The new Mustang is not as new as we'd like.
The S650Ford Mustangwasrevealed back in September, but only now do we have anything official to confirm how much power it makes. According to a Monroney label (window sticker) sourced byFord Authority, the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine produces precisely the same output that it did with the previous-generation S550 Mustang - 450 horsepower.
However, when the S650 was revealed, Ford said that the car would come with the most potent naturally aspirated iteration of the engine to date, with at least 480 hp, citing "an innovative dual air intake box and dual-throttle body design that helps minimize induction loss."
The window sticker reveals that this particular Mustang GT is equipped with a six-speed manual, but the transmission can't be the reason that output is not at or above 480 hp since theDark Horse variant revealed at the same timehas 500 ponies and is also managed with a stick and three pedals.
Whatever the reason for output remaining the same, this is rather disappointing. We already know thatnot much has changedfor the new generation of the famous pony car, and if power is unchanged too, it may be difficult to make a case for buying the new model. Worse still, it will be "much more difficult" to tune the S650,according to Mustang chief engineer Ed Krenz.
Perhaps the fact that the vehicle to which this window sticker is applied is not for sale means that this particular spec sheet is inaccurate, but we'll only know why this decision has been made once Ford reveals all the specs and details of the new 'Stang.
Still, we ought to be thankful for the continued existence of the electrification-free Mustang, particularly when Dodge is doubling down on electric vehicles and saying goodbye to the V8. Indeed, Ford's other Mustang, the all-electric Mach-E, is responsible for thecontinued existence of the V8 Mustang, and although the GT may be less powerful than we'd have hoped, at least it's still got a familiar recipe.
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