Not many would argue the fact that Ford currently offers the best V-6s in any fullsize pickup truck. Its naturally aspirated 3.7 and twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6s are worlds ahead of what GM and Chrysler currently offer in the Silverado, Sierra and Ram 1500. Ford won't have that advantage for long, Automotive News reports, because GM and Chrysler are both prepping competitive V-6s.
The Ram 1500 will get Chryslers new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 in late 2012, or early 2013. The Pentastar may be hooked up to Chrysler's new ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission that's set to make its debut in 2012.
As for GM, spokesman Tom Wilkinson told Automotive News that GM is currently focused on improving its 5.3-liter V-8, which he points out matches four-wheel drive EcoBoost-equipped F-150s EPA fuel economy, while rear-wheel drive versions get only 1 mpg lower. Nevertheless, GM is believed to be developing a turbocharged V-6 for its next-generation Silverado and Sierra when they debut in 2013.