There are some songs that transcend every decade. When Bob Dylan sang “Times They Are A-Changin’” in
1964, he was singing about the world that was changing around him, the heave and pull of old vs. new,
and the changing of an era in our country. For those that have been following the car industry for the
past 50 years, the change has been meteoric; with a shift from large, gas-guzzling, muscle-bound cars to
smaller, lighter commuters, electric vehicles, and the wild popularity of the commuter and SUV mix known
as the crossover. While the Mustang has remained a popular vehicle over the years, changes in the regulatory landscape have
forced manufacturers like Ford to begin the implementation of new, more efficient engine technology
across their lineups to better cope with new, stricter fuel economy standards and consumer buying
habits. Ford’s answer to the efficient muscle car? The Mustang EcoBoost.
Regulatory Changes and Muscle Cars
EcoBoost Engine Technology
Mustang EcoBoost Specifications
Mustang EcoBoost Performance
Modifying Your EcoBoost
For muscle car fans, the formula is quite simple: rear-wheel drive, big engines, big power, and big fun.
That “big engine” part? That was proving to be a problem for manufacturers like Ford who needed to bump
their average fuel economy across their entire lineup to comply with government regulations and combat
the looming global crisis of climate change.M/p>
The core of these changes has been the implementation of stricter and stricter fuel economy standards
known as CAFE or Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency which states that car manufacturers must meet certain
fuel economy averages across their entire lineup, by a certain date in the future. In 2011, President
Obama signed an agreement with Ford (and other manufacturers) to increase their average fuel economy to
54.5 MPG by the year 2025. If you think about Ford’s North American lineup for just a second, you’ll quickly realize the challenge
ahead for the Blue Oval. Not only do they sell the country's best-selling vehicle, the F-150, but they
also happened to have a legendary muscle car under their wings that was not exactly known for being the
most fuel-efficient vehicle on the road. The answer to this issue would not only bring stonking performance but provide Ford a performance
platform for years to come.
There are a variety of EcoBoost motors in the Ford family but the Mustang uses perhaps one of the most
unique, durable, and powerful; the 2.3L. This engine has several advancements that make it incredibly
unique among small-displacement turbocharged motors: The 2.3L EcoBoost utilizes a twin-scroll
turbocharger to provide power at ALL RPMs without resorting to
the use of two-turbochargers. Those who’ve had the joy of driving older, turbocharged vehicles (WRX,
we’re looking at you) know the terror of sudden and violent turbo lag. The twin-scroll design allows
drivers to access peak torque at a much lower RPM while still providing the high RPM shove that turbos
are known for. The end result is an engine with 300+ horsepower that gets near 30 MPG on the highway. Yes, you read that
right! It also happens to be nearly 150 pounds lighter, most of which is right over the front wheels, so
it benefits from increased handling response. The real story here is the benefits of lightweight and snappy, torque-rich engine performance from a
relatively diminutive powerplant. Remember, this motor is right out of the Focus RS and it’s got the
heart and soul of Ford’s Rally Cars baked into its heart. You can see for yourself, although this
Mustang doesn’t sound like any Mustang before it, it sure moves like one! Oh, and don’t forget that it’s pulling nearly 30 MPG on the highway; that’s the kind of performance you
can use every day. Mustang EcoBoost Performance Stats: Mustang EcoBoost EPA Fuel Economy: One of the best things about the Mustang EcoBoost is the ease of upgrading these turbocharged devils. The
Ford Mustang experts at Steeda offer a huge selection of parts and accessories to turn your EcoBoost
Mustang into a full-fledged performance machine that is equally brutal in a straight line as it is in
the twisties. Remember, the 2015 Mustang was the first to introduce a fully independent rear
suspension
as standard kit and the lightweight EcoBoost motor is a perfect dancing partner in this willing
combination. Need proof of this incredible concept? Just check out the Steeda Q350 EcoBoost
build for yourself. We took a base EcoBoost and turned it into a track-focused monster that strikes fear into the heart of
our competitors at the autocross. This EcoBoost Mustang is one mean, GT eating performance machine. No matter which way you look at it, the EcoBoost Mustang represents the future of the Muscle Car. Sure,
we’ll miss that characteristic V-8 rumble as much as the next guy but we won’t be missing much else,
especially when we stomp the gas, feel the rush of the turbos and scream on to the next corner or down
the strip! This is a new era and Steeda can help make sure you’re ready! Source: Ford Media, Car & DriverMustang EcoBoost: Everything You Need To Know
Regulatory Changes and Muscle Cars
EcoBoost Engine Technology
Mustang EcoBoost Specifications
Category
Specification
Engine family
EcoBoost
Displacement
2.3 liter
Aspiration
Turbo
Configuration & cylinders
Inline, four cylinders
Vehicle engine orientation
Transverse, longitudinal
Valve configuration
Dual overhead cam (DOHC) with variable camshaft timing (VCT)
Assembly sites
Brook Park, Ohio and Valencia, Spain
Predecessor
Mazda L Engine
Successor
Currently none
Bore
87.5 mm
Stroke
94 mm
Compression ratio
9.5:1
Max power @ RPM
310 - 332 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max torque @ RPM
320 - 350 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
Cylinder head
Aluminum
Engine block
Aluminum
Camshaft drive
Chain
Transmission(s)
6-Speed MT-82 Manual Transmission (2015+)
6-Speed Automatic (2015-2017)
10-Speed Automatic (2018+)
Mustang EcoBoost Performance
Modifying The Mustang EcoBoost
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