Ford is supposedly talking about two new engines for use in the new Explorer America that would make sense (to some degree) for use in the next gen or sooner Mustangs.
The first is a gas turbocharged four cylinder two liter with direct injection putting out 275 hp. Seems it would be a step up from the present base mustang engine, less weight, more hp, better gas mileage and more wide spread appeal picking up those looking for more of an economy car with more appeal than the normal econo boxes.
The second is a 6 cylinder putting out 340 hp, nothing more said about this one so its likely one of the ones that has already been talked about in here. Still, with that hp, lighter weight (guessing at this but a 6 is generally lighter wight than an 8) and better gas mileage it would again have a wider appeal than the 8 since the 'younger' generation seems to be focusing more on lightweight high tech 6's as opposed to our beloved 8's.
Dont take this the wrong way, my own personal preferance is for a high tech high mpg V-8, but for Ford, it makes sence to use the 4 and 6 in some capacity to appeal to a wider group of buyers while still maintaining a high hp pony car.
Oh, and before knocking the use of the 4, lets not forget that the mustang did start life with a 4 cylinder engine so its not something unheard of.


This is where I saw the info about Ford using the new engines in the Explorer American:
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080106/auto_..._explorer.html
and:
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/06/d...e-bye-to-body/
the second one has some nice pic of the new explorer concept as well.

 

the base car should have the highest fuel economy possible and adequet(cant spell) power too. but the GT is a V8 kinda car and if the dont have a V8 in a mustang then i'll just buy a camro or older model mustang.
i think the key is cylinder deactavation if they can just get it right.
and lighter weight also helps the fuel economy alot, like the Zo6 gets high 20's and even 30 MPG on the highway in 6th gear. and 6 speed manual would also help alot as well, 1-5 gears could be geared low and the 6th gear be a granny gear for cruising.

when did the mustang start life with a 4 banger? im pretty sure it was a 170 Ci. 6 cyl.

 

I assume the OP is referring to the original concept car

 

oh gotcha

 

V8 in the Mustang, not going away

But... We have heard that the TwinForce 3.5 could make its way into the pony at some point (SE?) or alternative to the v8?

 

The new Mustang GT will get the 5.0 Modular, I'm pretty sure of that.

 

sorry, yes, didnt really say it quite right, did I.

Basically I was simply pointing out that Ford is going toward the EcoBoost engines (previously called the Twin Turbo) in their new vehicles and it wouldnt be surprising to see them in some versions of the mustang since that is what the present generation seems to see as the better choices, and since they sell to a wider range of buyer than just a base V6 and V8.

While those buying the mustang for its muscle car history wouldnt likely consider those engines (as evidenced by the comments above) there is a much larger consumer base than that to sell to, and they wouldnt be so opposed to a mustang that also happens to get the great gas mileage and has the great handling that the lighter 4 and 6 cylinder EB engines would provide.

 

I would have no problem if the base motor was a 275 horse 4 banger with a six speed. That would be a pretty neat car.

let's hope it happens

 

It's deja-vu all over again.

Anybody here, besides me, remember the SVO Mustang and it's turbo charged I4?

 

I had a 79 Capri RS turbo

 

I'm just throwing this out there:

What about an inline six?

 

No Ford inline-6s anymore, even the Aussie I6 is going away. Better commonality, efficiencey, and compatability in the new Vs.

 

Or how bout the turbo GT (I4 just like SVO)

 

That would be nice. With the new Explorer getting the EcoBoost I4 we at least know it will have RWD capability. That's unless they switch the Explorer to FWD.

 

If I wanted a high power 4-cylinder car I'd buy something Japanese. Sorry guys, but a Mustang is a muscle car and should have a 3 things:

1 - Good BHP
2 - Great torque
3 - A fantastic soundtrack

I'm English, and the cost of fuel is stupid here (getting on for the equivilent of $9/gallon). Therefore, my Mustang is not a daily driver and is used for weekend/holiday fun. I have a crappy 14 year old Ford Mondeo for the daily drive. For me, the V8 is the Mustang's trump card. The car has it's faults, driven by the need to keep the cost down (no IRS/poor quality plastics inside etc), but I can forgive it this each and every time I start it up and here that V8 rumble. Rather like Enzo Ferrari was alleged to have said "you pay for the engine, the rest of the car comes free".

However, I appreciate many Mustangs in the US are used everyday, so fuel economy is going to be a high-priority. I'm not totally against smaller engines in the car, especially if it means the Mustang continues to be a good seller, BUT, there should always be a V8 option for those that crave "what a Mustang is all about".

Just my 2p

 

Don't get me wrong Paul, I definately think there needs to be a V8 (or more) in the Mustang's lineup. I just think that a 275hp turbo four is a nice base motor

And Iam terrified whenever I read about gas prices across the pond. That, my friend, is ridiculous

 

water is $10.00 a gallon but has anyone noticed?

 

Too late

 

what water are you buying?

 

For people that buy it in a bottle.... which in most cases is no better than what comes out of your tap, and sitting in a plastic bottle that is breaking down....

sure...I guess...