Could we 'Boost' the Mustang even more?

Frankly, in my opinion, it depends. For reference, please see Patrick Rall's original story titled There is Still Room for an EcoBoost V6 in the New Ford Mustang.

What We Know:
Ford executives have advised that the 2.3 Liter 4-cylinder twin-scroll EcoBoost model will be in excess of 300 horsepower and 300 ft. lb. of torque. We’ve also learned that the 5.0 Liter V8 engine will be in excess of 420 horsepower and 390 ft. lb. of torque, besting the 2014 model year output. In addition, we have learned that the 5.0 Liter GT model had an impressive list of automobiles used as guidelines for performance targets. BWM’s M3 and M4, along with Porsche’s 911 have been specifically mentioned in that list. One thing we do know for sure is that the new Ford Mustang GT will best the 2012 and 2013 BOSS 302 Laguna Seca-Edition Mustangs around the track, an impressive feat for a completely redesigned, freshly IRS-equipped model.

The BOSS 302 Laguna Seca-Edition puts out a Ford-estimated 444 horsepower and 380 ft. lb. of torque, and in my opinion, Ford would need to beat both of those figures to meet the aforementioned performance requirements while remaining competitive with other closely priced competitors.

What We Don’t Know:
The problem is that we simply don’t have exact numbers just yet. There is rampant speculation over what kind of horsepower and torque figures we can expect from these two models. Enthusiast estimates about the EcoBoost model range from 305 to 335 horsepower with an approximate 1-to-1 horsepower to torque ratio. For the 5.0 Liter V8, enthusiast estimates range anywhere from 430 to 475 horsepower and approximately 400 ft lb of torque.

Unfortunately, we also don’t yet know if straight-line speed was a performance target for the new Ford Mustang. Putting that question aside, the slight weight gain and an uncertain new IRS package emphasizes a greater expectation for comparable, or even slightly better performance figures than BOSS 302 Laguna Seca-editions.

The Gap?
Were the EcoBoost 4-banger to arrive with 350 horsepower along with a decently matched torque rating, while making little improvement in output from the 5.0 Liter GT powerplant, I don’t think there would be a large enough gap between these two models to justify an intermediary EcoBoost V6. It is my opinion that the naturally aspirated V6 is on it’s way out, the EcoBoost 2.3 Liter will take over as the base model and that would leave some room for an EcoBoost V6 to sit squarely in the middle. Don’t expect any changes to the 2015 model year, though. The S550’s have a long way to go, and 2016 would be the first model year that we could even begin to see changes.

At this point, we’ll have to impatiently wait for Ford-provided performance numbers to even know if there is room for flexibility.

The Future:
One thing is for sure, Ford has been doing an excellent job at developing these EcoBoost engines. They recently raced an 3.5L EcoBoost-powered Riley Daytona Prototype at Daytona, where they broke the previous closed course speed record at 222.971 MPH, while also setting FIA records for standing start 10-mile and 10-kilometer runs.

I, for one, am certainly excited to see what the future of EcoBoost-based Ford Mustang brings.

Written by Joe Rees