Vickstang
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Ed Krenz, chief engineer of the S650 Mustang was interviewed on the Mecum On the Move podcast where he talked a little about S650 development, including the 4th gen V8 Coyote 5.0, EcoBoost and the Dark Horse model.
Link to podcast: https://soundcloud.com/onthemovewithmecum
Some highlights:
Link to podcast: https://soundcloud.com/onthemovewithmecum
Some highlights:
- Engineers didn't modify any parts that were "tried and true and fit for purpose" -- such as the engine block
- Engineers focused on upgrading upper-end components, such as airflow and twin 80mm throttle bodies, which are “ducting air symmetrically from both of the nostrils. Which is unique to the GT upper grille.” Such improvements improved the engine’s performance but also the S650's fuel efficiency.
- Dark Horse was introduced to represent a new performance variant of the Mustang, rather than repeating a nameplate that already existed.
- The "Dark Horse" name was aptly named because it's an unexpected model that nobody saw coming... and that would not only compete, but something that would “compete to win.” says Krenz.
- Dark Horse model's extra power comes from parts borrowed from other performance models like the Shelby GT500 -- like the connecting rods which allowed engineers to "push the cylinder pressures that much more" for the Dark Horse.
Dark Horse also uses the GT350 and Mach 1 Tremec 6 speed manual transmission. - Drift brake feature was developed with the help and input of Vaughn Gittin Jr.
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