If you were wondering if the 5.2L flat plane crank engine was going to be an extremely limited two-year production that ends with the 2015/2016 Shelby GT350 Mustang, the answer can be gleaned in documents that surfaced from recent contract negotiations between Ford and its union workers.
The UAW’s tentative agreement with Ford Motor Company outlines a $9-billion investment in its U.S. plants and the introduction of new vehicles, engines (and engine upgrades) as well as new transmissions, all within the next four years.
Included in the tentative agreement is a $150-million investment committed to the Ford Romeo Engine Plant in Romeo, Michigan, which notes that the 5.2L engine will continue production and receive an upgrade.
Other noteworthy items that have potential relevance to the Mustang is a $1.8-billion investment in the Livonia Transmission Plant where the 6R80 automatic will continue along with the addition of three new transmissions to be added to the production line — one of which could refer to the 10-speed automatic transmission that Ford has co-developed with General Motors, and will make its way into the S550 Mustang in a forthcoming refresh.
Of course, at this early stage none of this information has been confirmed by Ford and little is known about the upgrades or new product offerings.
We will all have to stay tuned as the information in this tentative agreement bears fruit over the next few years.