The 2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is Priced to Kill the Base V6

While we only have leaked pricing for the 2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost models, those unofficial numbers seem like a solid enough deal that most buyers considering the base V6 or the more powerful and more efficient EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder will opt for the slightly pricier yet much more impressive EcoBoost Mustang.

The 2015 Ford Mustang V6 fastback with the 6-speed manual transmission starts at $24,425 including destination, which makes the next generation Mustang less expensive in base form than the current Chevrolet Camaro that starts at $24,550. This new price is $1,090 more than the current base model Mustang, but when you consider all of the changes made to the entire model lineup for the 2015 model year it is a relatively small price hike. Ultimately, so long as it is even a little less expensive than the base Camaro, there are bragging rights to be had.

According to the leaked pricing tables, the 2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost starts at $25,995. This price for the S550 Mustang powered by the new 2.3L 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine represents a markup of $1,570 over the base V6 model. The clearest difference between the two engines right now is that the 3.7L V6 is promised to offer at least 300 horsepower and 270lb-ft while the turbocharged 2.3L mill is promised to pack at least 305 horsepower and 300lb-ft of torque. While the horsepower advantage is very minor, the extra ponies combined with the significant increase in torque should make the EcoBoost Mustang a great deal more engaging to drive than the V6 models.

There is also the strong likelihood that the 2015 EcoBoost Mustang will be significantly more fuel efficient than the current and future V6 Mustang. The V6 mated to the manual transmission yields numbers of 19mpg around town, 29mpg on the highway and 22mpg combined while the automatic transmission improves the highway figure to 31mpg and the combined number climbs to 23mpg. I would imagine that Ford is hoping to hit at least 30 miles per gallon for the EcoBoost Mustang with either transmission with the better of the two likely offering at least 33mpg on the highway. That would be an increase of less than 10% over the V6 while that efficient 4-cylinder engine would still offer quite a bit more grunt.

Finally, there is the fact that many of the most impressive optional features for the 2015 Ford Mustang are offered with the EcoBoost and not with the V6. In the past, the base model V6 Mustang has come with a Premium package – as has the GT model – but based on the leaked pricing figures, the EcoBoost and GT models while have Premium packages while the V6 may not. If there is no V6 Premium (and maybe even if there is), adding any options to the relatively stripped out base model Mustang will quickly push the price past a comparability equipped Mustang EcoBoost so many prospective buyers who head to the dealership to purchase a base model Mustang with the V6 engine could very well find themselves driving out with some TURBO POWA!

Should the pricing and options for the 2015 Ford Mustang lineup have the effect that I am predicting and we see much of the V6 take rate shifted over to the EcoBoost, there is a good chance that Ford could stop using the V6 altogether. While some buyers might be resistant of the 4-cylinder model, it is hard to look past more power, better fuel economy and in some cases, a lower price, simply because you want a V6. This would be a very different story if Ford was trying to replace the Mustang GT’s 5.0L V8 with a similarly powerful turbo 4, but that isn’t the case. I believe that many of the people who are buying a V6 Mustang really won’t have any qualms with buying a 4-cylinder instead – if it is truly the better value.

Click here for a look at the leaked 2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost and GT pricing and stay tuned to TorqueNews for all of your Mustang news – including any more official pricing once it becomes available!