Everyone is talking horsepower this week now that we’ve found out exactly how much horsepower the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat makes. But there is another muscle car debuting later this year that we don’t have horsepower numbers for, and that’s the 2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost. According to an anonymous source close to the project, that number is 350 hp.
Currently, Ford claims that the EcoBoost will make 305+ horsepower, but they haven’t detailed an official number. Our source told us that we should see a number around 350 hp. He went on to say that the official number revealed might be lower than 350, but the engine will be underrated from the factory. That’s consistent with previous forced-induction Fords that make more than their stated horsepower.
Our source also believes that the 4-cylinder EcoBoost will be the best handling, most balanced of the new Mustangs. The lightweight engine helps a lot in that arena, and for those wanting more power, an ECU re-flash is all that’s needed.
All of this makes sense to us. Ford needs to justify the price increase over the V6, and 305 hp isn’t enough to do it. But a number closer to 350 puts the car square in the middle of V6 and V8 variants. Though, 350 hp is significantly higher than the horsepower rating in the Lincoln MKC, which shares the engine. This just shows how much potential these small Ford engines actually have.
Hopefully we get actual performance numbers soon, and we eagerly look forward to driving the new Mustang once it hits the streets.
Check out our video review of the Lincoln MKC where we talk about the new engine that also will appear in the 2015 Mustang.
Chad Kirchner is a freelance automotive journalist with a sincere passion for the industry and helping people. He’s a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association and the Texas Auto Writers Association. When not writing about the latest automotive news or vehicles, you can catch him at car shows around the country. Be sure to check him out on social media, including Google+ and Twitter.
