click image for a high-res view of the ROUSH F-150 LPI and some of its components
Though mentioning ROUSH usually conjures up images of high-performance Mustangs, the company that Jack built is embarking down a different path with the introduction of a Ford F-150 that runs solely on propane. The ROUSH F-150 LPI (Liquid Propane Injection) starts as a $6,5000 option with a standard 20-gallon fuel tank, though an optional in-bed 50-gallon tank is available for those who need a larger range. ROUSH claims the system, based on the 5.4L Triton V8 engine, will produce the same horsepower and torque as its gas counterpart. While propane-powered vehicles traditionally get lower fuel economy, they produce 30 to 90 percent less carbon monoxide and 50 percent fewer other toxic emissions according to the National Propane Gas Association. Propane is also the cheapest fuel alternative to gasoline you're goine to find, and there's already an infrastructure in this country to deliver it. ROUSH developed the truck in 14 months, which is a testament to the speed at which an OEM can move when it's not as large and lumbering as one of the traditional automakers.
[Source: ROUSH]
Though mentioning ROUSH usually conjures up images of high-performance Mustangs, the company that Jack built is embarking down a different path with the introduction of a Ford F-150 that runs solely on propane. The ROUSH F-150 LPI (Liquid Propane Injection) starts as a $6,5000 option with a standard 20-gallon fuel tank, though an optional in-bed 50-gallon tank is available for those who need a larger range. ROUSH claims the system, based on the 5.4L Triton V8 engine, will produce the same horsepower and torque as its gas counterpart. While propane-powered vehicles traditionally get lower fuel economy, they produce 30 to 90 percent less carbon monoxide and 50 percent fewer other toxic emissions according to the National Propane Gas Association. Propane is also the cheapest fuel alternative to gasoline you're goine to find, and there's already an infrastructure in this country to deliver it. ROUSH developed the truck in 14 months, which is a testament to the speed at which an OEM can move when it's not as large and lumbering as one of the traditional automakers.
[Source: ROUSH]
PRESS RELEASE:
ROUSH INTRODUCES DEDICATED PROPANE-POWERED F-150 PICKUP TRUCK
LIVONIA, Mich., April 13, 2007 – Roush introduces the first dedicated propane-powered F-150 pickup truck using an advanced liquid propane injection (LPI™) system. The Roush F-150 LPI™ is designed and manufactured to operate solely on propane while providing the same horsepower, torque and drivability of an F-150 equipped with a gasoline-powered 5.4-liter, 3-valve Triton™ V-8 engine.
Roush will begin taking orders for the propane-powered F-150 immediately. The truck can be ordered, delivered and serviced through a nationwide network of select Ford dealers. Offered as a 2007.5 model year vehicle, it is the only propane-powered light-duty truck available from an original equipment manufacturer this year.
The Roush F-150 is available in Regular Cab, SuperCab and SuperCrew cab styles with XL or XLT trim and the full range of bed lengths. The LPI™ option includes dedicated propane fuel lines, fuel rail assembly and fuel tank. Additionally, the vehicle's OEM computer has been re-calibrated to provide optimum performance and fuel economy.
The base LPI™ option is $6,500 and includes a unique 20 gallon toroidal fuel tank, mounted in place of the underbody spare tire. For customers in need of increased range, a 50 gallon, in-bed fuel tank is available as an additional option.
The Roush F-150 LPI™ will be introduced at the NPGA Southeastern Convention and International Expo in Atlanta, Georgia. The conference runs April 14-17 and is the largest propane industry conference in the United States.
"Aside from its superb engineering, this vehicle is right here, right now! It is an alternative fuel vehicle that has an established refueling infrastructure to support it," says Tom Arnold, director, alternative fuel products for Roush. "This vehicle will have a positive impact on reducing emissions and our dependency on foreign oil."
The LPI™ fuel rail assembly is made up of two billet aluminum propane injection fuel rails, an insulated cross-over, a combined pressure/temperature sensor, and a service port that provides data to the engines' computer allowing for more precise fuel control at the intake port. Roush uses fuel injection and fuel storage systems supplied by CleanFUEL USA and ICOM, Italy. LPI™ is a registered trademark of CleanFUEL USA.
The standard toroidal fuel tank and optional in-bed fuel tank include a special high flow fuel pump, dual filters, and the required control valves needed to run the engine. The tank also contains the fuel sender and electronic auto stop fill system. Fueling is done through the fuel filler door, and an automatic stop fill device prevents overfilling. This will allow the vehicle to be filled without using the "bleeder" system that vents propane vapors during filling. Fuel is also filtered prior to entering the tank.
Vehicle start is controlled by a "one-touch" system, where the engine controls take over from the driver to provide the fastest possible start with the lowest emissions. The OEM engine control is used with unique calibration values to suit the changes in properties from gasoline to propane.
The maintenance schedule for the Roush F-150 LPI™ is similar to that of a gasoline engine schedule with no special oils or change intervals required.
The Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) awarded the contract to Roush in February 2006, and Roush designed, manufactured and brought the truck to market in only 14 months. "Roush has an unparalleled reputation for technical expertise, quality and value," says Brian Feehan, managing director of engine fuel programs for PERC. "It is because of this expertise and experience that we chose Roush to develop this vehicle." For more information or to order a Roush F-150 propane-powered truck, call 1-800-59ROUSH or visit www.propanetruck.us.
About Roush Industries
Roush Industries is a full-service engineering supplier headquartered in the Detroit suburb of Livonia, Michigan. Roush has more than 2,500 employees in more than 50 facilities located throughout North America, Mexico, Europe, and the Far East. Widely recognized for providing engineering, testing, prototype development, and manufacturing services to the transportation industry, Roush also provides significant support to the automotive aftermarket, aviation, electronic, consumer product, and motorsports industries. For more information visit www.roushind.com.
About the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC)
The Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) is dedicated to promoting the safe, efficient use of odorized propane as a preferred energy source. Through the Council, the propane industry has committed itself to improving consumer and employee safety, to fund research and development of new and more efficient propane equipment, and to expand public awareness of propane and its many uses and environmental advantages. For more information visit www.propanecouncil.org.
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