Report: Should Ford build a Mustang ST?
Road&Track’s Zach Bowman went on a little rant, but of the good kind, which calls on Ford to make a Mustang ST.
The 2015 Ford Mustang’s already a big story for the year with it’s new construction, stout line of motors, and finally, a fully-independent rear suspension. This finally catapulted the Mustang’s capabilities and potential, giving it the chance it deserves to compete with some of the best competition from around the world.
That said, Ford didn’t skimp on providing customers with options. No matter which way you get the new Mustang, it still comes with the choice of some potent engines, ranging from a naturally-aspirated 3.7L V6 with 300hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, a 2.3L EcoBoost turbo-four with 310hp and 320 lb-ft of twist, and the usual top-dog 5.0L V8 with 435hp and 400 lb-ft.
But what Zach is suggesting is for Ford to make a driving enthusiast-biased model to follow the way of the theme of the Fiesta ST and the Focus ST. Now, the Ford Mustang isn’t by any stretch of means incapable in the handling department it’s clearly the best driving Mustang ever. However, there really isn’t a bespoke high-performance trimmed model, until you opt for the top-dog Shelby GT350, which is a big jump for many.
You can get a sport package for both the EcoBoost and the 5.0 GT models and they do add performance gear such as more aggressively geared rear limited-slip differentials, a heavy-duty transmission cooler, a strut-tower brace, and heavier duty suspension bits tuned for performance and handling, just to name a few. But having none of that is the same as having a dedicated sport model.
So Bowman’s idea: take an EcoBoost Mustang since the turbo-four is the lightest of the three mills offered to optimize handling, make a Mustang ST model, but go bonkers by offering it with a manual transmission only, a center-exit exhaust sibling, add a bespoke high-performance suspension, brakes, and steering, and add in the Mustang GT’s 3.73 Torsen LSD at the rear for good measure.
And of course, you can’t forge the exterior and interior upgrades.
What do you think? Does a Mustang ST sound like a good idea? Or should it just be done the ‘ol fashioned way with the 5.0 GT or the GT350?
Voice your opinion!
– By: Chris Chin
Source: Road&Track
