Ford to cut back on V8-mix for the Mustang

Since Ford launched the redesigned Mustang in 2004, the 4.6 liter V8 engine has accounted for 52 percent of Mustang’s powertrain mix. But now because of rising fuel prices Ford is cutting back on the V8 engines for the Mustang.

“We’ve got a really respectable (fuel economy) rate on the V-6,” Paul Randle, Mustang’s Chief Engineer told Automotive News. “It was three capacity increases (for the V-8) after Job 1 for me,” Randle said. “Now I’m throttling back, and I’m at about 45 percent V-8.”

Randle said that after the 2005 Mustang hit the road the marketing division came to him, pleading him to add more V8 into the Mustang powertrain mix. He then worked with suppliers to boost capacity on the V8. But starting in 2008 Randle will be increasing V6 and cutting back on the V8.

The 4.0 liter V6 engine with an automatic transmission is rated in at 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

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