SVO or not this thing looks sick

"offroadkarter" (04RauderDTR)
05/14/2014 at 11:00 • Filed to: ford, mustang, SVO, ecoboost

Riding shotgun in a 2015 Ecoboost Mustang

By Steve Turner

Yesterday was big. After being dazzled by enough high-performance exploits to satiate even the most turbocharged gearhead, your editor's day came to a close with the chance to ride in his first 2015 Mustang. Obviously many have sought the opportunity to experience the forthcoming S550 Mustang in action. While I would certainly be happier driving it, the chance to ride in the highly anticipated turbo variant was enough to rev my engine.

In the brief but spirited exercise, I sat in the passenger seat of an automatic, Ecoboost 2.3 Mustang while a Ford driver ran through the car's selectable driving modes—Normal, Sport, and Track—on an autocross. With each click of the selector, the car's performance took a notable move up the performance ladder. Sport mode added a bit more oomph, while using the paddle shifter to really wring out the rpm proved the most satisfying. Coupled with the matched-rev downshifting in this mode, the automatic option looks to offer an even more legitimate performance alternative for driving enthusiasts that don't want a manual.

Regarding the engine performance, power seemed sufficient, but not overwhelming. However, I admit to being jaded by the power available from modified V-8s. For most people, the turbo 2.3 will seem quick. That said, after moving up from Fiesta and Focus STs earlier in the day, the EB 2.3 did seem somewhat burdened by the larger Mustang. We'll see how it plays out in the final car, as these were clearly pre-production versions.

The IRS-equipped S550 acquitted itself well in and out of the turns. It maintains a relatively flat attitude, with just a touch of body roll. Though constrained on the tight autocross course, it would seem the Ecoboost Mustang might just offer even more fun on a road course where it could carry more speed. It will certainly do just fine on the street.

Other than the car's performance, it is a quiet, civilized machine. It is, perhaps, too quiet for our growling tastes, but the sound of the exhaust was still under development, so these pre-production cars might not represent the real deal. With any luck, the Ecoboost 'Stang might just have a bit more bark when it finally hits the streets.

There will be plenty to write about the S550 in the coming months, but for now it's good to know that the mid-level Mustang might just live up its potential. I'll let you know for sure when they finally throw me the keys.

Source - SVTPerformance

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DISCUSSION (17)

Party-vi > offroadkarter
05/14/2014 at 11:03

"driving enthusiasts that don't want a manual."

They do not exist.

offroadkarter > Party-vi
05/14/2014 at 11:05

Hey the guy I got my bmw from didn't want a manual because he has weak leg tendons and a clutch made his heel hurt after 5 minutes. It wasn't until he test drove a 540i M sport that he realized not every car has a sledgehammer of a clutch like a F body or a SN95 mustang, which lead to him buying his E39 M5.

Paraplegics might not appreciate a 3rd pedal either lol.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > offroadkarter
05/14/2014 at 11:07

Interesting article for sure! I'm glad the writer is careful to note several times that this is a pre-production model.

I'm very interested in the 2.3, since tuners have been able to wring out tons of performance out of EcoBoost engines (FiST, FoST, SHO, F150, Fusion). With just a 400-600 dollar tune you'll be able to gain 50 horsepower, I bet. Try that with any non-turbo car.

offroadkarter > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs
05/14/2014 at 11:08

A lot of people freak out when they see something they don't like on a mule, let alone a PP model.

Big gains have already been found with the 1.6 and 2.0 cars, I'm sure once the aftermarket hits this 2.3 it'll be a screamer.

Party-vi > offroadkarter
05/14/2014 at 11:09

Lies - this is oppositelock and everyone wants a manual. Any word to the contrary will end up with you facing Blaster in the Thunderdome.

offroadkarter > Party-vi
05/14/2014 at 11:11

"But I have no legs, like at all"

Oppositelock: "No excuses! Manual miata for you!"

Party-vi > offroadkarter
05/14/2014 at 11:11

These are our laws.

offroadkarter > Party-vi
05/14/2014 at 11:12

This is a bad time to mention I've never owned a manual equipped car in my life

[sweats nervously]

Party-vi > offroadkarter
05/14/2014 at 11:14

On a serious note, it doesn't matter what car you drive, as long as the passion is there I think you're fine.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > offroadkarter
05/14/2014 at 11:14

Yup, someone posted a video of a Fiesta doing a 12.5 1/4, granted that was with tires, turbo upgrade, downpipes and a tune.

I'm hopefully getting that tune on my SHO soon (I've been saying this for a while, damn money). It's relatively inexpensive to add 100hp to that.

I know Focii have been upgraded to in excess of 300hp. The 2.3 should respond well to mods and I bet there will be a massive and incredibly competitive aftermarket for it.

The thing is, the upgrades will have to be under the price of what it takes to tick the V8 option. Although, in my case that doesn't matter, because it'll be 5 years, at least before I think of buying one used.

offroadkarter > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs
05/14/2014 at 11:18

that was me

I think anyone who wants to build up a 2.3 is going to do it for the reason of wanting to build up a 2.3. Just like the people who bought the original SVO mustangs.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > offroadkarter
05/14/2014 at 11:20

I think if I were in the market for a used one, several years from now, I'd cross shop both and heavily consider the aftermarket options for each while doing so.

KatzManDu > Party-vi
05/14/2014 at 11:21

If you live in areas with crazy hills (San Francisco) or crappy traffic (Washington DC, LA, Chicago) there are sometimes reasons for an auto.

Party-vi > KatzManDu
05/14/2014 at 11:42

After driving both a manual and automatic in DC traffic (used to go to Arlington from Bowie every morning via 50/395) I can say that I miss my manual transmission. It was better in traffic than my autobox.

Jayhawk Jake > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs
05/14/2014 at 11:48

Tunes are fun. I really want to dyno my car to see what I'm actually getting, but the tuning company tested theirs and gained 45 ft-lbs of torque at the wheels

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Jayhawk Jake
05/14/2014 at 12:22

Awesome, that's a good number! At some point I may dyno my car. Not for the time being though.

KatzManDu > Party-vi
05/14/2014 at 13:31

Gotcha. I know for others with knee issues it doesn't work so well. Me, I'd probably stick with the stick.