Ford is planning to offer a diesel engine in its full-size Expedition SUV before the end of the decade, according to a report in Automotive News. Citing Expedition chief engineer John Viera, the report states that a diesel engine with as more powerful gasoline engines will be available in the Expedition within two years.
Ford has already confirmed that a diesel engine, likely a turbodiesel V-6, will be available in the next-generation F-150, which will is expected to be on sale by early 2008. Using the same engine in the Expedition, which will share front-end architecture with the F-150, would not require much extra engineering. According to the report, the new engines may also end up in the Lincoln Navigator.
A diesel engine would be perfect for the long-wheelbase Expedition EL (pictured), introduced for the 2007 model year. The Expedition EL is essentially the replacement for the discontinued Excursion in Ford's lineup, which had a diesel option that was popular with buyers.
A more fuel efficient diesel engine might be just what Ford needs to lift the Expedition's increasingly sagging sales in today's efficiency-minded market.