Five Oh Brian

As many have said, I don't need to have the most horsepower as I would prefer to focus on power to weight ratios, but it has to have the rumble that only a V8 can provide. Keep a moderately equipped Mustang GT in the 3200-3300 lb range and 300 hp is plenty to make it run 13's in the 1/4 mile. Give it 6 speeds (automatic and manual) with a steep overdrive so that highway mileage is acceptable and politically correct (about 30 mpg highway).

Have a step up model that is lighter and/or more powerful that can run the 1/4 mile in the high 12's or low 13's.

Then also offer a top dog model that can showcase technology and offer superlative handling and acceleration via ultra low weight and big horsepower, let's say low 12's in the 1/4 mile and 1.0 g's on the skidpad.

There's no reason why Ford couldn't offer two different non-V8's in the Mustang lineup. How about a cost effective V6 (or two) as the volume models with horsepower in the 220-250 hp range (3.0L and 3.5L Duratecs would be cost effective), combined with a 6 speed automatic or manual trans with steep overdrive 6th gear, that could run the 1/4 mile in the 15-16 second range while returning 30+ mpg on the highway. It would need to be lighter weight than the V8's - probably in the 3000-3100 lb range.

Then use an EcoBoost 4 cylinder engine to create a modern day SVO. Bigger wheels and tires with lots of suspension upgrades that offer great handling (1.0 g or better) and good acceleration that rivals the base GT.

Berol

I don't know much about engine design or development. However, split numbers such as these (400hp/360tq) are usually indicative of engines that are more free-revving. Much of the modern modular and Triton Ford motors make more torque than horsepower. An engine that puts out 400/360 would be a bit of a change in that regard.

I can think of a couple things. I really hope for numbers like this for the final product, in GT trim. With that said, a number split that large, favoring horsepower, would probably be a great basis for a Boss motor. Free revving well beyond 7k, maybe 8 or 9k rpm. It would be a different style of car to drive, but a fun one. Give this car a diet, and make it handle like my Focus.

What would be really great is if they could also design some flexibility into this new family of motors such than they could use the same block, but make a separate SE. Think of a Mach 1, with more torque than horsepower.

Having both of those styles of motors in a Mustang available from the factory would be great. I'd be immediately interested.

Boomer

With you on that one...
It'll probably be a higher reving engine than the current 4.6

max2000jp

Still not enough power for me, unless the car goes on a diet. I'd love to see a 3375 lb Mustang GT, but figure the next gen will come in between 50-75 lbs heavier.

goesfast

I never said they were going to keep the 4.6 3V. The Mustang will be sporting the 5.0 liter in either a 3 or 4 valve configuration, most likely 4 valve for fuel efficiency (and power). And yes, they will choke off the regular GT to a lesser HP than a SE, else there's no strong appeal to the car. And 350hp is a high snubbed rating too. Keep guessing.

Boomer

I'm not biting

max2000jp

I think that if you guys are expecting 400hp out of a 5.0L engine from Ford, you are going to end up disappointed. BMW's 4.8L engine only puts out 360hp and it's one of the most advanced V8's on the market.

goesfast

Well, it won't be the first time people were disappointed by their own speculation. Remember the 400hp all-aluminum 6-speed Bullitt that never happened? Funny that most on this board said it was "for sure". The new 5.0 from Ford can pump out well beyond 400hp but this has to be streetable as well, not to mention a warranty. Ford leaves us with plenty of power options via their FRPP catalog and there is a reason for that.

Boomer

People were just reading a report from BON on the 4.6 4v in the Bullitt
(which may have originally had LONG ago had legs) It wasn't reported here.

The problem is seperating the wheat from the chafe (fact from rumour)

Black331

First, BMW and Audi both get over 400 horsepower from little 4.0-4.2L V8's.

Second, the 2010 Mustang will be lighter, not heavier.

Third, it will have the power it deserves after all these years, the only issue is whether the 5.0L will be out in time for the 2010 or the 2011, and that will be 400 horsepower.

Just think, displacement bump of 20 cubes, higher flowing 4 valve heads, bigger bores, VVT, and direct injection, if you think they can't get 400 out of all that, oh well. I just hope nothing changes between now and then, I'm dying to see it and what the new motor is capable of.

max2000jp

I don't see the S197 Mustang getting much lighter. You'd have to increase the amount of aluminum in the chassis/body panels or carbon fiber. Both will drive the cost up significantly. I actually think that the car will get heavier, which is the trend when it comes to updating models. I think a 3400 lbs GT is a pipe dream right now.

Boomer

Diet it will...
...3400lbs weigh, it will not (in GT 5.0 form)

GTJOHN

The Challenger may look nice, but its a hog - 4150lbs. Estimated times are 0-60 4.9 sec. & Mid-13's in the quarter. Not much better than the 300hp Mustang GT.
We will have to wait and see what the real results are, especially with the 6 speed version.

The Camaro is going to be fast. Thats a given. GM has a couple very powerful V8's to choose from.

As for the Mustang GT? I wouldn't expect too much. If we are lucky, Ford will drop the 315hp Bullitt engine in the 2010.
When I asked my source which Mustang should I buy, a 2009MY or 2010MY? he said wait for the 2011, it will have the new DI V8.

My source also said that Ford is working on a new SE. Not sure if it will be 2009MY or 2010MY, but I wouldn't be surprised if its 350-400hp. Something to compete with the Challenger & Camaro until the GDI V8 is ready.

I expect the new GDI engines to be on par with or better than GM's or Chrysler's.

As for the 2011 GDI V8 Mustang GT? I am thinking 350-400hp. Heck, the GDI V6's will be making at least 300-315hp.
Sooner or later, we will see a 350-400hp GDI V6!

Boomer

I could see Ford offering a Mach1/Boss come 2010MY to have something to compete with the Camaro till the 5.0 arrives in 2011MY

Could it be the rumoured 5.4L N/A engine that was said to be in a SE for 2009/2010?

goesfast

Ford already has something available now for the Challenger/Camaro. It's called the GT500. And you will get one competitively priced by the time these cars pose any threat to the Mustang. Ford is working on an SE for 2010MY (Mach 1,GT350), but the real kicker will be the Boss for 2011MY sporting the new lighter and improved chassis, not to mention the new 5.0 that everyone seems to want. This one may be pushing in the 400hp range, but GT's will be lower than that. The 5.4 liter (NA) is out as there's no real gain over the new 5.0, especially in the weight department. Ah, the future looks bright!

Boomer

The 5.4 n/a would only be a stopgap SE engine until the 5.0 appears in the GT.
IIRC it was one of the engines being looked at, as well as a 4v S/C engine (not the Terminator) and a 4v N/A 4.6.
Because the 5.8 was canned and wouldn't be ready for primtime in the stang till 2011 anyway...
The 5.4 (more than likely being 375-385hp....) was being looked at.

Are you stating fact or are you going on 'I thinks'?

max2000jp

A diet is 50-100 lbs. 10 lbs off the curb weight won’t do anything to help performance. My car weighed in at 3450 before the blower. I think that Ford can easily take 50lbs out of the car, but doubt they will. I bet the car weighs 3475-3500 lbs when it’s released. Cars get heavier every refresh/update.

goesfast

There was some talk of the 5.4 going into the new Mach 1 if the newly developed 5.0 wasn't ready, but things are falling into place with this engine, especiallly if the release will be 2011MY for it. A detuned version could be offered for not only GT's but a Mach 1 as well. You would be more likely to see a 4.6 3valve S/C than a 4 valve 4.6, as this engine is enjoying good success with durability at present. With issues as they are, Ford doesn't need to increase cubic inches over the 5.0 liter mark, as this engine is quite capable in a wide(r) range of applications. Slight tweaking of the new 5.0 liter in a lightened chassis will embarrass the GT500 in all areas. Not a whole lot of torque down low, but after 3500 will spin up quite nicely. What engine Ford will choose remains largely with what develops between now and then. Many factors must be taken into consideration to bring about any new powerplant getting approval.
Fact or fiction? I'll leave that up to what unfolds.................

Boomer

Fair enough

V10

3.6 x 3.6 = 293.1 CID = 4.80L