2011 Mustang Gets 3.7 Liter DOHC V6

[TMN]

Ford will soon be replacing the aged old 4.0 liter SOHC V6 in the Mustang with a new hig- reving 3.7 liter 24-valve DOHC mill. The engine similar to the new 3.5 and 3.7 liter Duratec engines that are found in Ford's front-wheel drive platforms will come to Mustang officially for the 2011 model year.



Ford showed off the 2011 Mustang 3.7 liter V6 at an employee town hall event at their Dearborn Development Center last week. The event was attended by a number of Ford personel and Ford racing personalities like the John Force racing crew of NHRA. While exact specifications of the new 3.7 liter V6 as outfitted in the Mustang are not yet finalized, we can look to the Lincoln MKS for a good idea.

In the Lincoln, the same exact Duratec DOHC 24-valve aluminum V-6 cranks out a healthy 273 hp @ 6250 rpm with 270 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4250 rpm. This is a significant jump from the lazy 210hp coming from the current mill who's basic architecture dates back to the 1970's. It has a robust 10.3:1 compression ratio and modern variable cam timing to bring the Mustang up to par with its competition.

The much heavier Dodge Challenger has a 3.5 liter V6 with 265hp while the Camaro as we all know has a rip-snorting 300hp base plant. While horsepower comes in mid-pack, the new high feature V6 will make the base Mustang a much more premium piece of hardware.

The engine will likely have slighty different horsepower and torque ratings in the Mustang. Changes had to be made to the front wheel drive version of the engine (shown below) for longitudinal placement. These revisions include a new intake manifold, exhaust manifolds and accessory drive system to name a few. A more free-flowing air intake system geared for performance may also bolster final horsepower.

We will have to wait a short while longer to get more details, but the news bodes well. Now that the naturally aspirated version of the new "Lima" V6 is configured for the Mustang, the 355hp twin-turbo version cannot be far behind.

[chiefstang]

'Bout time!!! Pair this with the expected 5.0 coming out, and with the weight differences will put us out front! If it's rated even at 280 hp, the 20 hp it gives up on the Camaro's V6 will pale in comparison to the additional 300-400 pounds that fat pig is draggin' around. It sounds like the "Coyote" 5.0 will give away a similar hp number with similar weight differences to the bowtie anchor. Bring it!

[TMN]

It is about time. Why Ford has kept the noisy and rough Ranger/Explorer truck engine for so long has been curious. I mean, I know why.......it is CHEAP. But still, this is their halo sports car. It will be good to have a base V6 Mustang that even the rank in file Mustang performance enthusiasts will be able to respect and even aspire to own.

275-280 horsepower is more than any modern 5.0 Mustang that has come before it. It is more than the first crop of SVT Cobras! This ought to be a good performer.

[MONEYD]

What effect will the 2011 mustang have on the 2010 mustang. Who is going to want to buy the 2010 4.6 when next year it will have the 5.0. Also how must different price will we be looking at for the 5.0.?

[TMN]

One of the reasons there is little factual news out right now about what is coming for 2011 or 2012 is precisely because Ford does not want to hamper sales of the 2010's. If too much information gets out too soon, it would cause many in the know to wait it out. Remember that the 2011 model year production is still about a year away at minimum, so these things will not likely be publicly unveiled until this fall or next January at the earliest.

[MONEYD]

With all the hype of the 5.0 and the goverment mandates on more fuel efficent vechiles, how long do you thing this power house will last. I know GM and Crystler are owned by the govt. but sooner or later its going to ruin the fun we will have with this power. Im sure it wont last long and well see some 4 cylinder turbo in the future.(puke)

[chiefstang]

Originally Posted by MONEYD

With all the hype of the 5.0 and the goverment mandates on more fuel efficent vechiles, how long do you thing this power house will last. I know GM and Crystler are owned by the govt. but sooner or later its going to ruin the fun we will have with this power. Im sure it wont last long and well see some 4 cylinder turbo in the future.(puke)

Even with all the govt. mandates, people will always need a V8 in their trucks. The nice thing about the 5 liter, aside from a more modern, efficient design is that it will be phasing out two current V8s. The 4.6 and 5.4 will go away leaving the 5.0, and the upcoming 6.2 ( which phases out the 5.4 and V10 ) as the remaining engines.

I'm sure Ford will put smaller engines in the Mustang, (Eco-boost anybody?). I also have a feeling that the next full redesign will include a diet, but I have a feeling that the V8 will always be on the option checklist. It is, after all what makes a pony car a pony car.

[TMN]

The people I have talked to with the automakers say that there will still be room for limited production of some V8 cars like the Mustang high performance versions. They will just have to sell a lot more of the smaller engine models to make sure their fleet average still works out.