Why Ford Might Skip The 8.0-Liter Power Stroke Diesel For A Hybrid

Rumors surrounding Ford’s heavy-duty lineup have claimed a massive 8.0-liter Power Stroke Diesel V8 is on the way with more than 600 horsepower, 1,500 lb-ft of torque, and simplified emissions hardware.

Standing beside a 2026 F-350 Lariat Tremor at Brighton Ford in Colorado, Andre Smirnov of The Fast Lane Truck separates speculation from reality while laying out his wish list for future Super Duty models.

The Truth About The 8.0-Liter Power Stroke Diesel

Early speculation suggested Ford would increase engine displacement to meet strict emissions targets while removing aftertreatment components like particulate filters or DEF systems. However, Ford’s 2027 Super Duty order guide confirms those rumors have not materialized.

Instead, Ford simplified the lineup by dropping the standard-output diesel and making the 6.7-liter High-Output V8 the sole diesel option across all trims alongside the 7.3-liter gas V8. Generating 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque, the proven 6.7-liter engine remains the pinnacle of heavy-duty pulling performance.

Pitching A 7.3-Liter Gas Hybrid For 2028

With 500 horsepower proving plenty capable for hauling, Smirnov argues Ford does not need an 8.0-liter Power Stroke Diesel for the 2028 model year. Instead, he wants Ford to beat competitors to the punch with a heavy-duty gasoline-electric hybrid.

Pairing the 7.3-liter V8 with an electric motor would deliver extra low-end torque and a 7.2-kW Pro Power Onboard generator. Equipped with bed outlets, a feature missing on the $98,400 Lariat Tremor test truck, a hybrid Super Duty could easily power job sites, campers, and tailgates.

Expanding Tremor Value And Off-Road Hardware

Outside of the powertrain, the F-350 Tremor showcases why the current chassis works so well. It rides on 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires (285/75R18) and rear multileaf springs that support nearly 4,000 pounds of payload in its 6.75-foot bed.

While the Lariat test truck carries $30,000 in options, including $13,495 for the diesel, Ford is improving affordability for 2027. The company dropped the High-Output engine price below $13,000, added an XL Off-Road package with 35-inch tires, and expanded Tremor availability to base XL eight-foot-bed trucks.

One Missing Feature Inside The Cab

Inside the cab, Ford hits the mark with physical controls, a column shifter, factory auxiliary switches, and a well-sized infotainment screen. Still, Smirnov points out one omission on the transfer case dial: the truck only offers two-wheel-drive, four-high, and four-low.

Adding an automatic four-wheel-drive mode, similar to General Motors (GM) heavy-duty pickups, would complete the package. Until then, pairing the 7.3-liter gas engine with an XL Tremor trim remains the smartest way to build a Super Duty around the $60,000 to $70,000 mark.