Recently I read a stunning article in Motor Trend with the appropriate title "Future Shock" Apparently Ford is seriously considering placing a twin turbo V-6 in the upcoming, slightly refreshed model. Thankfully, Ford is going to sell these alongside the V-8 models if this does happen. However, the problem is that most automakers are feeling the crunch to meet the 35mpg CAFE regulations by the year 2020. You can't blame American automakers for following trends, but it sure is putting the pinch on them. Americans have been eating up trucks and SUV's for years now. A sudden shift in oil prices is quickly putting a stop to this.Now Ford is even considering bringing back a mid size truck that is tentatively named the "F100," much like in the old days except it was once a base model. You better believe that the current downsizing trends are only just the beginning. Chevy is also comtemplating bringing one of it's new ultra small compacts to the U.S., one that was previously pegged only for European consumption. American automakers have been through all of this before, however, and I'm confident they can eventually work their way through our poor economic situation.
The real question is, will consumers buy a twin turbo V-6 Mustang? Or more appropriately, is there a niche for it? I for one think it's a great idea and would welcome it to the stable. But would I buy one? Probrably not. Like most muscle car fans I can't see myself driving anything less than a V-8. I understand that the 6 will make as much or more power for the same price. It's just a personal preference.
I do believe that there is a market for this car. Just look at what happened with the Nissan Skyline. Instant cult hit. The only thing standing in it's way is that most Mustangs are sold with the base V-6 anyway (read: rental car, female shopper). It's just unfortunately a way of life, but without these sales the car would probrably have died many years ago. So anything to keep it around is worth a shot in my book.
The other great news is that Ford is considering bringing back the 5.0 in a much evolved form. This engine is rumored to replace the 4.6 and may appear in several special edition Mustangs (Boss 302 anyone?). The Shelby Cobra will also continue on with the new model in 2010. I for one applaud these moves. The 70' Boss 302 is my favorite car of all time, and I love the Shelby.
Hopefully they'll still be producing them when I one day can afford one....
http://www.motortrend.com/future/future_vehicles/112_0803_2010_ford_mustang/index.html
Posts
