Ford Debuting New 'Entry Level' 2020 Mustang Performance Model

[AVANTI R5]

Ford Debuting New 'Entry Level' 2020 Mustang Performance Model

We expect to have details in the next few weeks.

It’s been an active day for Ford Mustang news. Mach E trademarks have us buzzing about the Pony Car’s electrified future, but in the near term, Ford will pull the covers off a new entry-level model infused with extra performance. We don’t know what that means just yet, but Motor1.com will get a special preview next week with full information likely coming at the New York Auto Show, which kicks off April 19. Ford doesn’t provide us any details on what this car might be, but that doesn’t stop us from speculating and the first thing that comes to our minds is an all-new SVO.

For readers who don’t recall their Mustang history from the 1980s, Ford built the Mustang SVO from 1984 through 1986 and fitted it with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that ultimately produced 205 horsepower (153 kilowatts). It was equal to the V8-powered Mustang GT of the day, but the smaller engine made the SVO lighter. Ford also fitted it with upgraded suspension and brakes to create quite a nimble little Pony Car.

There are already some SVO similarities with the present-day Mustang, notably the 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 310 hp (231 kW) in the base model. We can easily see a modest tune to bump that up just a touch, with some suspension upgrades and perhaps a cool hood scoop that pays homage to its 1980’s ancestor. Or, Ford might follow that formula but call it a Mustang ST instead. Both SVO and ST monikers have been discussed ever since the turbo four returned to the lineup, and recent rumors about a more powerful four-cylinder Mustang certainly support this scenario.

Another less likely scenario would be the return of a V6 model. Lest we forget, when the current-generation ‘Stang hit the streets in 2015 the entry-level car featured a 3.7-liter V6 making 305 hp (227 kW). The turbo-four was the mid-level choice, but Ford dropped the V6 for the Pony Car’s 2018 model-year refresh. We suppose the framework is still there to make a V6 work, and the 2.7-liter EcoBoost borrowed from the F-150 would add an instant 325 hp (242 kW) under the hood.

In any case, we should have all the details to share sometime in the next few weeks. And who knows? Maybe we’ll find out just how much power the 2020 Shelby GT500 makes as well.

Source: Ford

Preview

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[thill]

I predict some aero and a racing stripe.

[KC]

The Camaro 1LE 4cyl turbo is a hoot to drive, and is so much more bang for the buck than one gets in the mustang turbo. That you can get them for $24k? Ford can't compete.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...ormance-track/

--kC

[4S-TURBO]

Cragar wheels and hot wheels flame logo on fender

[bemani]

FiST engine? Now that Mustang is their only car, they need it to cover all the prices.

[Sid03SVT]

Originally Posted by bemani

FiST engine? Now that Mustang is their only car, they need it to cover all the prices.

200hp in 3,500lbs... sadness incarnate right there....

People: the BRZ/miata are underpowered
Ford: Hold my beer!

seriously though, anything less than that TC 2.3L is a waste of time in a chassis that heavy with a... "Grand Touring" suspension setup... I mean, don't get me wrong, for how heavy it is the Mustang is surprisingly controlled and tossable, but it's nothing near the levels of a miata handling/chassis chatting (haven't driven a BRZ, so I can't comment); the Mustang party trick is the DOHC 5.0 under the hood that makes up for the shortcomings in the handling department; had you driven the prior gens you'd understand why I think the S550 does a good job, sure, the GT350 is oodles better in the handling department (did I just use the word oodles?) but whenever I drive an S550 Mustang, I'm not upset, maybe that's because I've driven the Charger and I know how bad it can be, like "late 80's Camaro trying to make itself handle by throwing wide rubber at the problem" bad.
I remember trying to make my Fox handle, sub-frame connectors, strut tower brace, tubular K-member, SN95 spindles, full suspension beyond that, & I'm going to call it "fender rolling" but in reality it was trying to cram as much rubber under all four corners as humanly & mechanically possible, tire punishing front camber, and the stickiest rubber on the market. In the end I had a well handling light weight monster that was horrible at normal speeds and under normal driving conditions, but man, windy wooded backroads, I lived for those. The S550 does an amazing job while being comfortable.

[[email protected]]

I'm not really sure that the myth of poor handling is accurate with the S550's. The Performance Pack 2 offering is an awesome handler. I get the SC2's have something to do with it but even with them off of my car handles very well for what it is. The amazement is of course the 460 HP 7k rpm engine but the suspension isn't far behind.

As for this I would suspect they offer a 2.7 EB with a bit more HP than the 2.3. The other option I could see is Ford offering the PP2 setup on the 4 cylinder. I imagine with the SC2's and other suspension bits it would be a hoot with a 4 cylinder turbo. Being able to mash the gas and having the car grip and go will do a lot for the fun meter.

[Dex]

Originally Posted by KC

The Camaro 1LE 4cyl turbo is a hoot to drive, and is so much more bang for the buck than one gets in the mustang turbo. That you can get them for $24k? Ford can't compete.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...ormance-track/

--kC

Which unfortunately comes in a "Bro, do you even freeway race?" exterior with port windows that would make a submarine crew claustrophobic. No thanks. Though I'll admit, Mustang bros can be equally retarded.

thanks

[FaastLegacy]

Originally Posted by [email protected]

I'm not really sure that the myth of poor handling is accurate with the S550's. The Performance Pack 2 offering is an awesome handler. I get the SC2's have something to do with it but even with them off of my car handles very well for what it is. The amazement is of course the 460 HP 7k rpm engine but the suspension isn't far behind.

As for this I would suspect they offer a 2.7 EB with a bit more HP than the 2.3. The other option I could see is Ford offering the PP2 setup on the 4 cylinder. I imagine with the SC2's and other suspension bits it would be a hoot with a 4 cylinder turbo. Being able to mash the gas and having the car grip and go will do a lot for the fun meter.

It handles poorly relative to the Camaro. Fortunately for Ford, GM can't figure out how to design a car that people want to daily drive no matter how well they otherwise perform.

I think the gig is up for the Transformers styling that started back with the 5th gen and the new corporate front end is hideous.

[hi5.0]

Guessing EB 2.3 in a higher state of tune ala Focus RS will be easier way to gol. Done and proven. Throw on PP2 brakes, suspension and tires from the Mustang GT and call it a day. Also needs the TR-6060 as part of the deal. And please, no fake scoops or vents.
Would really like to see Ford pull out all the stops and throw a GT spec 3.5 EB V6 into a GT350R chassis. I'd take that over a GT500.

[AVANTI R5]

2020 Mustang EcoBoost High Performance Package Shown




Ford has just revealed the Mustang EcoBoost High Performance Package for the entry-level pony car. No, it’s not called the Mustang SVO, but it is the model we saw in spy photos earlier this month, and when it reaches dealerships this fall, not only will the Mustang EcoBoost High Performance Package represent the most powerful four-cylinder sports car offered by an American automaker, but it will also be the best EcoBoost Mustang yet.

The package starts out by swapping the standard 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 with a unique variant of the motor used in the Ford Focus RS. It then adds Mustang GT brakes, along with aerodynamics and suspension components from the Mustang GT Performance Package.



The engine makes 330 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. It features a die-cast alloy block and high-performance cylinder heads, the along with a five percent larger (63-millimeter) twin-scroll turbo compressor, as well as a larger radiator. Models equipped with the Mustang EcoBoost High Performance Package will be available either with the 6-speed Getrag manual or the Ford-developed 10-speed automatic transmission.

Ford claims the package will enable the Mustang to make a zero-to-60 MPG run in the mid four second range on to a top speed of 155 MPH. Over 90 percent of peak torque is made between 2,500 and 5,300 RPM – which is a 40 percent wider power band than the standard EcoBoost engine. The package also includes a fully-active quad-tip exhaust system with a tuned exhaust note specific to this model.



The high-performance EcoBoost pony features an (almost perfect) 53/47 front/rear weight distribution as well as a fully-independent suspension, along with chassis and aerodynamic upgrades from the Mustang GT Performance Package. To further stiffen the chassis, an alloy strut tower brace is present and accounted for. Underneath, there’s a 32-millimeter solid front sway and a tubular 24-millimeter rear sway bar.

Ford tweaked the electronic-controlled power steering for the Mustang EcoBoost High Performance Package and there will be five selectable drive modes. There will also be brake cooling ramps from the Mustang GT Performance Package to keep maintain braking performance at the time.



Visual enhancements to the Mustang EcoBoost High Performance Package include package-specific 19×9-inch machined-faced aluminum wheels wrapped in 255/40R high performance summer tires. The HPP also includes a large black front splitter and belly pan, a blacked out grille with an offset Mustang tri-bar pony badge, and a unique 2.3-liter High Performance Package badge on each side of the car. Magnetic gray side mirrors and a raised blade rear spoiler are part of the package, as are unique metallic gray stripes on the hood. Inside, there’s an aluminum instrument panel with oil pressure and turbo boost gauges, and a serialized dash plaque to identify the unique performance model.



And if all of that wasn’t enough to get Mustang fans excited, Ford will also offer a new Handling Package that can be added to the EcoBoost High Performance Package. The Handling Package includes semi-metallic brakes, MagneRide dampers, and a Torsen 3.55:1 limited-slip rear axle. The model will ride on 19 x 9.5-inch painted aluminum wheels wrapped in 265/40R Pirelli P Zero Corsa4 summer tires and feature a 24-millimeter solid rear sway bar, up from 21.7 millimeters.



The Mustang EcoBoost High Performance Package is available for Fastback Coupe and Convertible models. Meanwhile, the additional Handling Package will only be available for Fastback Coupe models. Both models will reach dealerships this fall alongside the 2020 Mustang.

http://fordauthority.com/2019/04/202...mance-package/

[Skylab]

2020 FORD MUSTANG HIGH PERFORMANCE 2.3L FIRST LOOK: AUTOXER?

A lot of noise (and tire smoke) gets made at the high end of the pony/muscle-car performance spectrum, with cars like the Challenger Hellcat Redeye, the Camaro ZL1, and the forthcoming Shelby GT500 vying for bragging rights in horsepower, quarter-mile stats, or lap times. Now Ford is once again showing some love to the half of Mustang buyers at the other end of the continuum opting for the four-cylinder. To better serve these younger buyers who prefer to lay their rubber down a little at a time in the bends of an autocross, some Mustang team members burned the midnight oil raiding the global parts bin to gin up a pretty cool four-banger 'Stang.

The whole thing started with an EcoBoost chassis development test car that the team just couldn't fall in love with—until someone discovered a Focus RS development engine lying around and thought, "hey, maybe…" Late nights were spent Frankensteining the transverse engine into the Mustang's longitudinal rear-drive chassis, the keys got tossed to product development veep Hau Thai-Tang, and pretty soon a 10-month crash program was underway to bring the most powerful four-cylinder Mustang in history (and the most powerful American four-cylinder, period) to market.

The timing was propitious in that Focus RS production was just ending, freeing up the tooling in Valencia, Spain, to make engines for the Mustang. The transition from transverse to longitudinal mounting wasn't that big a deal—the turbo had to be redesigned to meet the very different exhaust plumbing, the intercooler is unique, and of course all of the electronics were retuned, both to suit this very different and heavier application and to work with Ford's optional 10-speed automatic.


The calibration ended up giving up 20 horsepower (now 330) while preserving the 350 lb-ft of peak torque and widening the torque plateau by 40 percent, so that 90 percent of peak torque is available between 2,500 and 5,300 rpm. Another goal the team met was to carry 90 percent of peak horsepower to the 6,500-rpm redline regardless of transmission choice. Oh, and the active exhaust system is standard and is custom-tuned for this application.

This is a unique EcoBoost engine, though it shares its bore and stroke with the 310-hp/350-lb-ft workaday version. The aforementioned new turbo, which produces "more than 20 psi" (up from 18), produces more violent explosions in the cylinder, requiring stronger cylinder head and gasket materials. And the engine will still be made in Valencia. Ford claims that with the 10-speed automatic, it should hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds (our last EcoBoost fastback needed 5.3) en route to a 155-mph top speed—that's up 10 from the EcoBoost Perf Pack and up 34 mph from the base EcoBoost.


Of course buyers who tick the box marked 67E will get much more than just an engine. Naturally, many of the EcoBoost Performance Package bits carry over, including the springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars, the aluminum shock-tower brace, the GT-grade brakes (13.9-inch front, 13.0-inch rear), 32.0mm hollow front and 24mm solid rear anti-roll bars, a set of 9.0x19-inch wheels wrapped in three-season Pirellis sized 255/40ZR-19, and a 3.55:1 Torsen limited-slip rear differential.

Additional appearance differentiators for the High Performance 2.3L include upper and lower grilles finished in "magnetic" (metallic graphite) paint and fitted with the offset Mustang emblem, magnetic side mirror caps and "whisker stripes" on the vented hood, and a black finisher with unique faux filler cap spanning between the taillights. Interior alterations are minimal—an engine-spun aluminum instrument panel with analog gauges, including oil pressure and turbo boost, plus a serialized dash plaque. Oh, and this package can be had on the fastback or convertible, with the base cloth or upgraded leather interior. There will also be four new Mustang colors for 2020: Twister Orange, Grabber Lime, Red Hot, and Iconic Silver.



Autocrossers will also want to check the box marked 60E for the handling package, available only on the fastback, with the manual or automatic transmission. This brings MagneRide shocks with unique tuning for this application, semi-metallic brake pads and improved front brake cooling, wider 9.5x19-inch wheels wearing 265/40ZR-19 Pirelli P Zero Corsa4 tires, and several GT Performance Package 2 parts, including the front springs and 33.7mm hollow front anti-roll bar.

EcoBoost Mustangs generally weigh about 200 pounds less than their GT counterparts, with 155 pounds of that burdening the front wheels. The new car boasts a 53/47 percent front/rear weight bias (our last base GT measured 55/45). All things considered, an EcoBoost High Performance 2.3L handling package car should be the Mustang of choice for tight autocross courses or short-straight technical handling circuits. Mustang vehicle engineering manager Tom Barnes says it also performs really well on the MotorTrend figure eight. We can't wait to verify all of these claims.

Look for High Performance 2.3L Mustangs to hit dealerships this fall. Pricing will be announced later this spring, but expect to pay more than the $2,495 charged for the outgoing EcoBoost Perf Pack. But rest assured that even with the handling package, it will undercut the $8,960 premium charged for a base GT by a significant margin.

https://www.motortrend.com/cars/ford...64E1B74276E0FC

[KC]

They did it. They made a 1LE turbo to compete against the Camaro 1LE turbo.

The 1LE turbo is a very, very, very good autox car. It's fun, athletic, and just powerful enough without being too much to make it a bit more fun than the bigger engines to puch through a course, and... it's lighter. The non 1LE turbo was winning the class for the past couple years, was the car to beat. THey put the 1LE in the class this year... so next year will be something if it all comes to fruition.

Thing is, the 1LE turbo can be had cheap. Can Ford follow suit? Or price themselves out of the market? "We made it, but no one is buying."

Thats what will be said if the Mustang turbo is heavier, and more expensive. They REALLY have to pay attention to this.

--kC

[[email protected]]

Expect more of these to come as the stretch out the platform for another few years.

With that said historically some of the best offerings are "parts bin" cars like these. One of the reasons I enjoy my Performance Pack 2 GT so much.

[Sid03SVT]

Ford and Mazda should collaborate; Mazda Miata chassis with this drivetrain.... I want it.

[4S-TURBO]

Originally Posted by Sid03SVT

Ford and Mazda should collaborate; Mazda Miata chassis with this drivetrain.... I want it.

Their partnership produced some good products. They could pick up where they left off so Ford wouldn’t be forced to axe their appliance cars.

[Sid03SVT]

Originally Posted by 4S-TURBO

Their partnership produced some good products. They could pick up where they left off so Ford wouldn’t be forced to axe their appliance cars.

At the same time Mazda could leverage the partnership to grow their production capacity - it would be a massive win-win. New Mazda plants in the US, building cars for Ford, the capacity of which shifts from Ford only to Ford/Mazda to Mazda only as the contract runs out.

Ford gets reliable and (relatively) fun sedans and hatches, Mazda gets money and expanded capacity, hopefully my eco-boost Miata bastard child gets built.

[Pre]

Hope they get the headgasket right this time.

[thill]

Sorry with cheap gas prices the V8 Mustang makes far more sense. Even without cheap gas prices I bet this 4 cylinder barely gets better gas mileage if you are constantly in boost.

My guess is that this is just as much, if not more, for external markets where you get taxed based on engine displacement. They might be able to sell more Mustangs in these markets for people who wanted the V8 but the turbo 4 makes more sense.

[godfather2112]

Originally Posted by Pre

Hope they get the headgasket right this time.

That was a Cosworth engineering problem, not Ford design. Just an FYI.

[ForceFed4]

Originally Posted by KC

They did it. They made a 1LE turbo to compete against the Camaro 1LE turbo.

The 1LE turbo is a very, very, very good autox car. It's fun, athletic, and just powerful enough without being too much to make it a bit more fun than the bigger engines to puch through a course, and... it's lighter.

Looks like it. I'm interested to see if the moderate increase in power and wider torque band is enough to wake the car up.

Handling improvements should be welcome, though I suspect that the wider stock wheels that come with the handling package will be what the AutoX guys will really care about.

A GT with the magneride dampers, active exhaust and wider than 255 rubber is pushing $50k. Curious to see where this lands (with the handling package).

[Pre]

Originally Posted by godfather2112

That was a Cosworth engineering problem, not Ford design. Just an FYI.

Interesting given that Cosworth didn't make the head. Ford did.

[thill]

Originally Posted by godfather2112

That was a Cosworth engineering problem, not Ford design. Just an FYI.

I read that the wrong gasket was installed. The regular Mustang Ecoboost gasket vs the one specially designed fir the RS 2.3L. They are different gaskets.

[hi5.0]

Almost nailed it except for Ford not going with the TR-6060 transmission. My guesstimate for pricing would put it in the neighborhood of the FoRS. A bit spendy for the "it's not a V8!" crowd, but seems reasonable if it can live up to the performance estimates in the article.

[mhoward1]

Originally Posted by KC

They did it. They made a 1LE turbo to compete against the Camaro 1LE turbo.

The 1LE turbo is a very, very, very good autox car. It's fun, athletic, and just powerful enough without being too much to make it a bit more fun than the bigger engines to puch through a course, and... it's lighter. The non 1LE turbo was winning the class for the past couple years, was the car to beat. THey put the 1LE in the class this year... so next year will be something if it all comes to fruition.

Thing is, the 1LE turbo can be had cheap. Can Ford follow suit? Or price themselves out of the market? "We made it, but no one is buying."

Thats what will be said if the Mustang turbo is heavier, and more expensive. They REALLY have to pay attention to this.

--kC

KC- as noted on the other board we visit I am pretty sure a Autox champion had input on this package. The 265 square setup, new torque curve, and a few other tweaks seem made to knock the Camaro off the podium.