Mustang ST

[Topnotch]

Tell Ford to build a Mustang ST

Don’t call it an SVO.

It’s time for Ford to quit messing around and give us a Mustang ST. Take a moment to imagine everything that makes the Fiesta and Focus ST so brilliant transposed onto the already delicious Mustang. The line follows a predictable recipe that starts with an Ecoboost four cylinder. In stock tune, the 2.3-liter turbo four in the 2015 Mustang turns out 310 horsepower. The aftermarket has already demonstrated how easy it is to pull an additional 90 horsepower from the smaller 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter engines in the Fiesta and Focus with nothing more than ECU calibrations. A 400 horsepower turbo four Mustang sounds pretty good.

GT buyers need not sweat their egos. That number’s still down from the V8’s output, but the Ecoboost weighs around 173 pounds less than the range-topping bruiser, which would make for some great sibling rivalry. Throw in a throatier, center-exit exhaust, and you’ve got the start of a brilliant machine. As with the hatchbacks, it makes sense for the Mustang ST to only be available with a manual transmission. This is an enthusiast car for a very specific buyer.

The easy move would be to transpose all of the goodies from the GT Performance Package onto the Mustang ST. Bits like additional bracing, bigger sway bars, stiffer springs, specific dampers, and massive Brembo six-piston brakes (exclusive to the GT Performance Pack at this time) would all go a long way toward giving the Mustang ST the teeth it needs to keep up with the additional power. So would a 3.73 Torsen limited slip rear axle. Of course, big, 19-inch five-spoke wheels wrapped in summer performance rubber wouldn’t hurt, either.

Outside, the Mustang ST borrows from its smaller brothers. Unique aero work, including a tweaked front fascia with mesh grille insert, aggressive splitter up front, and dramatic side skirts make up the majority of the changes. Of course, we couldn’t resist throwing in a menacing hood scoop as an ode to the Mustang SVO of yore. A tweaked rear valance, bold spoiler, and ST badges round out the changes outside. Indoors, expect to find meaty Recaro buckets, a beefy leather-wrapped steering wheel and ST-specific shift knob.

How much would it cost? Ford’s done a great job of keeping the ST line affordable, usually within $5,000 or $6,000 of the cost of a base car. That would put the Mustang ST at around $31,170, or just under a base GT.

Yeah, that sounds about perfect. If you agree, start hounding Ford. All the parts are on the table, it’s just a matter of someone throwing them together. Head over to the company’s Facebook page. Pester Ford on Twitter. Let them know we’re serious. It’s time for the Mustang ST.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/go/futu...tell-ford-to-build-a-mustang-st?src=soc_fcbks

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[Stellato12]

Saw that article linked in Facebook earlier. I think it's a freakin sweet idea to create a performance oriented Ecoboost.

 

[Twin Turbo]

Well, if Ford do produce one, I hope they give you credit, TN ;)

But the render? Hmmm, not doing it for me. And the exhaust and rear spoiler? Noooooooooooooooooooo!

 

[DeepImpact15]

Actually the center exhaust would solve the dilemma of a performance exhaust on the Ecoboost. As it stands there is exactly no point in having a separate pipe and muffler on a 4 cylinder. But it is a bit detrimental to appearance to have a single exit exhaust. With something down the center you could have a better flowing exhaust and a lighter system.

 

[e30og]

ugly in that rendering, just hideous

 

[OppoLock]

The artist who made this render needs to be banned from publicly displaying his/her work. Awful.

 

[SVTFreak]

The artist who made this render needs to be banned from publicly displaying his/her work. Awful.

+1

And I don't think there's enough market for another in the lineup.

 

[williamwally]

The artist who made this render needs to be banned from publicly displaying his/her work. Awful.

+1 and adding in the lack of creativity

 

[1320']

I can see a market for it, but not at 400HP. I can see a Mustang ST at about 350HP/375TQ range.

The rendering...bleh. However I do think the EcoBoost should have gotten that rear valance and exhaust set up as it is right now.

 

[91z28350]

I admit it, I like the wing, could be a tad lower, but I have always liked pedestal mount rear spoilers.

 

[Potrillo]

I could see a business case being made for a "performance" version of the Ecoboost to be in a Mustang. The renders, that hood, no, the badge on the back should replace the pony, and the spoiler, ugh.

I could only see such a model produced after the V6 is put to pasture. That would free up space in the line up for a midrange model to help with CAFE standards. If that were to happen, I expect the jump to GT would be bigger in both power and price.

 

[Spartan]

I think the PP on the EB should do a few things more then what it does currently

- Give the EB the hood vents
- Give the EB the fanged grill
- Give the EB painted calipers
- Give the EB a more sporty exhaust

Making it just a manual is just stupid. Many Euro spec'd cars that are performance variants are paddle shifters.

 

[Clink]

I don't think it's terrible but WTF is going on with this section? Just looks weird to me..

 

[jasonc0604]

"Throw in a throatier, center-exit exhaust, and you’ve got the start of a brilliant machine."

No thanks, I'll pass on the center exhaust.

The ST badge works for Ford's hot hatches, but I think it would be out of place on the Mustang. I'm not saying Ford shouldn't look to do an ST-inspired option on the Mustang, but "Mustang ST" just doesn't fit right in my mind.

 

[OppoLock]

I don't think it's terrible but WTF is going on with this section? Just looks weird to me..

The 'artist' lazily grafted on a MY15 FoST rear fascia.

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