Ford to drop V6 engine option for 2015 Mustang?
With reports indicating that the 2015 Mustang will be available with Ford’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine as an option it was unclear how the current 3.7L V6 would fit into the lineup. Many, us included, assumed that Ford would simply expand the engine lineup to accommodate the smaller motor and market it either has the base engine or as a premium fuel efficient option like the company currently does with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 for the F-150.
However, a new report from the British car magazine Auto Express states that this might not be the case and that the V6 engine could be dropped from the 2015 Mustang lineup altogether to make way for the EcoBoost 2.3L four-cylinder that will be shared with the next generation Ford Focus RS. This move would be logical, considering that the EcoBoost engine could produce more horsepower than the V6 (320-330 horsepower compared to the current V6′s 305 horsepower) and offer improved fuel economy. To keep the V6 in the lineup Ford would likely have to detune the EcoBoost engine to around 250 horsepower or increase output of the V6 and V8 engines to create further separation.
Would Ford benefit from keeping the 3.7L V6 or should they drop it in favor of the 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
[Source: Auto Express]
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They should keep the V6 option open. Not everyone will be into the idea of a 4-cylinder Mustang. Just look at when Ford did it back in they day. They did not sell well. Hopefully they’ll keep all three options.
As long as we get a 450+hp direct injection, normally asirated 5.0 V8, then you could put a Briggs&Straton lawn mower engine in the base Mustang for all care. But, sure, the 2.3 E.B. would be fine…market it as the new SVO.
Obviously they cant just drop the new 3.7 because they just developed it. Offer it up for an gas hog like the Taurus, but don’t drop it. It put’s out enough Hp and Tq to make kids happy. But I’m all for a 450 HP N/A 5.0h Yeah!
Dont know about this. If they are gonna drop the 3.7L V6 from the base model then they should use the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine instead and use the 444 HP engine from the BOSS 302 as the base engine for the new GT model. I think that would satisfy everybody. I have to agree with Ramjet, seems odd that they would scrap that engine so soon considering it has only recently been developed. I actually think, that the 3.7L V6 is a great engine, and with the right exhaust set up is wll worth it just not sure about the 4 cylinder. I guess all things change with time.
What the heck is a UK magazine doing reporting on the 2015 FORD Mustang?
Keep to the Peugeots and Citroens.
Leave the real news to us.
@Jack: Ford is a global company, they sell more cars overseas than they do here. Same for GM and Chrysler.
@Ramjet and Alexander: They didn’t just develop the 3.7L v6, it’s been in the Mazda CX-9 for several years now. Same exact engine, tuned for a car of course.
@Jim: Seeing a new SVO isn’t out of the picture, make it a full suspension/2.3 Ecoboost/aesthetics package and price it at just above the base GT, it’ll sell like hot cakes.
@Sergio: Ford sold a whole lot of 4-cylinder fox bodies, don’t kid yourself. However, the foxbody 4-cylinder was the economic option of the time, whereas the economic option of now is the v6 which obviously makes it a better deal performance wise. Don’t be surprised with the new gen Mustang if the eco version outsells the GT.
The Turbo four cylinder engine should be offered initially as a SVT limited edition.
It should focus on performance and handling.
Jack – I’d normally agree with you (I’m a Brit) and Auto Express is not the most informative but in this instance, they were talking about the engine in relation to the next RS Focus, which is obviously BIG news for Europeans……….during that story, it was revealed that Matthias Ton, head of Ford’s Global performance division revealed it would be going into the Mustang…….
Taken from the article:
Ford’s next-generation Mustang will reportedly share its entry-level engine with the next Focus RS hot hatch. Ford’s all-new Mustang is expected to bow for the 2015 model year.
Speaking with the UK’s Auto Express, Matthias Ton, head of Ford’s global performance car division, revealed that Dearborn-based automaker is developing a new 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder that will be used in the base model Mustang as well as the next-generation Focus RS. The four-cylinder is expected to replace the Mustang’s current 3.7L V6.
Thanks to Ford’s EcoBoost turbocharging technology, the four-cylinder will reportedly develop upwards of 330 horsepower. That would represent a 25 horsepower gain over the Mustang’s current V6, and the turbo four would undoubtedly trump the six-pot’s 280 lb-ft of torque.
And given Ford’s dedication to efficiency, the four-cylinder Mustang would certainly best the 3.7′s ratings of 19/31mpg city/highway.
The 2.3L could be ready to launch with the new Mustang for the 2015 model year, but the Dearborn-based automaker has been known to delay engine upgrades by a model year or two.
Ok, how about make the v6 with 400HP and the 5.0 V8 with 550HP! That would make more sense.
Well I personally would hate to see them discontinue it after 4 years of production but it they plan those HP numbers with the EB 4 then it does not make sense to keep both. If they come in at say 280 HP and 40 MPG, then they might keep the 3 options. It would not be hard to tune the 3.7L motor to make 330 HP.
Agree…..I’d like to see a Turbo-4 as the base engine (around 280-290 bhp)…..V6 at 310-320bhp……V8 GT 440bhp…….V8 Supercharged 660bhp.
Why not detune the v6 and offer it as the base engine…Then the owner could tune it backup like the Mustang owners of old did with the old 302s.
As long as the 5.0 has 500 horsepower who cares!!!
Keep the FORD V-6—-You got it RIGHT ,so now is NOT the time to drop this fine engine!
I have a Race Red 2013 V6 with Performance Pkg (only – no other options) and a manual transmission. I love this car! I have been around a while so for me, 305 HP and 29 MPG is amazing especially in such a tight well put together vehicle and I am not afraid to drive it since I did not spend a fortune for it. I think the V6 (as good as it is) will walk on the same territory as the 2.3 Ecoboost so the v6 should be dropped and Ford should move forward. I can’t say enough good things about this engine but volume will drive the cost down on the Ecoboost and it is the future! JMO
Well overall the good thing is that the new ecoboost means More power mpg and performance. And really is the logical choice although low number acronyms in the name could hurt sales , as people are well familiar with the termV6 and the power expected from such car. Its a shift.. We are moving into a new age were as the old thinking kimda have to be pushed aside for the new technology. And that means As buyers making choices in unfamiliar territory, even if the new tech is far better overall. That ecoboost boosting morepower and overall performance even benefits the mustang overall due to the fact itss,all and lightweight. Opening a whole new dimesion on a car that typically hindere by tank heavy engines. An ecoboost, mustang would ride corner and drive overall better than the already great drivingv6. Above all ford gota get the look rite, No compromising on making it a true sports car. Its 70% there already but 2014 needs to be all new, low sleek lightweight with killer looks. It time ford
GIVE BUYERS A REAL CHOICE. KEEP THE V6, IT’S A VERY GOOD ENGINE. KEEP THE 5.O V8, OR ELSE WE NO LONGER HAVE A MUSTANG, AND ADD THE TURBO-4 TO THE LINE-UP AS THE BASE ENGINE, WITH 290 TO 300 HP AND GREAT FUEL MILEAGE THANKS PARTLY TO A TALL AXLE RATIO… BUMP THE V6 TO ABOUT 350 OR 360 HP AND MAKE SURE THE 5.0 LITER CRANKS OUT
AT LEAST 450 TO 460 HP … AND ON THE FLIP SIDE OF THIS, IF ANYONE AT FORD STILL HAVE A BRAIN, PLEASE BRING BACK A RWD COUPE AND ALSO A 4-DOOR SEDAN BASED ON THESE EXACT MUSTANG PARAMETERS… WITH A STRETCHED PLATFORM, I.E. A LONGER WHEELBASE, SO AS TO PROVIDE THOSE OF US WHO NEED IT, WITH A COMFORTABLE REAR SEAT. AFTER ALL, THE ORIGINAL WAS NOTHING MORE THAN A VERY SPORTY LOOKING DRESSED UO FORD FALCON. IT WORKED THEN, AND IT WILL WORK NOW. SO PLEASE BRING THE FAIRLANE BACK, AND BRING THE THUNDERBIRD BACK AS A LUXURY 4-SEATER COUPE AND CONVERTIBLE… AND PERHAPS, SHOULD A MIRACLE OCCUR, WHY NOT PRODUCE A 2-SEATER COBRA BASED ON A SHORTENED MUSTANG PLATFORM. IF WE WON’T OR CAN’T USE THE COBRA NAME, THEN WHY NOT NAME SUCH A CAR “COUGAR”.
Gimme a 4cyl turbo mustang! I’m waiting thanks!
It all depends to be honest. If ford makes it a Turbocharged 4 cylinder then HANDS DOWN DROP THE 6 CYLINDER. If not, I would vouch for the 6 cylinder over that.
Horse power and fuel efficiency are more important than displacement and number of cylinders. The new design will be lighter and with more hp from a turbocharged 4 banger it will create more sales on the international market. The base price will already be higher with IRS, so complcating things with 3 engine options can’t make the car any cheaper. I say Ford should go with whatever makes the Mustang go faster with less fuel.
Keep all engine options open. Market the 2.3L as a SVO package.
If you think Mustangs never sold well in the past with a 4cyl, you’re obviously discounting the Mustang II which sold 385,993 units the first year. Obviously laughed at now as low performance, but it was the right car for the right time.
4cyl-base, V6-GT, V8- boss or Mach1 or other special edition
This article is lame.
Detune the v6 to 250 hp? give me a break and get real.
The article needs some common sense
. This is the day of age where v6 mustangs are making over 305+ naturally aspirated . Why would ford or any car manufacture want to go backwards with the v6 engines.
320 hp from an ecoboost 4 cylinder? Their hasn’t been a 4 cylinder ecoboost setup out of the factory that can produce this. The ford focus ST falls way short from 320 hp. Its around 250 hp. Maybe ford might do this I don’t doubt them
I do see an ecoboost v6 mustang as the future possibly making 400 hp and replacing the v8′s. Assuming the new chassis platform is lighter and the demands for high fuel economy in the usa is always increasing
As an owner of a V6, I can state that I take quite a bit of abuse from the 5.0 owners. I can only guess as to what a 4 cylinder Mustang owner will go through. I enjoy the V6 power and economy this Mustang provides me, and the thought of a 300 HP plus 4 cylinder Mustang with better fuel economy than what I have is interesting.
I just hope Ford can survive the forum advertisement the young and inexperienced V8 owners will provide against the 4 cylinder Mustang.
Twin Turbo the V6.
If FORD gets rid of the 3.7, they are fools. It took them long enough to finally recognize that they needed to pay some attention to their 6, and it would be a huge disappointment to see this engine fade so quickly. Ditch the 8 cylinder! There is no need whatsoever for there to be so many of them on the roads. Nobody needs 400whp to get to work, and this also increases the demand, and therefore, price for gas.
Ford should do whatever makes the most economic sense for the Mustang. If I understand correctly, this car is built on a unique platform that isn’t shared with other vehicles. It’s one of the reasons Ford is taking the car global, to increase the volume in an attempt to offset development cost.
That said, Ford has to save cost on engine development. The Mustang’s V8 is a mighty fine motor but going into the future it’s big and it’s thirsty relatively speaking. To meet future CAFE standards, the car has to sell a lot of higher mpg motors to offset the V8′s low mpg. It makes sense to offer both the 4 cylinder and V6 motor configurations. Each one of these motors sold will help offset the penalty of each V8 sold.
Personally, I like the idea of a twin turbo V6 Mustang. Back in 1995 I owned a 300ZX TT that I had upgraded to well over 400 hp. That was from a 3 liter engine designed in the last century. If Ford’s engine development team is worth anything they should be able to do even better in the 21st century.
And I really do like the idea of Ford expanding their RWD offerings. Right now it’s limited to trucks and the Mustang. Taking the Mustang’s platform and building a 21st century Falcon or Galaxy could help expand their product range. But considering the way the company botched the redesign/relaunch of the 2dr Thunderbird I wouldn’t hold my breath.
turbo the 6 (330hp +) and Ill be happy I would never buy a 4 cyl of any kind
A lot of power can be gotten from a turbo-4.
BMW’s F1 cars in the late 1980s were getting 1000hp!
BUT, a 4cyl Mustang… and especially one that as you said “shares the engine with the Focus RS.”
Advantage of 4cyl, it’s smaller, lighter and thus, should handle better.
IMHO, I’d keep the 6, BUT introduce the 4 and see how the public reacts to it! If after a year or 2 the 6cyl sales “drop off a cliff” then discontinue it, leaving the 4cyl turbo as the base engine. If sales of the 6 still remain strong, no harm in keeping it.
Lastly, the current 6cyl is a VERY impressive engine. I love 8 (and 10 & 12) cylinder engines as much as anyone else.
My daily driver is a V8. Do I worry/think about gas/mpg, no, not really. Only once in a while (if that much!).
But I do admit that as time goes on, I keep considering getting a 6cyl Mustang as sort of a “toy”, and make it in to a street legal race car.
The current 6cyl gets 305hp! and that’s normally aspirated power! Imagine a 6cyl turbo! or supercharger.
So, there is PLENTY ADDITIONAL POWER to be gotten out of the 6cyl (with things like I mentioned, a “bolt on” supercharger, etc).
With a turbo-4, it would most likely be more difficult for the home mechanic to extract some extra “ponies” from the turbo-4, which honestly, is not in the spirit of the Mustang!
The production cost of a turbo-4 vs normally aspirated 6 would possibly be the same or maybe a bit more…the turbo would need, well, a turbo ($), intercooler ($), possibly/probably stronger engine “internals” & block to cope with the boost pressure, a “solid” cooling system to deal with the extra heat.
From a cost basis alone, it may make sense to just stick with the 6cyl and as someone else above pointed out, maybe offer it (at least at 1st) as an SVT special?
OH…correct me if I’m wrong, with the possible exception of the Mustang II, didn’t the Mustang always have a 6cyl as an option? A 6cyl Mustand, just like a V8 is sort of in its heritage & “DNA.”
Well the 2.3 turbo would probably be the same as the Mazda 3 speed and those are putting out some crazy numbers and with wonderful reliability. Would have better torque and hp curve than a v6 currently. All would need a tune and turbo upgrade with other bolt ons and you will be beating 5.0 for way less money. But currently they should raise the hp numbers for the 5.0. No reason to pay 11k more for only a 100 more hp and tq. Now 500 na v8 sounds good. I’ll pay that price. One reason why i went with a v6 and modding it currently. I beat the base v8 and some with tune and bolt ons. I would trade my mustang in if it was the same engine. I know what those can do and what numbers they can produce.
First off what is a Mustang? It’s an American muscle car. So if it is a 4 banger it is no longer a muscle car is a failed model of a mustang so the car becomes an (FORD PROBE) which failed very very sadly for Ford!
I love my 2000 v6 Mustang I love to see them bring back the rally inline six and add to it a three tune mode computer (low for Eco, mid for normal driving and high for sport!
Australia has had the Ecoboost in a rear drive Falcon for near a year, we have the OHC Falcon 6 as a 4 litre motor and the optional 4 cylinder, Ecoboost near as matches our big 6 in performance, look up Australian web pages on the Falcon Ecoboost and you will see your future
Juan, dont you ever say that crap again about dropping the V8..
The reasons mustangs are so popular is because of the ground pounding V8.. The sound and torque alone make it worth while. Also if we choose to have 400-500-600 HP in a car to get to work, that is our darn choice.
Never touch the 8……
Just bought a ’13 Mustang 6 & luv in’ it! Say it ain’t so—Ford can’t be dropping it for ’15—engine’s too fine!! RW
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