That said, it would seem to me like similar (to the duratec 3.0) technology could be used to create a more efficient 4.0 liter engine producing somewhere around 240+ HP and pretty damn good torque as well. It's a shame that Accords, Altimas, Avalons.... all have more powerful and smoother V6 engines. The v6 mustang is getting a sexier look and better handling, now it needs a bit more punch.
How much does the Fusion's V8 make? Most performance minded Stangers opt for at least a GT. Nice car but apples to oranges in this case. On a side note I really like them, I think I wanna get one in a couple years (especially if they offer a trubo SVT version) when I start a family if they're still around.
You are comparing V6 engined cars that cost the same - or more - than a new Mustang GT, let alone the V6.
To the milage question I submit Fords MPG ratings 4.0 V6 Mustang - 19/28 manual & 19/25 automatic 3.0 V6 Fusion - well Ford hasn't released MPG ratings yet looks like. Sooooo, we'll look at the Mazda 6 since they are kissing cousins. 3.0 V6 Mazda 6 - 20/27 manual or automatic (per kbb.com) So no meaningful advantage there. Sur eyou have 2 more doors, butthe Mustang still looks wayyyy better. And it's rear wheel drive. No such option exists.
The Lincoln version of the Fusion (Zephyr) will have an optional 3.5 liter V6 of approx. 250 hp in 2007. That motor might be a replacement candidate for the 4.0 in the Mustang but there are always considerations we don't think about. If the Explorer is still using the 4.0 we will probably see it used in the Mustang for manufacturing efficiencies.
Teh 3.0/3.5 might not be sutible as a rear drive power plant by Ford standards. Maybe the block doesn't have the strength or the power delivery isn't what they want or maybe it's too expensive to produce or maybe it just won't fit due to interference with other chassis components.
Look back in time. Both cars and trucks had the 351 in it or the 302 and there was one I6 used in everything. Or in the case of Chevy the 350 was used in everything. Personally I think they should have 3 maybe 4 gas engines and use them in everything with different tuning. It would save them money so they could make the cars cheaper, it would make parts cheaper and easier to find, and it would make it easier for the aftermarket tuners to keep up with products for the motors. Right now Ford has: 2.0L I4 2.3L I4 3.0L V6 4.0L V6 4.2L V6 3.9L V8 4.6L V8 5.4L V8 6.8L V10 Many of them in SOHC, DOHC, 4v, 3v, 2v, ect. That's way too many. Keep the V10, one or maybe 2 of the V8's, one 6, and one 4. Then Supercharge them, change the number of valves, ect for the increase in hp or torque if you need it.
The car info. web site like Edmunds have these mileages listed for the Fusion: I4 23 city - 31 Highway V6 21 city - 29 Highway However I have not seen Ford's official announcement of the mileage ratings.
You forgot that there are both the Duratec 3.0 and the Vulcan 3.0. I'd guess the Vulcan 3.0 goes away when the Taurus ceases production. The 3.9L V8 goes away in July 2006. The pushrod 4.2L V6 is also supposed to go away, but I don't remember the particulars. On the other hand the Duratec 35 will be introduced during 2006. Reportedly the Duratec 35 can grow as large as 4.2L and several different displacement versions of the Duratec 35 are planned. You also seem to be overlooking that the 4.6 and 5.4 share many parts and are really one engine family.
Unless something has changed in the last few months, there are NO plans to put either the Duratec 30 or the Duratec 35 in the Mustang. On the other hand, the 4.0L V6 is supposed to get up graded for the 2007 model year, getting both more HP and better gas mileage.
