http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=116471

 

Also . . I read on BON (through autonews.com) that the 4.4 V8 has been killed for the upcoming MKS. But (non autonews.com information) a Twin Turbo 3.5 V6 is being tested in a F150 mule and packaging and components have been approved.

 

Good review. It sounds like the 3.5L will be a winner!

 

the guy says the 35 could appear in displacements ranging from 3.0 to 4.0 and could easily be adapted to RWD. I hadn't heard that one before, maybe the biggest hint so far that we'll see this engine in the mustang in a couple years.

 

It would be great to see that engine in the '09 Mustang, the 500, and as many other cars as possible. Does anyone think the MK Z will compete with the Lexus IS 250/350?

 

I think it's a different target demographic than the IS. The IS is RWD and aimed at the BMW 3-series/Infiniti G35 sport sedan crowd. The Lexus ES would be closer and, as the article points out, requires 91 octane to make the power of the MKZ. Even that might be a bit lofty target, though . . . not sure.

I'd like to see this V6 in the Mustang. If Ford is really working on a Lincoln/Merc version of the Mustang, you can count on seeing this engine with its better refinement/power (vs. the 4.0) being the base engine. Add IRS and the choice of a good 6-spd or semi-auto gearbox (paddleshifters) and you'd have a helluva nice ride.

 

A TT3.5 MKS wouldnt be bad. Maybe it'll pack the 400 horses...
Who knows..maybe Ford will heed, and just drop in an off-the-shelf 4.6 or 4.2 in for the V8 lovers..

 

Can't, the whole reason 4.4L was being discussed was becuase it's designed for traverse mounting, a neccesity in that platform. The 4.6 and 4.2 would need reengineering to be adapted to that configuration, ruining the cost savings. If they can't make the business case for the 4.4 ( ), then a TT V6 is best.

 

Actually the 4.6L was transverse mounted in the 1995+ Lincoln Continental. It would not need to be re-engineered.

 

The 4.6 was adapted to a traverse mounting in the Cont. You can do that for almost any engine, but it takes more platform-specific R&D than a 3.5TT, or the essentially drop-in 4.4L would.

 

Sorry, but I don't see the difference in adapting for the Continental and adapting it for the MKS.

EDIT: According to this article, which appeared in Ward's Auto in 1990, the 4.6L was originally designed with FWD applications in mind. Here's the specific quote:

 

The D3 is too small the fit the 4.6L engine in it. Considering its based on the S80 platform, which only has a 6 in it and the 4.4L V8