I’ll readily admit to being a Ford fanboy, and for someone like me the 2015 Ford Mustang is a huge, huge deal. Not because of the amazingly good looks, the massive amount of technology, or the fact that I consider the Mustang to be the best American car of all time. Nope, for me the 2015 Mustang is a big deal because it is getting a 305 horsepower, 2.3 liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. The Mustang SVO is back! More on this amazing motor in a bit. First though, let’s talk about the stunning new look for the Mustang, which ditches the retro styling for something more in line with the rest of the Ford lineup. The sharply-angled headlights boast LEDs but ditch the retro, grille-mounted foglamps for a more common design mounted low on the front fascia. The triple-bar tail lights boast LEDs as well, and a muscular fastback styling (that reminds me ever-so-slightly of the new Camaro) makes it undeniably recognizable as a Mustang from the side. Ford went even further in crafting the new interior though, adding all new, high-quality materials as well as a completely redesigned center stack. The 2015 Mustang will be the first to get the MyFord Touch system, and Ford has responded to criticisms of the system by adding analog controls as well. Push-button start will come standard, and Ford is loading the 2015 Mustang with all sorts of TrackApps and Bluetooth features to make use of our interconnected world. On the suspension front, Ford finally gave the Mustang an independent rear suspension, catching up with rivals after two decades of delaying the inevitable. The front suspension was also completely replaced and improved as well, using a double-ball-joint MacPherson strut system, making the 2015 Mustang the “most nimble pony ever.” Transmission options are the same six-speed manual or automatic, though paddle shifters will finally be available for automatic owners. And then there’s the engines. While both the 3.7 liter V6 and 5.0 liter V8 will carry over and be improved to produce even more power, the big news is the 2.3 liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. Boasting a forged crankshaft, direct injection, variable valve timing, and a unique intake manifold and turbo housing, the 2.3 liter EcoBoost engine is one of the most advanced motors out there. Ford pegs performance at around 305 horsepower and 300 ft-lbs of torque, though they’re mum on fuel economy figures for now. It’s the first time Ford has put a four-cylinder performance engine in a Mustang since the ill-fated Mustang SVO of the 1980s. Though performance was on par with the V8 Mustangs of the time, the Mustang SVO was a lot more expensive, and people were less open to the idea of a four-cylinder muscle car than they are these days. Ten years ago I would have balked at the idea, but these days a four-cylinder, 300 horsepower Mustang that could deliver 30 mpg or more? Sign me up. Time to start saving my pennies and selling my organs. Any eccentric millionaires need a kidney? gas2.org/2013/12/05/2015-mustang-debuts-with-4-cylinder-turbo/
Posted on: Sun, 30 Mar 2014 01:13:42 +0000
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