More Rumors (2009 and 2012 Mustang)

Featured in the November 2006 issue of Road & Track, the 2009 and 2012 Ford Mustang are expected to be built on another new design. The styling of the S-197 continues, but gets refined with more edgy lines and less evident retro features.

The V6 Mustang is expected to get a new 3.5-Liter engine based at 260-280 horsepower. This new design 3.5-Liter engine is being tested in Ford’s Australian line and with modifications should make its way into the United States. With this power output, the 2009 V6 Mustang may run times faster than most earlier GT models.

Expect the 2009 GT Mustang to have an increase in power as well; rumors have the GT as a larger displacement modular design based around 350-400 horsepower! Expect to see Displacement-on-Demand (DOD) technology that will guarantee power when needed, but maintain fuel economy when desired as well. A 5.4-Liter design is not out of question for the GT, and a supercharged model could be produced as well.

For both the V6 and GT, a speculated 6-speed automatic transmission may be used. A 5-speed standard transmission is likely to be in production, but a 6-speed standard is in the works as well. The “DEW-lite” S-197 Mustang chassis could possibly receive an independent rear suspension (IRS) package, but with the popularity of drag applications, this plan will likely fail to make the showroom floors.

Road and Track also has insight into the 2012 Mustang. This model will be another redesign aesthetically, generating more angular swoops in styling. Aerodynamic styling will help maintain a fast powerhouse that creates less drag and nets better fuel economy. News for the 2012 Mustang is rumored at best. As the model will be 5 or 6 years away, expect changes in engineering from styling to power output. One thing is certain, however, the legend lives on!