When the '05 Mustang is released, enthusiasts may have quite a bevy of engine choices.

The base V6 at 200+ hp.The GT at about 300hp. Also being considered is a higher horsepower, optional GT motor.

The Cobra is reported to have 400+.

This, of course does not include limited "specialty" models, (which Ford representatives indicate will continue), like Mach1 and BOSS.

 

Also I hear that Mach1 will stay on as a regular production model and in '06 the base motor V6 goes to 250hp.

ProudPony or other Mustang guys....any comments/confirmation/rumor spreading?

 

250hp sounds like a lot? Are you sure? What motor is this? Current Mustnag V6s with heads and cam are making around that much hp, and thats pushing the motor near its limits. It must be a new design if thats the case.

 

The 250HP motor will be a 3.5L version of the current Ford Duratec 3.0L V6 which is 220HP in the Mazda 6 and 232HP in the Lincon LS

 

This is what my rumor mill tells me.

*'06 base model....3.5l Duratec V6...250 hp.

*Base GT...3valve SOHC 4.6 V8, 280-290 hp

*Base or optional on GT, 3 valve SOHC 4.9 V8, 305-320hp.

*Mach 1...4valve 4.6/4.9/5.0 ....350 hp

* Cobra...4valve SC 4.6 or normally aspirated 5.0 or 5.4.....400+ hp.


Also, there are rumors that perhaps one of these models will be available with a live rear axle to placate the drag racers.

 

Well, if this is true... I gotta hand it to Ford for offering so many drivetrain choices!

 

There are alot of choices here!

And why would Ford have so many Mustang models and drivetrain choices?

Ford believes that this sort of Mustang proliferation brings outside enthusiasts into the Ford camp.

They may be on to something!

 

Great point, and with Mustang basically being the only car in it's class at this point, they are either:

A) Doing exactly what you are saying,
B) Love their Mustang so much, they don't mind spending more $$ on it, or
C) They are preparing for expected future compition from other sources... (hopefully Camaro and Firebird)

 

more options means more sales
got to hand it to ford for going back to the roots

 

Overall, your list seems fairly accurate with what I'm hearing.

The v-6 for '05 is already locked in and will deliver 215hp. That one I am certain of. The V8's are still being discussed from what I hear.

If the shift to the 3V-5.0 motor goes through, all things get crazy. That would facilitate the BOSS 302 in name AND engine size, the Duratec V6 can then grow a tad in displacement and not scare the base V8 in HP, and a whole new can of worms gets opened-up for the high-performers like Mach 1 (IF they do it again), and Cobra.

I am still getting the same stale rumors about a 427-engined limited production idea. The crux of the rumor evolves around Carroll Shelby getting back in bed with Ford. I would hock body limbs to get a chance at an ACTUAL '05 or '06 Shelby GT500 Mustang with 427 badges on the side a'la the 1967 GT500... signed by THE MAN himself.

Carroll Shelby and Ford both recently won a court ruling against Factory Five Racing this month concerning the shape and body design of their kit car. Ford filed suit for the use of the Cobra name. Shelby won a suit against Ford for using "GT350" on it's celebratory 20th models back in '84, and this put their relationship in the can for a long time. Now, Carroll Shelby is actually offering the 427 Cobra for sale again NEW, with Ford power. I could see the new V-10 427 going into this beast nicely, especially with it's N/A and reduced weight.

Rumor is they (Ford and Shelby American Automotive) are talking about a future development on the Mustang. I am having a b*t*h of a hard time getting any leaks/words on this relationship though. Talk about gag orders...

I'm like a teenage girl in puberty right now over all this, all giggly and smiles...

 

Sounds good. Keep us updated.

 

Not much speculation on my part....Ford officials are already on record saying as much.

I think they see the Camaro demise/hiatus as a GREAT opportunity for them to build their enthusiast customer base.

 

Nod.

As well they should. They'd be foolish not to take advantage of a rare oppourtunity like this.

 

Incidently......

The IRS on the concept Mustangs appears to be the same one as is found on the LS/T-Bird/ Jag S-type, and not the "control blade suspension" we've been hearing about.

That may also explain why the concepts are two seaters. It is rumored that the DEW IRS takes up alot of space, making it difficult to package rear seats on a smaller coupe like Mustang. The "CBS" is said to be far more compact.

 

I guess you could consider me a mustang guy for a reason.

I have the tech sheet for the concept GT at work and it does say 400hp (est) 390tq. WHich I think is insane.

Guesses in the 300hp department sound about right for the gt with the cobra don't be shocked if it's in the area of 450. With the Mach 1 remaining somewhere in the middle.

They are also talking about redesigning a new 5.0 or it has already been done, I don't know.

And like I said a few weeks back and like ProudPony said, don't be surprised a few years in production for the new body style if they announce the new Shelby 427 v10.

And this is only the beginning of Ford's plan....