Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by jrsj 1860 days ago
Many new trucks have used turbo V6s instead of V8s for awhile now. There’s definitely some buyers who just want the sound of a V8 or don’t quite trust the reliability of a twin turbo BUT I think more people would be open to electric than you would think, even in people primarily just using them for transportation
3 comments

I know a few people who tow big trailers, and they buy the V8 because once you hook up a real load the turbo kicks in and you are burning just as much gas. They figure that larger engine without a turbo is probably going to last a lot longer. Those who use the truck for a mix, sometimes with the trailer, sometimes with small loads opt for the turbo v6 and like it just fine, but they all agree if towing is the real goal get the v8. (or better yet get a diesel, and a bigger truck)
Couldn't agree more. I'd hazard a guess that 90% of car users aren't wedded to using gas. There are enthusiasts, but they are a small minority.
I don't know a single person who enjoys going to a gas station. Paying $40 a week just to hear some loud noise is an incredibly lame proposition, and only makes sense if you drive your truck for fun instead of utility. Most people buy a car for work, so avoiding the pump is a huge bonus.

I'm sure gas guzzler enthusiasts will continue to exist, but the financials don't make sense; it would be far cheaper for them to daily drive an EV and keep the old guzzler for fun days. They'd save on gas and maintenance by not driving an ICE all the time, and they still get to use it whenever they have free time.

In conclusion, my argument is that Ford/whoever will still eventually capture these enthusiasts, because they can still keep their old trucks but will always eventually need a new one.

lol $40 for full tank...
I bought my truck used and somehow missed that it had the extended range tank, which is 36 gallons. I was so confused when I filled it up for the first time and it just kept going and going...
I don’t mind it. I drive a v8 Mercedes and love the sound etc... but at the same time, I’ve moved to NYC so the odds that I even keep a car aren’t particularly high.
I keep my vehicles a long time. I wouldn’t buy a turbo. When they fail, and they will, it’s super expensive. V8s have been around for a century, and they are very reliable.
I had the same thought but I ultimately had to choose between an F150 Lariat w/ EcoBoost or a near base model Tundra in the same condition for $8k more. So I decided to take a gamble on the turbos.