Ford to EcoBoost Next Mustang?

Ford’s Mustang is currently the best-selling sports car in the country. With its nostalgic looks and muscle car performance, yet modern day safety and comfort features like the new Glass Roof option, not to mention affordable pricing, why shouldn’t it be? But to stay on top of the sales charts, Ford is going to need to update the Mustang, which could come as soon as next year if reports are correct.

We aren’t sure as to the exact changes for the next Mustang at this particular moment with regards to appearances, although we’ve heard that it will continue on with the retro styling and will feature a number of external styling cues derived from 2006’s Mustang Giugiaro concept.

Surely, the styling of the new Mustang will continue to reference the good ‘ol days, but one of the primary concerns with future Mustangs (and many other pony / muscle cars) is ensuring their ability to be fuel efficient with the upcoming 35 MPG CAFE economy standards. Ford is planning on updating the Mustang’s current engine lineup with newer, more advanced engines.

Currently, Ford sells the ‘Stang with the 4.0-liter “Cologne” V6 in base models, 4.6-liter “Modular” V8 for the GT (slightly modified for the Bullitt), and the 5.4-liter supercharged V8 for the low-volume GT500 (modified for the GT500KR). According to a variety of sources, the next Mustang will keep its entry-level V6 engine, but GT buyers will have the choice of two engines, a brand new 5.0-liter V8 and the recently unveiled 3.5-liter V6 with EcoBoost technology.

By offering two engines, Ford could appease its traditional buyers who insist on V8 power, while satisfying the more fuel conscious consumer with an engine that is equally powerful but much less thirsty. With the twin-turbocharged, direct-injection EcoBoost engine, Ford could, in theory, extract upwards of 415 hp, which would match or eclipse the GT’s V8 in power, but would cut back on consumption.