This comes up often, I think a killer SVO Mustang would be one using a turbocharged V6 Mustang with Boss levels of power and grip yet eclipsing the Boss in overall handling. I would say by dint of using the FI V6, but I'm unsure as to how much lighter the turbocharged V6 is compared to the V8? If its lighter and sits farther behind the front axle compared to the V8 then handling should certainly improve.

 

I've had SVOs and a 1989 Mustang 4 cyl. I absolutely loved it.
It had awesome mpg,
Problem is today the Mustang had increased in size and weight, so im not sure they could make it possible.
My 1989 4 cyl. Still looked sporty and with nice wheels was a enjoyment to drive.

 

Sounds like a good formula to me. The GT and Boss could still use the N/A Coyote, EcoBoost Coyote for the Shelby GT500, and an SVO with an EcoBoost V6. If the EB 6 is popular enough, maybe use it when a Mach 1 version comes back or offer it as an optional engine in the GT.

I don't know that an EcoBoost V6 would be any lighter than the Coyote V8, once you factor in the turbochargers, intercoolers, and extra plumbing. But you are right about weight distribution. Since the engine is shorter, it would shift some of the weight from the front to the back.

 

Long live the V8. I hope they never stick a 4 banger in a Mustang. Some other vehicle, fine but not the Mustang. Geez instead of wanting the Mustang to appeal to more entry level buyers and keeping the cost low, I wish they would make it higher quality. Better materials & worksmanship. They really need to keep the bean counters from cutting corners. I'm not a huge fan of a "world design" team. I more of the opposite. Make it American all the way and let that be the envy of the world.

 

^^^^^^^^^^^I'm with SpeedKing on this. I bought a GT because I wanted a V8, could have saved alot of money and bought a V6 instead but I wanted the sound and feel of a Big*** engine under the hood. If Ford came out with a V6 that had the same power but better mileage and handling I would still buy the V8 cause there is no substitute for that roar you get. If Ford comes out with a 4banger, might as well of made the Mustang a ricer, I'll go buy a Camaro, and I hate Camaro's.

 

The Mustang has sported a 4 banger before, so it's not like it would be unprecedented if they did it again. Hell didn't freeze over then, nor did the Mustang become a "ricer", and there's no real reason to think it would happen this time either. Regardless, I highly doubt the 5.0 is going anywhere soon.

 

A V6 Mach would be the sheetmetal equivalent of letting Robert Mapplethorpe redo the Sistine Chapel carte blanche.

I'd sooner see a V6 Boss (and I'm being serious)

 

Move it up scale and kiss it goodbye. The current Mustang is more expensive--better interior, more power, and more of a sports car than it has ever been. Its sales numbers are some of the lowest Mustang has ever seen. Even the limited run, lame-duck 2004 model ticked over 124,000 units, while buyers were waiting for the all-new 2005. Once the sales volume drops below a certain level--see Camaro, F4, 2002 for the outcome.

You are entitled to a V8, and in your opinion that might be what makes it a Mustang. However, the Mustang was not designed as a sports car. The original was a sporty looking, economical, coupe that anyone could afford. Volume sales means offering a more affordable product, not trying to sell more $40,000 Mustangs. I just read a road test of a 2012 Mustang V6 convertible--price as tested, $37K+. Secretaries car? College kid car? How many secretaries and kids paying for college are in the market for a $37K convertible? A Mustang used to be a car just about anyone could afford. That isn't true now, and the sales reflect it.

Ford could make the Mustang a sports car--its version of the Corvette, an expensive, no corners cut, performance car. It would be exclusive, unattainable (except as used) for most people, and sell (like Corvette) 20,000 units or less a year. There are problably a number of people on this board that would say--go for it! The problem is--it wouldn't be a Mustang, at least not true to the spirit of the original, everyman kind of car.

As for sticking a 4-banger in a Mustang. I hate to break it to you, it's already been done--quite successfully, performance-wise. The SVO turbo 4 was a better balanced machine than the GT of its era. They were a blast to drive. In 1986, the 5.0 GT had 200-HP*, the SVO 2.3 had 215-HP. My GT is fun, but I also own a MS3--263-hp, 280-ft lbs of torque from a 2.3 turbo 4. With the 6-speed manual it is a blast to drive through the twisties. It weighs considerably less than my Mustang and tossing it around corners is part of its appeal.

* I can't remember if it was 1985, or 86 that they switched from carbs to injectors.

 

+1
while I understand some want 'the best' in everything, but at the same time I hope Ford fans realize if Ford only built boss 302s in 1969, there would never have been a 1970 model...know what i mean?

I'd still like to see a 20K base 4 cyl- I still think even with reduced content, on looks alone they could take some sales from better equipped/lower cost imports, yet still allow Ford a decent margin...I just hope mustang gets more affordable at the low end. My Mom bought a 1980 mustang (her only mustang) it was a black 2.3 stick with a red vinyl interior- very base model- but she loved that car just the same...IIRC she paid right around 5000.00 for it, a nicer one woulda been nicer, but it was all she could afford, she loved it, ford made a sale. win/win. had it been 6k, she could simply have not afforded it at the time.

those of us that had crap cars as first vehicles still loved them as much if not more than the doctors kid that drove a new vette...there is a market there that mustang cant reach currently

 

Agreed

The caveat being that the 215 horse SVO had more horsepower and less weight than the GT of its day, but it was also more expensive which doomed it since the GT had comparable performance where it counted most to americans at a cheaper price point.

I suppose there might be a place for an I4 entry level Mustang, but anybody hoping for a base ecoboost I4 had best kiss that dream goodbye and a high performance ecoboost I4 is equally unlikely since it would have to offer more than just good handling, it would have to offer accleration at some point above the GT and that would take a very powerful ecoboost I4 to achieve.

1986

 

If Ford hadn't built such a great new V6 recently I would have voted they made the jump back to a 4-banger. The previous 6-cyc was a joke and any modern 4-cyc could have done just as well. More importantly, lowering the base price would mean higher volume so that Ford would invest more in the program.

The Mustang is not in danger of going away, but the facts are if the next "world car" doesn't turn the volume around the Mustang program will be underfunded for its potential.

 

smaller. bigger motor. rockets..

 

I've been saying this for years now...(and coincidentally, this lineup would match up squarely with the upcoming Genesis Coupe).

New base model: 2.0L EcoBoost I4, 230-240hp $20k
V6: 3.7L 325hp $25k
GT: 5.0L 430hp $29k
GT500: 5.4-5.8L 600hp $45k

SE Boss: 5.0L 460hp $40k
SE Mach: N/A 5.8 500hp, content levels similar to Boss $42k

 

needs moar rockets

 

did they decide to stuff their 5.0 in the gen coupe yet?

 

I thought I read on the latest Gen Coupe spy shots that they were dropping the new 5.0 in...all rumors though.

 

Were Hyundai to suddenly grow a pair and get a sense of the obvious and drop their sweet 5.0 in the Gen Coupe, then I think that car would instantly become perhaps the Mustang's closest rival, even over the oversized Camaro and Challenger.

Of course, it remains to be seen whether Hyundai will grow a pair and be struck with a sense of the obvious. However, their recent products have shown far more confidence and, if not outright daring, at least some bravery in introducing more than bland appliances. A stonking V8 Gen Coupe would truly kick the door down on the automotive world stage in a way the even their Genesis and Equus.

 

If Ford so much as hinted at a road-runner based 5.8 SE Mach 1 for the next gen Mustang, I'd say I'm SOLD!

Coincidentally bumping the displacement from 5.0 to 5.8 with all things being equal would indeed yield 500+ n/a HP

IMO, a tall deck road-runner engine block could also split costs with the GT500 which I think would help maintain the current GT500's character

 

Looks perfect to me, but I still think the base model will be an n/a 4 with about 200-210hp rather than an EB4. I also think the Boss will be gone by 2015. Hopefully replaced by the Mach. I don't think there would be sales to support both.

 

I agree with some here about making a cheaper base model. I think you can keep the current V6 but don't upgrade it, keep it around for a long time if it keeps costs down. Ford should offer as many options as possible like they do for the F-150. Ford needs the Mustang to survive as it's flagship and I don't think you need to cut costs to make more of a focus on entry level cars. Honda and Toyota are constantly improving and updating base model cars like the Carolla and Civic. Say what you want about them but one thing is certain they update their models more often than the Mustang and the price doesn't rise as quickly.

I love the new 5.0 GT but I can't justify buying one the way I want it optioned. That wasn't the case with the 2005, I think the increase from the way outdated 2004 model was a couple hundred dollars. We have a terrible economy and well equipped GTs selling for what a GT500 was selling for just a couple years ago is a huge concern. Ford is pumping out the best Mustangs ever at this point but will they be able to for very long?