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Next-generation Ford Mustang to use EcoBoost engines?

01/25/2008, 4:18 PM

By Drew Johnson

Ford is considering offering its next-generation Mustang with a twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, a new report finds. While no decision is said to have been made yet, several Ford executives are supporting an EcoBoost-powered Mustang in the face of newly passed CAFE regulation.

EcoBoost

Ford’s EcoBoost family of engines will first bow in the Lincoln MKS sedan, but the turbocharged range of engines could ultimately replace the Mustang’s traditional range-topping V8. The advantage of the EcoBoost line is that it offers greater performance with less fuel consumption.

But muscle car enthusiasts don’t need to worry quite yet as Ford has no plans to kill the V8 in the immediate future. In fact, when the 2010 Mustang makes its debut, it will be available with a new 5.0L V8. Although the new engine is essentially an evolution of the current Mustang GT’s 4.6L V8, the added displacement, along with some mechanical upgrades, should see output grow from 300 horsepower to somewhere between 325 and 350. Also look for the new powerplant to use the same engine management technology found in the Mustang Bullitt, which allows the engine to run different timing curves based on what octane fuel is in the car’s tank.

But even if Ford does decide to offer an EcoBoost engine, it will likely be sold along side of the V8 — at least initially — allowing the customer to make their own choice.

Shelby model

Motor Trend has also reported that there will be a Mustang GT500 for the 2010 model year, however, the car’s powertrain is still up in the air. The current GT500 uses a supercharged 5.4L V8, but Ford engineers are considering using a supercharged version of the new 5.0L. Whatever the case, look for the new next-generation GT500 to produce more than 500 horsepower.

Design

Motor Trend also claims to have the goodies on the Mustang’s new design, which, according to the publication, with bow in the spring of 2009.

Many of the design cues found on the Mustang Giugiaro concept are said to be making their way onto the prodction Mustang, including the show car’s wide rear haunches, shoulder hump just aft of the doors and triangular shaped windows between the B and C pillars. The concepts panoramic will make production — although not as entire roof section — and will likely resemble the one offered on the 2009 Mustang. The taillights will be revised — although they will still use the Mustang’s trademark vertical theme — and the rear bumper is said to more angular than the one found on the current car.

The 2010 Mustang’s interior will be modified from the current models, and will rely less on the retro feel. Look for the new interior to be more driver focused, with more space on the center stack for a larger nav screen.

Ford hopes that the upgrades to the new Mustang will help fight off new competition from the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro. One thing the Mustang does have going for it is that convertible versions of the Challenger and Camaro will not be available at launch.

No word on when we will see the production 2010, but with a spring 2009 launch date, the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show seems like a likely candidate.

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01/25, 4:21 PM

posted by:

CTS DRIVER

wow thats the first good idea they have had in a while.

01/25, 4:42 PM

posted by:

droppedgmc02

Kill off the legendary v8? What the hell? thats what a mustang is about. Sounds like ford is trying to bring back the past when they had put 4 cylinders in the lx fox bodys. Sounds like their trying to cook a mustang 3. All i can say is with camaro gettin the v8 and also the challenger gettin one ford will be left out. All i can do is beg that ford doesn’t do that and if they do i will have lost what little respect i have for ford that is left.

01/25, 4:49 PM

posted by:

Badass Z51

In theory, I guess it could work. Look at the 335 in BMW’s cars. Not that I’d dare compare ford to BMW.

01/25, 4:54 PM

posted by:

Badass Z51

What I ment to say was- the turbo V6 used in the 3 & 5 series.

01/25, 5:12 PM

posted by:

Bimmer

Ironhide,
enough with your biased oppinion. Go suck on Audis tailpipe!

01/25, 5:13 PM

posted by:

Bimmer

correction, make that Diesel AMG.

01/25, 5:41 PM

posted by:

global_lightning

I could see an aluminum Cyclone 3.5L V6 non-turbo as the base engine with ~260 HP, which would be a huge improvement over the current iron truck V6
Then offer a choice of Traditional (V8) or Extra-Crispy (Turbo V6) for the performance enthusiasts.

01/25, 5:47 PM

posted by:

TOZO

Best thing to do: 3.5L regular for the base with 260 hp, and turbo it up instead of a V8 for 330 hp. Well leave the 5.4L for the GT500 or something.

01/25, 5:47 PM

posted by:

GT40

Looks like LP460 is using his other account.

01/25, 5:47 PM

posted by:

Madcapp

The ought to consider an Ecoboost inline 6.

01/25, 6:00 PM

posted by:

928dreamer

If a direct injection V6 makes more power than the V8, why not. It gets better mileage and still produces very good performance. Comparing this to the anemic cars of the 70 and early 80s doesn’t add up. Those cars were castrated, these will still have big brass ones. We have been getting spoiled with the latest HP wars. Who would have thought we would be complaining about “only” 350HP.

My only problem with this plan is that Ford loses the V8 rumble. A six just doesn’t have the muscle car sound. They are going to have to do a lot of exhaust tuning to produce a visceral growl worthy of American Muscle.

01/25, 6:27 PM

posted by:

gbb

Ford better put some power in the Mustang. Both the Camaro and Challenger will have 400+ horses available right off the bat………and you wont have to pay Shelby prices to get it.

01/25, 6:44 PM

posted by:

vincenzo

Release a 370hp V6TT alongside the 325hp V8. All the V8 junkies can stick with their V8 while the people willing to try the V6 get the faster car. Eventually, people will recognize that a V6TT offers the same thrill with better efficiency.

Maybe it’s because every V8 truck around here has exhaust, but I don’t think I’ll miss the sound of the V8.

01/25, 8:30 PM

posted by:

SS4LIFE

Hmm Vincenzo if they offer a 370hp V6 Twin Turbo then I’m actually going to say this… “I would buy a Ford Mustang” Yeah I don’t care much for Ford’s V8’s although I got mad respect for the old 5.0’s and Ford’s Windsor 427 motor.

Hell I’m just happy to hear that they are finally putting more ponies in the Mustang.

01/25, 10:06 PM

posted by:

Blakkarr

That is today’s special message. “More horses for the Mustang!” Further on a gallon doesn’t hurt either.

01/26, 9:54 AM

posted by:

Gary

SS4LIFE…what no Cleveland?

01/26, 1:36 PM

posted by:

Flipper

Didn’t the idea of the top mustang having a boosted small engine die with the SVO in the 80’s. While it makes sense as far as the future , most mustang buyers are living in the muscle car past.

01/26, 6:21 PM

posted by:

jdasch1

I hope they put in the twin turbo. It will be the most popular engine and the V-8 will be seen as the loser. Eco-green is here to stay, and the increased MPG plus 300+ turbocharged horses will surely be a thrill to drive. If you have ever driven a turbo engine car, you know what I mean…especially when the turbo’s spool up!!!

01/26, 7:09 PM

posted by:

LexusSoarer

Never will Ford build a Mustang that does not have a V8 somewhere across the line. No matter how much a good idea would be for a TT V6, the ’stank…oops I mean ’stang purists would have a collective fit. I agree completely with what Flipper said about the previous SVO Mustang that had a turbo 4, as the ’stank owners live half of their lives in the past when V8’s were the only thing roaming the roads.

Here’s an idea that could be huge for Ford. How about building a RWD sedan similar to the Interceptor concept? A mid-level RWD sedan, significantly higher up in status than the Taurus/Five-Hundred with a TT6 would be a great idea. How about giving such a vehicle to Lincoln before the brand is forgotten all-together? Wait a minute, that would actually be a good idea, meaning that Ford won’t do it.

01/27, 10:28 AM

posted by:

jayjc08

LexusSoarer- I really want to know what’s your problem with domestics. Almost every comment you make has something to do with bashing domestics, and obviously your site shows that (the Supra isn’t all that bad of a car, but Toyota never actually took it anywhere, and just like the Z car, prices just kept inflating).

Considering you like the Supra so much, I can say something similar, that the Supra will always have a turbo in it’s line up. Hey, you may laugh at the statement, but for it’s light weight and relatively small engine, it gets pretty dismal fuel economy. Functionally, it’s just as bad as the Corvette despite having tiny rear seats, and just as fast (or slower, depending on model) despite worse fuel economy. And yes, I’ve driven one, it’s where my job takes me. I’ve also driven the new Mustang, it’s much more comfortable, fun to drive and in my opinion, better looking. The interior is also nicer, although you can’t quite compare the new Mustang to a car that’s been out of the market for nearly 10 years.
But one thing that people miss about the Mustang is it’s not supposed to be an all or nothing sports car, like most cars people compare it to. It’s supposed to be iconic, fun, practical and fast. Comparing it to the Supra, or your video’s, just isn’t its right place.

And if the Mustang is so bad, then find me another vehicle with such a large after market, development team and heritage like it. Whole businesses are focused around the Mustang aftermarket, and it’s been around for half as long as cars have been. Just saying this because it seems to you the Mustang is just another American rust bucket. Not to mention you saying Mustangs are stuck in the past with their V-8’s, look at the speculation of a V-10 in the Supra and Lexus LS-F, I guess using that terminology they must be stuck in the brass era!

Lastly, that Mid-level RWD sedan is being designed as we speak.

And, just as a fire feeder, Ford has made a car years ago that could easily beat Toyota’s Supra, Nissans Z car, even Porsche and Ferrari. But of course, to you that must be bull crap.

01/27, 12:35 PM

posted by:

lucklaster

jayjc08: yu da man.
LexusSoarer: consider-
The Mustang IS an Icon. The team at Ford developed, in the early 60’s, a forever game changing auto, an everyman sports car, a fun car for the masses – very much like Henry Ford had developed the first car for the masses. It turned the auto business upside down and much that happens today, in the industry, is a result of that idea. It caused racing movements, the largest aftermarket of all time, the most publishing, web and even launched songs and movies about it. And, it is still huge and effecting the auto business. You may never consider buying one, but the industry will never notice.

01/27, 6:20 PM

posted by:

LexusSoarer

Let it be known that I am hardly an import-basher. I just have never liked the Mustang, period. I don’t care how many people follow the leader when it comes to ’stangs.

If anything I am a GM supporter, I love the new CTS, the Vette, and the XLR among some other future product.

01/27, 6:40 PM

posted by:

jayjc08

LexusSoarer- Sorry, you just came by that way, with what you had said on a few other pages.

01/27, 7:46 PM

posted by:

lucklaster

LexusSoarer:
That’s cool. The Camaro SS should be nice.

01/28, 8:20 AM

posted by:

Veda

Actually that’s very true. Most Mustang owners are similar to Integra owners back in the days. Punks who think they’re faster than anybody else. That and a very underpowered V8…

01/28, 10:37 AM

posted by:

gizmo2

We are in a green-span and everyone is frantic. Auto manufacturers have to aclimatize customers with their new engines in preparation for new CAFE ruling. The European have being doing this for ages and it works. We Americans refuse to let go off the phrase ” There is no replacement for displacement”. Hey there is turbo and super charging.

 
 
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