For the first time since it went on sale in 1975, Ford Motor Co.'s F-150 pickup will feature a diesel engine.
The midcycle freshening includes a new 3.0-liter Power Stroke diesel option available in 2018, along with other engine improvements, seven new front grilles, six new wheel styles, updated lights and interior tweaks.
The 2018 pickup was to have been unveiled on Sunday, Jan. 8, a day before the 2017 Detroit auto show.
"We're continually innovating for our customers," said Todd Eckert, the F-150 group marketing manager. "It's a leader continuing to lead."
The biggest change, the diesel engine option, is an effort to appeal to truck customers who tow and haul more than usual. The 3.0-liter will be a variant of the Lion diesel engine that Ford builds for use in Land Rover and Jaguar vehicles. It will be produced in England.
Ford did not say on what trim levels diesel will be available, and declined to offer volume projections. Ford offers diesels on its heavy-duty trucks and Transit vans. Different from the Lion engine, they include a 6.7-liter Power Stroke built in Mexico.