Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

Ford launches performance upgrades to muscle-up the Mustang GT, EcoBoost

Stephen Edelstein
By

2016 Ford Mustang
Image used with permission by copyright holder
The current-generation Ford Mustang is no slouch, but for buyers who aren’t satisfied with stock, Ford has a way to add some extra power to this muscle car.

Through its Ford Performance division, the carmaker is offering performance upgraded for the Mustang EcoBoost and Mustang GT. The upgrade packages increase power output, while remaining 50-state emissions and compliant and maintaining the factory warranty.

Recommended Videos

A “calibration kit” for the turbocharged 2.3-liter, four-cylinder EcoBoost engine provides an extra 25 horsepower and 70 pound-feet of torque, on top of the 310 hp and 320 lb-ft the engine makes in stock form. The kit boosts power throughout the engine’s rev range, according to Ford. That should make it easier for drivers to gain access to that extra power.

Related

Read more: Shelby American launches its latest tuned Mustang

Ford is also launching three upgrades packages for the Mustang GT and its 5.0-liter V8, which makes 435 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque in stock form. Each package adds a no-lift shift feature for manual-transmission cars, and bumps power more than the last. The mildest option includes a “unique performance calibration” and high-flow air filter, adding 13 hp and 16 lb-ft.

From there, a second package includes a cold air intake, 87-millimeter throttle body, and an intake adapter from the Shelby GT350 Mustang. These items add 21 hp and 24 lb-ft. Finally, the third package raises the redline to 7,500 rpm, and provides gains of 37 hp and 5 lb-ft, according to Ford.

All EcoBoost four-cylinder V8 and upgrade packages are available for 2015 and 2016 models with both manual transmission and automatic cars. Automatics also get different shift logic to match the engine upgrades. The kits are available to order now through Ford’s performance parts website. Their launch comes as Ford prepares to shut down Mustang production for a week in response to slow sales. The Flat Rock, Michigan, plant that builds the Mustang and Lincoln Continental is expected to be idle until October 17, according to Bloomberg.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Stephen Edelstein
Stephen Edelstein
Contributing Editor
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Ford could build its next Mustang-inspired electric car on Volkswagen bones
Ford Mustang Mach E front view

Ford is eager to capitalize on the Mustang Mach-E's popularity by releasing a smaller, more affordable model in the coming years. While development work is on-going, company sources hinted the yet-unnamed car will use Volkswagen parts.

Decision-makers on both sides of the Atlantic are already plotting ways to expand the Mustang family beyond the well-known two-door model and the aforementioned Mach-E crossover, according to Murat Gueler, Ford's chief designer. "Yes, we have already talked about expansion, to some sort of family," he confirmed to British magazine Auto Express.

Read more
The Ford Mustang could ditch its V8 and eventually go fully electric
ford mustang lithium electric muscle car concept shown at sema 2019

Previous

Next

Read more
One version of the electric Ford Mustang Mach-E is already sold out
Ford Mustang Mach E front view

Ford ruffled more than a few feathers when it decided to call its first purpose-designed electric car the Mustang Mach-E. While some argue it's not worthy of wearing the hallowed Mustang nameplate, its target audience doesn't seem to mind one bit, and one of the five Mach-E variants announced during the model's unveiling is already sold out.

The trim-level hierarchy include five models named Select, Premium, California Route 1, First Edition, and GT, respectively. The Blue Oval's official website notes that every First Edition model has already been spoken for. It sounds like a limited-edition model, and it might be, but Ford chose not to disclose how many units of the model it will make. It might cap production after manufacturing a predetermined number of First Edition variants, or it might build the model for a certain amount of time. We've reached out to the company to learn more, and we'll update this story if we hear back.

Read more