Adam Gryglak, Diesel Chief Engineer
DALLAS, Sept. 24, 2009 – If you want to gauge Adam Gryglak’s enthusiasm for the all-new 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V-8 turbocharged diesel engine that will debut in the 2011 Ford Super Duty, just give him a call.
He answers with one word. But it’s not “hello.”
“Diesel” is the greeting callers hear from Gryglak, the lead engineering manager. Such single-mindedness and dedication is understandable, as it’s vitally important the next-generation Power Stroke engine be more capable and reliable than the competition.
“The bar was raised for this new diesel and the Power Stroke team did a fantastic job meeting performance and durability targets,” Gryglak said. “We integrated Ford’s best global practices in engine design, development and testing as we pulled together our co-located team, which included engineering, design, manufacturing and purchasing. This helped us get the job done efficiently and quickly while increasing our focus on the product’s capability, performance, quality and reliability.”
To build team spirit, Gryglak wanted something unique to inspire the organization. The new diesel was code-named “Scorpion,” after Gryglak’s favorite rock band from the 1980s. A mechanical scorpion designed from engine components graced all internal reports.
Scorpion inspiration pays off
The result of the team’s work is the new Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine, which will deliver significantly improved torque and horsepower as well as class-leading fuel economy while meeting more stringent federal emissions standards that begin in 2010. The engine is biodiesel compatible up to B20.
Gryglak’s hard work on this historic engine is surpassed only by his dedication to his family. Married 19 years, he and his wife Lisa have three children (a daughter and two sons) who range in age from 16 to 3. “The kids are very active,” Gryglak said. “My daughter is a cheerleader, my oldest son is working toward Eagle Scout and a brown belt in tae kwon do and my youngest son is full of energy only a 3-year-old has.”
Gryglak’s can-do attitude was instilled at a young age. His parents emigrated from Poland and settled in Chicago, where Gryglak grew up. He attended the famed Lane Technical High School and co-oped as a draftsman. Gryglak continued that trade while attending the University of Illinois-Chicago to study mechanical engineering – and worked summers at Inland Steel to boot.
Gryglak joined Ford in 1990, working in the engine group on gasoline fuel-injection systems and engine development. In 2001, he moved to Ford’s Research & Advanced Engine Design & Development teams, which led to projects for midsize and heavy-duty diesels for the next-generation truck segments. He is now in charge of the diesel engine for the 2011 Super Duty.
“We benchmarked the competition and set very aggressive performance targets to be the leader in capability and reliability,” Gryglak said. “Our customers deserve nothing less.”
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 201,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.