Run for cover! (The Ford Mustang Thread)

[novicius]

(Continued from here.)







Ford Mustang EcoBoost: Driven

Ford claims 310hp, 320lb ft and a US highway economy figure of 32mpg that should translate into something over 40mpg on the official NEDC test. First impressions are good: the motor fires into life with a nice hard-edged exhaust note and there's appropriately Mustang urge low down. The car we drove was fitted with the optional six-speed auto, but even working through the slush of the torque converter throttle response is decent and there's little lag. At everyday speeds, it works well.

Ask for more and the engine breaks sweat. It's been tuned to deliver best in the mid range and it starts to feel breathless well before it gets to the 6,500rpm redline and the soundtrack gains a harshness that suggests the motor isn't really appreciating the workout. There's less at the top end than the brawny low-down response has led you to expect; the Mustang is plenty fast in absolute terms - a mid-5s 0-60mph according to US magazines - but you feel a bit short-changed when you try to rev it out.

Huh, I'm surprised that it runs out of breath towards redline. I'd think that early EcoBoost owners are going to feel dissatisfied compared to the cheaper V6 (that is, until they re-flash the ECUs ).

As an aside, keep in mind that the weight of the 5.0L GT as been stated as being in the 3,750-3,800 lb. region, aka as fat as the current Camaro now. The new Camaro could end up being as much as 250-300 lbs. lighter than the new Mustang.