oh man i still remember the 3.9L V8 that was in the latest thunderbird. that was good for 280hp. even though that engine came from jaguar. not to go off topic, just thought id say that since some of yall were discussing small V8's.

 

This is sort of off topic, but what about the 5.4 3V in the trucks?

 

I'd guess it's all but gone.
with all of the engine options coming out, I highly doubt you'll see a 5L, 5.4 and 6.2 + the V6 and EcoBoost.
Too much overlap.

The 5L seems to carry the 4.6 and 5.4 places, and the V10 is being replaced by the 6.2.
The handbuilt 5.4 S/C Shelby will probably be the last of the last gen MOD motors.

 

I'd give the 5.4 only a couple more years before Ford simplifies and rationalizes its V8 engine families to the 5.0 general purpose/hi-po and the bigger 6.2 truck motor, which is very much a truck engine and unlikely to find use in passenger vehicles, Stang included.

As for the Stang, I would guess a swap over to some forced induction version of the 5.0 when the NextStang comes out around 2014-15 or so. As mentioned, that Stang will likely be a bit smaller, lighter, sleeker and generally more efficient. Performance wise, that would all be good news as size, weight and drag are all detriments to performance.

I would guess that the Stang would move away a little bit from the more simplistic blunderbuss approach of the current Stang for a more balanced performance suite. HP levels will likely stay close to where they are now but with greater efficiency and lower emissions. Performance will be boosted because these motors will have 100-200+ lbs less dead-weight holding them back thus straight line acceleration will be modestly improved. However, a significantly better, IRS-based chassis will mean that old live-axle lovers will just have to get used to all around ride and handling excellence in the name of progress.

This will mean the NextStang will be much better able to hold and utilize the speed the drive train can generate. And yes, old-school muscle car mavens will also have to suffer the ignominy of shelling out less for gas and not melting the ice caps, not to mention the added shame of outrunning twice-as-expensive M3s not only at stoplights but also on any back road of their choosing. Yes, progress will be painful for some.

 

I'd love to see a 550hp Twin Turbo 5.0L engine in a lighter weight vehicle.

 

I've had both the 5.0L (2011), and now the big slug 5.4L (2010). I like the 5.4L a lot, lot better. And the iron block

 

....

 

 

It may not be news, but it was news to me. Summer in Merritt Island is slow.

 

Hot in Viera too Lemmy.

 

The question now is how long does the 5.8L have? Get a little jump start on Summer '16.

 

It is by far the best part of the car, so I'd say it will be around as long as it sells.

 

I am of the belief the 2014 model year is the last year for the 5.8 liter engine in the Mustang. As a result of my belief, I ordered a 2014 GT500 to ensure I do not have later regrets.

 

Personally I don't think the GT500 should even have a 5.8l (353 ci?) it should have an actual 500 ci haha

 

Or until production of the '14 stops.