW) at 3300 rpm and 560 lb·ft (760 N·m) at 2000 rpm.