New Ford Mustang primed for more powerful V8
Fresh US report suggests the next Mustang GT will pack close to 500hpIt seems that while the seventh-generation 2023 Ford Mustang will ride on a carry-over platform powered by a familiar engine line-up, there could be a considerable power boost coming for the 5.0-litre Coyote V8 with sources close to the project indicating some versions will deliver close to 500 horsepower (373kW).
and we shouldn’t have to wait too long to find out given the new-generation pony car will make its global debut next month.If the rumour proves true and the 2023 Mustang’s mainstream V8 does approach the 373kW mark, the S650 Mustang GT will out-muscle its predecessor by around 34kW (46hp), which should result in a sizeable increase in performance.
Indeed, even the limited-run S550 Ford Mustang Mach 1 would be out-gunned by around 28kW (38hp), but it remains to be seen if this supposed figure applies to the new GT or Mach 1 – if it features as part of the initial line-up.
North American Mustangs (GT and Mach 1) were actually stripped of a few kiloWatts and Newton-metres for the 2021 model year, with Ford citing emissions regulations (Australian cars were unaffected), so news of a significant power bump for the new model is making waves among US fans.
The Mustang has never had an issue with horsepower; the rabid Shelby GT500 presently slams down a huge 567kW/847Nm courtesy of a supercharged 5.2-litre crossplane V8; enough to make it the most powerful factory Mustang to date.
If the S650 GT and its derivatives do in fact gain more power from the outset, especially an extra 34kW, then we shudder to imagine just how much grunt the next-generation Shelbys will lob with.
Either way, despite the Mustang becoming a global model with the S550 of 2016, Shelby versions of the iconic coupe and convertible are expected to remain left-hand drive only.
There’s been no indication yet as to how much extra torque the GT will pack compared to its forbearer, if any, but it’s likely to be more than the current 556Nm – especially if rumours of hybridisation ring true later in the S650’s life.
Production of the new Ford Mustang is expected to start in March 2023, before first right-hand drive examples are due Down Under in the second half of the year.
Related: MOTORSPORT: New Ford Mustang racing to be ready for Gen3 Supercars
Related: New Ford Mustang to debut in September
Related: New Ford Mustang photos leaked
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