WolfpackS2k

I'm not sure they are putting in the 4 cyl to save weight, rather than to be able to sell more Mustangs in Europe where V6 and V8 models are expensive due to their engine size.
[/quote]


If that was the case wouldn't they use the 2.0L turbo engine then? I believe most European countries start taxing engine displacement above 2.0 liters.

Zoidberg

This is something I want to be excited about. Mustang has a huge aftermarket following, and bringing in a turbo to that market can open a lot of doors. With lighter weight and IRS, the Mustang can be a fun car, and add in a 4-cyl that you can string out while you drive around town can be fun.

But it would have to avoid the base Mustang feel of a V6 in a V8 body. There are already other cars on the market built around a 300hp engine, here are a couple examples:

Hyundai Genesis Coupe
$25k
274 turbo-4
21/24 mpg
3400 lbs
OR
350hp v6 for $28k

Nissan 370Z
$33k
330 hp V6
19/26 mpg
3300 lbs

and for reference:
Current Mustang V6
$22k
305 hp V6
19/31 mpg
3500 lbs?


So what does the Ecoboost 4-cylinder Mustang have to do to win sales? What does it have to do to be fun?

To win sales:
It can beat out the above competition in terms of price/power/mpg. But I don't think it would pull in many new buyers over the V6 'stang.

To be fun:
My picture of fun would be a 300hp version of the Scion FRS. That's not possible when it is bound by a chassis built around a V8. That being said, if it is indeed somewhat lightweight and has suspension that pleases the Europeans, it could be an inexpensive fun turbo RWD car.

jwocky

Hope your wish for a IRS with no weight gain comes true. It'll need that with all the extra technology it'll have over the current Mustang.

TheDonEffect

I agree with you and logic is on your side, but the trend seems to be more weight. I did read that they are trying to reduce weight for mpg and performance, and looking at the current stang the car is inflated. My other wish is that they dobt design it aroubd 20" rims like the camaro ss, that alone should keep the weight down. Design it with 18s with the ability of folks to cram in 20s.

Zoidberg

Spy shots of 2015 Mustang testing:
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/2...on-the-street/



Hard to say for sure but I think it looks physically smaller. It will be a more modern look, interesting glimpse at the narrow headlights. Spyshot camoflauge is often square-ish, but the nose looks like it will likely be pretty flat to please the Europeans.

Update says sources say V6 and V8 will remain the same except for the Ecoboost in Europe.

I think it's just what everyone was hoping for if it is small with IRS and its trusted 5.0 V8.

ZDan

Doesn't look smaller to me. The front end looks particularly bricktacularly MASSIVE.

JonBoy

I still have high hopes for this car. I like the look of the current 5.0 but the overall size/weight (and horrible interior) throw me off completely. I just can't force myself to buy one. If they could get this down to 3300 lbs with the 5.0L V8 and IRS, it'd be pretty tempting to me, especially since the interior should take a massive step forward (as have the rest of their recent designs).

I just don't see myself buying a 3500-3600 lb Mustang, though. They really need to cut the weight and make it a smaller car in every way (motor excepted).

TheDonEffect

Photo looks promising, the front end camo looks like it's bloating the front end to hide what's underneath.

litfuse

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBNCT4AvzMc

Here's a 9 second 2.3L 4 cyl mustang.

TheDonEffect

I'm with you that I'd definitely prefer it get substantially lighter, but realistically I don't see it happening nor do I feel that it's absolutely necessary. I mean yeah, I'd love for them to get it down to genesis coupe weight or lighter, but if they keep it around m3 weight levels (which it's already in the ballpark for now) then I'd be ok with it. Ford has demonstrated with the current stang that they can make a chassis and make a car handle, now with a smaller lighter platform with IRS, the car just keeps getting better. I think for the interior, they don't necessarily have to make it with better quality, imo the quality is there and fine for its segment (until you get to the shelby price levels) but I think it defintely needs to be styled better to make it look less chinzy. Take the fusion, quality wise it isn't necessarily better than its predecessor, but the styling and layout makes it looks worlds better imo.
Since they are planning to go international with this car, they won't be tempted to dumb it down for what they think americans want, so should be great. I'm all for heritage styling, but the flat out retro mindset needs to go.

In other sorta related news, the camaro is being retooled with the ATS platform which has been accepted warmly, and also the rumors of the smaller hemi cuda. Should be an interesting few years.