US Muscle cars poised to get Four Cylinders

[aussie muscle]

We all knew falcon ecoboost was a test mule for Ford USA.
http://www.edmunds.com/car-news/musc...r-engines.html

update: "The 2015 Ford Mustang is slated to get a fuel-efficient 2.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, but only for European editions."

"DETROIT — The expected migration of four-cylinder engines to America's muscle cars — most notably the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro — is being pushed by higher gasoline prices and a government mandate for better fuel economy.

Industry sources tell Edmunds that Chevrolet and Ford are preparing redesigned muscle cars, possibly with standard four-cylinder engines. The move isn't surprising, as four-cylinder engines become commonplace in full-size sedans like the Ford Taurus and Chevrolet Impala.

The redesigned Mustang is expected to debut in 2014, the car's 50th anniversary, while the Camaro's update is penciled in later that year or early 2015. The cars will shed hundreds of pounds by adapting lighter-weight materials. The end result is a four-cylinder engine that will provide performance comparable to a V6 engine.

"Four cylinders are definitely going to be a way of life in larger vehicles and sporty vehicles," said Michael Robinet, a managing director at IHS Automotive, in an interview with Edmunds.

He added: "I think the next cycle of muscle cars are definitely going to have to offer a four-cylinder of some sort, if only for the export market. And they probably will be available for the domestic market as well."

The four-cylinder engines will offer plenty of horsepower and torque to spin tires and burn rubber or rapidly accelerate down the freeway. Plus there will be an added bonus to woo buyers.

"If you can get a four-cylinder engine with the power of a V6, but with much better fuel economy, it won't be a problem to gain consumer acceptance," said Michael Omotoso, senior manager of global powertrains at LMC Automotive Inc., in an interview with Edmunds.

Of course, both Chevrolet and Ford are mum about their redesigned cars. Neither will say whether a four-cylinder engine will be available. However, Ford has said the redesigned Mustang is being engineered for a global market, leading to speculation that a four-cylinder engine is mandatory for markets outside of North America.

Chrysler appears to be the lone holdout when it comes to putting a smaller engine under the hood of the Dodge Charger or Challenger. Dodge has no plans to offer a four-cylinder engine in Charger or Challenger.

In fact, Dodge's boss admits he can't comprehend the suggestion.

"I have a hard time getting my head around that," said Reid Bigland, Dodge CEO, in an interview with Edmunds earlier this month at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. "The Challenger and Charger have the muscle-car aura to them. I think what we are seeing right now in the market is still a great deal of appeal for Hemi power."

Bigland said that for full-size sedans that do not "have that muscle-car aura — the 300, the Impala, the Taurus — I think it is much more plausible for that to happen and happen in much greater frequency than we have ever seen."

However, Bigland said the automaker will have to look to hybrids, plug-in hybrids, electric vehicles and diesel applications in other models within the Chrysler Group to balance the automaker's Corporate Average Fuel Economy so it can continue to offer the Hemi V8. He said the price to purchase a Hemi at some point likely will be somewhat higher.

While industry sources say Chevrolet and Ford are preparing redesigned muscle cars, it is unclear whether a Challenger redesign is in the works.

At Ford, the likely four-cylinder engine candidate for the redesigned Mustang is the turbocharged EcoBoost 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The engine is rated at 240 horsepower, 48 hp less than the standard 3.5-liter V6.

This would not be the first time a four-cylinder engine is offered in a Mustang. When the car was redesigned and downsized for the 1974 model year, a four-cylinder engine was offered. However, the automotive press criticized the car's smaller size and the engine's disappointing performance.

GM has three four-cylinder engines that could end up in the redesigned Camaro. A non-turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is standard in the redesigned 2014 Chevrolet Impala. Chevrolet also offers a 259-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the Chevrolet Malibu. Finally, sitting in General Motors' arsenal is a 272-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter power plant. Today, however, it is exclusive to the Cadillac ATS.

Edmunds says: Some may wonder if we'll still be able to call them muscle cars. But as long as the power is comparable to a V6, four-cylinder engines may win the hearts and wallets of U.S. buyers."

[aussie muscle]

And as Jeremy Clarkson asked on Top Gear, why would you want a mustang AND a fuel efficient four pot?

[Boomerang]

4 cylinder muscle! well what next? BMW have just brought out a new model called Grand Turismo and get this; it has 4 doors! A GT with 4 doors? Get real, who ever heard of a GT with 4 doors?! What's the world coming to?

[Cheese3]

Originally Posted by Boomerang

4 cylinder muscle! well what next? BMW have just brought out a new model called Grand Turismo and get this; it has 4 doors! A GT with 4 doors? Get real, who ever heard of a GT with 4 doors?! What's the world coming to?

The Ford GT falcon has 4 doors . . .

[Boomerang]

Originally Posted by Cheese3

The Ford GT falcon has 4 doors . . .

Hmmm ... one could argue it takes more than a badge and some stripes to make a "GT".

From Wikipedia ... "A grand tourer (Italian: gran turismo) (GT) is a high-performance luxury automobile designed for long-distance driving. The most common format is a two-door coupé with either a two-seat or a 2+2 arrangement. Grand tourers differ from standard two-seat sports cars in typically being engineered as larger and heavier, emphasizing comfort over straight-out performance or spartan accommodations. Historically, most GTs have been front-engined with rear-wheel drive, which creates more space for the cabin than mid-mounted engine layouts. Softer suspensions, greater storage, and more luxurious appointments add to their driving appeal. Some very high-performance grand tourers, such as Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren make various compromises in the opposite direction while rivalling sports cars in speed, acceleration, and cornering ability, earning them the special designation supercars."

[Nikked]

Originally Posted by Boomerang

Hmmm ... one could argue it takes more than a badge and some stripes to make a "GT".

From Wikipedia ... "[I]A grand tourer (Italian: gran turismo) (GT) is a high-performance luxury automobile designed for long-distance driving.

Grand tourers differ from standard two-seat sports cars in typically being engineered as larger and heavier, emphasizing comfort over straight-out performance or spartan accommodations. Historically, most GTs have been front-engined with rear-wheel drive, which creates more space for the cabin than mid-mounted engine layouts. Softer suspensions, greater storage, and more luxurious appointments add to their driving appeal.

Sounds just like a EB-FG GT...

[Giant Cranium]

Originally Posted by Boomerang

4 cylinder muscle! well what next? BMW have just brought out a new model called Grand Turismo and get this; it has 4 doors! A GT with 4 doors? Get real, who ever heard of a GT with 4 doors?! What's the world coming to?

like what you are doing there

[Bent8]

Well that's just a shame...

[Boomerang]

Originally Posted by Giant Cranium

like what you are doing there

Ooops ... busted.

[GA_0009]

Originally Posted by Boomerang

4 cylinder muscle! well what next? BMW have just brought out a new model called Grand Turismo and get this; it has 4 doors! A GT with 4 doors? Get real, who ever heard of a GT with 4 doors?! What's the world coming to?

If anything. A Grand Tourer should only have 4 doors.

[BHDOGS]

i suppose the difference is the Americans might be accepting of an icon trying to reinvent itself for the better instead of just slamming it

[ltd]

It would be an EMO muscle car.

For the noise of an American V8 though, technology has the answer. Ford and GM will get one of those harmony pedal things that guitarists use and a loud speaker so that way your 4 pot will sound like a V8.

[ryeman]

Won't the 2.0L EcoBoost mustang in RHD for UK be the new Falcon for Oz?

[Sprint]

its grand tourismo, not grand tourer and GTO is grand tourismo omologato.

Its a italian name thingy.

[Powdered Toast Man]

Mustang had atmo and turbo fours under the hood for 2 generations covering almost 20 years. As long as the V8 is still available for the purists (that includes me, nothing against a good turbo four, but not in an American muscle car) I dont see the issue.

Hell the first SVO Mustangs were turbo 4s.

[Mighty Reds]

I have read about a 2.3L 300+hp car for the European 'only' market as well as the 5.0.

[Super Roo 1970]

The term Muscle car and 4 cylinder engine are 2 terms that should never be allowed together, ever!!

A muscle car is an over powered, under braked brute of a car. Muscle cars are of the 60's and 70's era only in my humble opinion.

How any one could confuse a modern car as a muscle car, let alone a 4 pot thing is beyond any reason.

[4stanger]

Originally Posted by Super Roo 1970

The term Muscle car and 4 cylinder engine are 2 terms that should never be allowed together, ever!!

A muscle car is an over powered, under braked brute of a car. Muscle cars are of the 60's and 70's era only in my humble opinion.

How any one could confuse a modern car as a muscle car, let alone a 4 pot thing is beyond any reason.

If the manufacturer profits and sells a lot of these, um type of 4 cyl. type of vehicles, um
Have you heard the saying, money talks .......

[mik]

a better way of bringing acceptable small engines to the party would be to build some small v8`s, 2.5L,3.0L, 3.5L preferably supercharged or turbo`d, still get nice v8 sound, still get reasonable power, off boost it`s economical, everybody is happy.

[Nikked]

Mustang already has had a 4cyl in the past..whats the drama?

[Boomerang]

But it didn't sell and in fact was very close to causing the demise of the brand.

[4stanger]

Originally Posted by Boomerang

But it didn't sell and in fact was very close to causing the demise of the brand.

I think times have changed since 1974 to the late 80s? when the 4 cylinder Mustang was offered.
Compare the new car sales back then to now!
Tastes have changed haven't they?

[ryeman]

Originally Posted by Arnaldo

I think times have changed since 1974 to the late 80s? when the 4 cylinder Mustang was offered.
Compare the new car sales back then to now!
Tastes have changed haven't they?

Just like diesels have transformed that concept!

[4stanger]

Originally Posted by ryeman

Just like diesels have transformed that concept!

Yep.
Anything could be possible.
Diesel Mustangs.
Hybrid Mustangs.
Solar powered Mustangs.
If it sells, its a goer!

[XR Martin]

Originally Posted by Boomerang

But it didn't sell and in fact was very close to causing the demise of the brand.

In some ways you're right, the 4cyl nearly caused the demise of the brand. But not because of poor sales, it was because the 4th generation Mustang was going to be a FWD 4cyl Mazda clone. And this certainly would have been the demise of the Mustang.

3rd gen Mustang sales were low because of 120hp V8s and the oil price, not because of the 4cyl models.

[Nikked]

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

In some ways you're right, the 4cyl nearly caused the demise of the brand. But not because of poor sales, it was because the 4th generation Mustang was going to be a FWD 4cyl Mazda clone. And this certainly would have been the demise of the Mustang.

3rd gen Mustang sales were low because of 120hp V8s and the oil price, not because of the 4cyl models.

still sold 400 000 mustangs between 1984-86...More (or even on) then they manage today.


SVO was held back by a high price, it was the "GT500" of the day...

[MercurySilver]

muscle stopped in the late 70s

[Moby Vic]

Originally Posted by Nikked

still sold 400 000 mustangs between 1984-86...More (or even on) then they manage today.


SVO was held back by a high price, it was the "GT500" of the day...

The base Mustang (which always outsold the GT) had a four-cylinder engine from 1974 through 1993. If it hadn't sold well, Mustang would no longer exist.

There was no six available in the Mustang from 1987 through 1993, either—you got either a four or an eight.

The SVO was a great performer, and the first Mustang to offer four-wheel disc brakes. But that car was much smaller and lighter than the current car.

I'm surprised Ford is only planning to offer the four in Europe.

[FPV8U]

So long as they keep building the Performance V8 versions I don't see the harm in seeing if there is a market for an Ecoboost mustang.

[4stanger]

Originally Posted by FPV8U

So long as they keep building the Performance V8 versions I don't see the harm in seeing if there is a market for an Ecoboost mustang.

I agree, things would be getting pretty desperate if they have to throw Diesels, Hybrids & solar power in these vehicles.
But who knows in 20 years time.