Although Ford’s being doing it tough over the past few years, the current-generation S197-platformed Mustang has been a runaway sales hit since its launch in 2005. Now Ford is giving its reborn ponycar its first serious freshening. The basics will remain the same, but the workover will be thorough. Coupe and convertible bodystyles will still be offered, with V-6 and a variety of V-8 powertrains.

But here’s the shock news: We hear there is a faction at Ford seriously contemplating fitting the new twin turbo EcoBoost V-6 to the 2010 Mustang. As they try to figure out how to meet 35mpg CAFE by 2020, Ford engineers are wondering whether the V-8 has a long term future. The EcoBoost engine, which is currently scheduled to debut in a performance version of the Fusion, could be the more fuel efficient alternative for Mustang in the long term. Depending on spec, the EcoBoost is capable of up to at least 415hp, and has the torque to match a regular V-8.

Traditionalists need not worry, though - V-8s will still be very much part of the Mustang program for 2010. If the EcoBoost version does make production, Ford would probably offer it alongside the V-8, and let buyers decide which they prefer. There won’t be much of a price difference, if any - although the base V-6 is a cheaper engine, by the time things like turbochargers are added it’s basically V-8 money, say our sources.

Don’t expect any changes in today’s, base 4.0-liter V-6 offering, as its prime purpose is motivating low-end and rental-fleet Mustangs. But the Mustang GT model’s V-8-currently a 4.6 liter, SOHC, three-valver-will be replaced by a new 5.0-liter engine that’s essentially an evolution of the old architecture. In fact, the new 5.0 may even appear in a limited edition run-out series of current model Mustang GTs - is it finally time for the reborn Boss 302?

One Ford engineer confirmed that the work done to create the Bullitt-edition Mustang’s uprated 4.6 “has a future.” That engine, described in our first test story (January 2008) remains internally stock, but breathes better due to a Ford Racing open element, cold air intake system, revised mufflers, a new crank damper (which ups the redline by 250 revs), and revised fuel mapping. This engine management programming allows the use of regular fuel, but switches to a more aggressive timing curve when it detects premium in the tank. The result is 315 horsepower, up from the current GT’s 300. The Bullitt’s V-8 is freer and quicker revving than before, and sounds great due to the new intake. There’s no reason to think the next gen GT’s powerplant won’t take its cue from this technology, and thus get the same tricks. Something like 325 to 350 horses out of the new 5.0-liter V-8 sounds feasible.

That takes care of standard Mustang models. What about the Shelby versions?

Our intel had the 500-horsepower, supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 in the Ford Shelby GT500 pegged for a two-year or so life-that being 2007 and 2008, perhaps rolling into ‘09 depending on how well it sold, and what Shelby’s own product plans were. Demand has proven strong, and we can confirm there’ll be a Ford built, developed, and produced Shelby GT500 version of the 2010 Mustang.

Final powertrain has yet to be decided, but Ford has been testing supercharged versions of the new 5.0-liter V-8 to see whether it makes the horsepower needed. Since Chrysler and GM have potentially bigger horsepower numbers on tap for the Challenger and Camaro, Ford has to be looking at more than 500hp for its flagship Mustang. The upcoming GT500 KR punches out 540 horses, and it’s our hunch this could become the standard Shelby powerplant in the short term.

What of the models (GT, GT-H, Super Snake) Shelby Automobiles builds in its Las Vegas production plant? Assuming Shelby and Ford renew their current contracts, and we’re confident they will, look for these models to continue based on the updated Mustang platform, with revisions and limited-edition variants dropped in along the way.

By the middle of 2009, the new millennium version of Ford versus Chevy versus Dodge will be in full swing, with car buyers getting another bite of an apple that hasn’t been ripe since 1970. The Challenger will have Hemi power, and GM has a basket full of six-to-seven liter small-block V-8s to stuff beneath the Camaro’s hood. Both Mustang competitors have independent rear suspension, which is an advantage in terms of ride and handling, although the quarter-mile crowd still enjoys its live axles. But Ford has momentum on its side, as well as a convertible body style which neither Chevy nor Dodge will offer, at least at launch. Watch this space for more on the upcoming American musclecar showdown.

Technorati Tags: 2010 Ford Mustang Concept 2010 Ford Mustang Muscle Cars 2010 Mustang 2010 Ford

Icerocket Tags: 2010 Ford Mustang Concept 2010 Ford Mustang Muscle Cars 2010 Mustang 2010 Ford

A popular topic in the mustang world is the 2009 Ford Mustang Redesign. The latest reports indicate that this redesign will actually be released for the 2010 model year. While all of the details are not out about this 2009 Mustang, some things are fairly clear.

First, the 2009 Mustang redesign will still be based on the current mustang platform. The 2009 Mustang changes are analogous to the 1999 “New Edge” design over the SN/95 models that were available from 94-98. While the basic platform will not be changing, the 2009 mustang exterior is expected to be more muscular with pronounced rear flanks and lines. Some advancements such as projector headlights and more aero-dynamic front and rear fascias are likely to be included in the 2009 mustang redesign efforts as well. Some modernization of the still heavily retro-themed car should make it a strong competitor for the new Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro models coming out around the same time.

New engines are coming for the 2009 Mustang! Displacement on Demand technology will allow larger engines to conserve fuel while cruising by shutting down 4 cylinders. Furthermore, advancements in the Hurricane engine program offer the promising prospect of a larger 5.8 or 6.2L engine to be fitted in the 2009 Mustang Redesign. Naturally aspirated 3 or 4 valve variants with 5.0 or 5.4L of displacement could also make their way into future mustangs. Some enthusiasts speculate the return of the 03/04 cobra motor into the newer body style but Ford hasn’t given any indication that this is likely. The 2009 Mustang engine lineup may yet including the rev-friendly 265hp 3.5L DOHC V6 to replace the current 210hp 4.0L SOHC setups. In any case, Ford will be doing its part to continue development of engines that are more fuel efficient without compromising power.

While the IRS in “New Edge” mustangs was met with lukewarm response due to sloppy performance, technology exchanges with Ford Australia may bring a superior IRS into the 2009 Mustang redesign. Many mustang followers would like to see reduced weight and body roll factored into the 2009 Mustang redesign efforts as well.

Ford seems to be interested in retractable hard-tops for the 2009 Mustang. The addition of a retractable hard-top may appeal to some consumers who aren’t keen on the soft-top look but still want the open air of a convertible. Questions of how this would compromise trunk space and/or rear-seat room still linger however; and it’s still up in the air as to whether this technology is suited for the Mustang market. There have been some concept drawings of T-Top and Targa Top 2009 Mustangs floating around of the net as well.

The interior of the 2009 Mustang redesign will probably feature better ergonomics and less of the hard cheap-feeling plastics in the current models. While the S197 models had a precision fit and finish, it lacked the curves of the SN-95 Mustangs in favor of the retro-inspired straight lines. The elimination of the “my-color” technology in the 2009 Mustang follows from licensing costs which proved to be too great for a feature that many deemed unnecessary and some even called “gimmicky”.

Icerocket Tags: 2009 Ford Mustang 2009 Ford 2009 Mustang Ford Mustang Mustang

Technorati Tags: 2009 Ford Mustang 2009 Ford 2009 Mustang Ford Mustang Mustang

Ready for a twin-turbo V6? Ford Mustang powertrains for 2010

The Mustang will receive its first major overhaul for the 2010 model year. In terms of powertrain, while the 3.5 liter EcoBoost turbo V6 we’ve been hearing about probably would make for a good long term solution, there’s still doubt that such a powertrain would see its way into a Mustang by 2010.

More likely is a 5.0 liter version of the current 4.6 liter V8. Horsepower would be higher than the current 300 hp setup and utilizing some improvements seen in the 315 hp Bullitt Mustang, could produce up to 350 hp.

We’d like to see the 3.5 liter 263 hp motor from the Taurus see duty as the base V6 motor or at least bridge the gap between the 4.0 liter V6 and 5.0 liter V8, but sources suggest that the 4.0 liter will soldier on unchanged due to its price point and use for rental-fleet Mustangs. But with potentially equal or better gas mileage than the 4.0 liter, it would be nice if the 3.5 liter was used for retail and the 4.0 liter as fleet-only.

There’s even talk that the 3.5 liter EcoBoost turbo V6 could be offered alongside the 5.0 liter V8. While four different powertrain options seems excessive, 200-hp, 263-hp, 340-hp and 350-hp versions would make for some interesting choices. Choose your own adventure, indeed.

Technorati Tags: 2010 ford mustang ford mustang concept cars twin-turbo V6

Icerocket Tags: 2010 ford mustang ford mustang concept cars twin-turbo V6