Ford Open to Possibility of Diesel or Hybrid Mustangs

FordFordUnited States of America, 1903 > present92 models
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says that it is willing to consider diesel and hybrid versions of the new, sixth generation MustangFord MustangUnited States of America, 1964 > present6 series
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in the future to improve the car’s emissions and efficiency. It is clear that there are no firm plans at the moment, but it is not ruling it out in the future.

Ford’s decision to make the Mustang an international model has given it some new challenges. Since its introduction, fuel economy and emissions have mattered little for the car. The top versions of the current generation used a supercharged V8 that could not be sold outside of North America in anything but miniscule numbers. To sell the Mustang in Europe and Australia, Ford will have to offer more economical engines.

It has already made the first step in this plan. The sixth generation Mustang will be offered with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300hp. While it is not the first time that the Mustang has been offered with a four-cylinder, it shows that Ford is serious to combine performance and economy in the Mustang.

Ford is expecting the turbocharged four-cylinder to be a hit in the Mustang. It provides as much power as the larger V6 but with better fuel economy.

“We’re not looking at diesel at the moment, but given where we need to go with fuel consumption we are looking at all our options. And diesel is one of those options, along with hybrids and electric,” said Ford Global Powertrain Boss Bob Fascetti.

“We are turning the Mustang into a global product now so all of our options are open now… we have great diesels in Europe, we have an EcoBoost line-up in North America… so we can do almost anything. For us it’s a case of designing the right drivetrain for the car,” said Fascetti.

In addition to cleaner engines, Ford is working on new, nine- and ten-speed automatic transmissions with General MotorsGMUnited States of America, 1998 > present8 models
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, but they are still several years away from coming to market.

Ford Unveils 6th Generation Mustang with New EcoBoost Four-Cylinder

Source: Go Auto