Ford introduced the next generation 2015 F-150 at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show. There are lots of interesting bits of news, but there is also the fact that the 6.2L V8 will no longer be offered in the light duty F-150. There is no word yet on the next generation SVT Raptor either. If you are saddened by the news of departing 6.2L, you can watch this Part 1 of TFLtruck Ike Gauntlet 6.2L mashup. It’s the 2012 Ford F-250 versus the 2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. Both are Super Crew 4×4 trucks and feature the big V8.
First up is Mr. Truck’s 2012 F-250. This truck has no modifications to its engine or drivetrain, but it does have after market rear air suspension from AutoFlex. The Super Duty 6.2L V8 is slightly detuned for longevity and reliability. It’s still no slouch with 385 hp @5,500 rpm and 405 lb-ft @4,500.
This extreme test is designed to showcase how the trucks cope with towing a heavy load at high elevation and up a steep grade. This Ike Gauntlet mashup is going down and up the eight mile stretch of interstate I-70 between the Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial Tunnel and the town of Silverthorn. There is more than 2,000 feet of elevation change with an average 7% grade. The finish line is at the top is 11,158 feet above sea level!
The load is the Logan Coach trailer weighing in a hair above 8,000 lbs. This weight was chosen because it’s the maximum trailer rating for the SVT Raptor Super Crew. There are also three of our favorite reporters inside the truck: Roman, Nathan, and Kent (Mr. Truck). This brings the total load to around 8,750 lbs. In the end, the load is well within the 12,500 towing rating of the F-250 SD.
How did it do? Will this F-250 simply stroll up the Ike Gauntlet? Watch the video at the bottom and take a look at this data table.
Power Loss
We are starting to measure calculated power loss on this and all future Ike Gauntlet runs. We need three variables to get this accomplished: barometric pressure, ambient temperature, and relative humidity. We measure this with a portable weather station near the Eisenhower Tunnel (at the top of this test). This time the data was: 19.76 inHg of pressure, 33F temperature, and low relative humidity at around 20%. The result is a calculated 33.1% loss of power at the top of the test relative to the standard provided by the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers).
Ford 6.2L Mashup – Ike Gauntlet
| 2012 Ford F-250 | 2014 Ford F-150 | ||
| Model | Crew Cab 4×4 | SVT Raptor | |
| As Tested $ | $52,000 | ||
| Engine | 6.2-liter V8 | 6.2-liter V8 | |
| Transmission | 6-speed Auto | 6-speed Auto | |
| Power (hp / lb-ft) | 385 / 405 | 411 / 434 | |
| Tow Rating | 12,500 lbs (3.73 axle) | 8,000 lbs (4.10 axle) | |
| Test Load (trailer + ppl) | 8,750 lbs | 8,750 lbs | |
| Suspension Sag | 0 in | 2 in | |
| Ambient Temp F | 33F | 33F | |
| Relative Humidity | Low (20%) | Low (20%) | |
| Barometric Pressure (at top) | 19.76 inHg | 19.76 inHg | |
| Calculated Power Loss | 33.1 % | 33.1 % | |
| Down: Brake Temp (Front / Rear/ Trailer) F | 130 / 82 / 66 | 161 / 162 / 59 | |
| Down: Transmission Temp | normal | normal | |
| Up: Time | 8:28 | 8:42* | |
| Up: MPG | 2.8 | 3.4 | |
| Up: Interior dB | 72 | ||
| Up: Transmission Temp | normal | normal |
* SVT Raptor run was slowed down by traffic at the very end, so 8:42 seconds is an estimated time.
