The old journalism saw says when you assume, you make an ass out of "u" and "me." Yet plenty of people have assumed that Ford's torrid love affair with turbocharged engines would eventually grow to include the Mustang, even though Ford itself has refrained from saying so. Thanks to one enterprising college student, we can stop assuming.
Speaking to an audience at Princeton last night, Ford chairman Bill Ford Jr. took a few questions afterward, including one from Jalopnik reader Michael, who asked if the Ecoboost engine line would reach under the Mustang's hood. Ford said yes, it would, without spilling the goods on whether it would be the 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo (most likely) or the 2-liter four-cylinder (less so, but maybe on an entry level).
We followed up with Ford PR folks who told us they were not going to deny it if the Ford family scion said it.
This wouldn't be first time we've seen a turbocharged Mustang. In 1984, the SVO (Special Vehicle Operations) team produced the most well-known turbo'ed pony — the Mustang SVO, a 'stang that wasn't about large engine displacement. It was powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2.3-liters. It cranked out 175 horsepower and was adorned with a functional hood scoop and a unique two-wing design rear spoiler.
Given that GM's rumored to be moving strongly to turbos for future Camaros, America's future pony-car battles will include a hefty dose of induction force.
While we've no idea whether Ford will call this the "SVO", we feel it'll likely carry the moniker given Ford's recent love of all things retro.
Thanks Michael!
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