Possible New Engine For The V6 Mustang?

Is Ford gearing up for a new heart transplant for the popular V6 Mustang? Recently Ford begun production of it’s new high tech V6 powerplant the Duratec 3.5, code named “Cyclone“.

The new engine is being built at Ford’s Lima, Ohio plant, which underwent a $335 million overhaul in 2003 as part of the auto maker’s flexible manufacturing scheme. The aluminum block is made by Teksid in Mexico, while the heads come from Nemak in Alabama, and the forged steel crankshaft from Bharat Forge of India.

The all-aluminum 3.5L DOHC 24-valve V-6 sports a variety of enviormently friendly features to help obtain it’s ULEV-II and PZEV status. Current displacment is 3.5L (3496 cc/213 in³) with a 92.5 mm (3.6 in) bore and 86.7 mm (3.4 in) stroke, but can go as low as 3.0L or up to 4.0L. The larger bored Duratec 35 would be an ideal replacement for the existing SOHC 4.0L, currently found in the V6 Mustang. The 4 valves/per cylinder are actuated via DAMB (Direct Acting Mechanical Buckets), with intake varible camshaft timing, similar to that of the 3v 4.6L already present in the 05+ 3v Mustang GT’s.

Another similarity with the Mustang GT is the electronically controlled throttlebody, often referred to as “drive by wire”. The pistons are high temp cast aluminum with coated skirts for reduced friction, backed with low-tension rings.  The pistons are pushed with the usual cracked-powder metal connecting rods.

With a 10.3:1 compression ratio the SAE certified engine output is 265hp (198kw) and 250tq (339nm) utilizing 87 octane, which is 75.5hp per liter.  Future plans of gasoline direct injection anticipate goals of 300hp, not to mention later turbocharging possibilities.

Who knows a 300hp+ Duratec 35 could one day power Ford’s V6 Mustang line, but for the time being will reside in the upcoming Lincoln MKZ sedan, Lincoln MKX, Ford Edge, and Mazda CX-9 crossover vehicles as a trial run.