2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Coupe.
Today, Ford Mustang does not really need a V-8 engine to make driving this iconic pony car an exciting experience.
Now in the sixth generation, Mustang coupes and convertibles are equipped with a special high-performance EcoBoost engine, which only uses a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine to bring them a lot of fun.
But this is not a typical four-cylinder engine. It has 105 horsepower more than the Mustang’s stock V-8 20 years ago.
This engine is rated at 330 horsepower and 350 foot-pounds of torque, allowing the Mustang to move quickly and impressively, while also providing good fuel economy.
The special 2.3-liter engine differs from the standard 2.3 EcoBoost in its slightly larger twin-scroll turbo compressor, new engine calibration and larger radiator.
Our 2021 Mustang EcoBoost coupe test car (base price of $32,175 plus $1,195 for shipping) has an EPA rating of 20 miles/gallon city/27 highways/23 highways. (Performance and mileage ratings are based on the use of high-quality unleaded fuel.)
The list price of the 10-speed automatic transmission has increased by $1,595; the six-speed manual transmission is standard. With the upgrade of the gearbox, it is also equipped with 265/40R19 Y-class summer tires.
The basic price of our tester also includes a 2.3 increased performance kit ($6,095) with active valve performance exhaust and a special rear boot lid spoiler.
Ford said that from 3,000 rpm to the red line, which is 6,800 rpm, it can provide up to 90% of the engine torque.
Our vehicle is also equipped with a treatment package ($1,995), which adds a 3.55 Torsen rear axle, 19-inch high-quality painted wheels and a Magneride damping system.
We also have equipment group 201A ($2,300), which brings adaptive cruise control, advanced exteriors, Ford safety and intelligence suite, and voice-activated touchscreen navigation system.
The interior of our car has been upgraded with Recaro leather-trimmed sports seats ($1,595), and the front bucket seats are greatly supported on both sides. However, it is strange that for a car with a list price of close to $50,000: the front seats are manually adjusted, not electrically adjusted.
The 2021 Ford Mustang Coupe can accommodate up to 4 people and has many standard features.
Other additional equipment includes AM/FM/single CD high-definition radio ($995) and premium front and rear floor underlays ($170).
Our vehicle has a total of $14,745 options, which raises the total price to $48,115, including freight.
Ford said that this new kit for EcoBoost is one of the "nine independent performance variants" of its iconic pony car, "reigniting the golden age of Mustang performance."
The sixth-generation Mustang came out in 2015, with fastback coupe and soft-top convertible models.
Our EcoBoost coupe is equipped with antimatter blue exterior paint (dark blue) and midnight blue interior.
As for the convertible model, after the latest redesign, the roof adopts a new electromechanical motor drive and a more convenient single-handle central latch, and can shorten the time of the previous generation roof by half. It takes less than 20 seconds to lower or raise the top using the switch in the overhead console.
Related: The new Ford Mustang occupies the old place, but adds four doors
It has a standard fabric outer layer, but is fully lined and insulated, which helps to make the car drive quieter when the roof is raised.
Ford stated that the latest generation of the ragtop version received equal treatment in the design and engineering process, making it more like an independent car, rather than the usual automotive industry practice of designing a coupe first and then cutting off the top to make a convertible. .
The automaker stated that the goal is to ensure that each product can operate independently while meeting higher standards of quality, performance and refinement.
Both the fastback and the convertible have inherited the tradition of the Mustang, but they are not as retro as the fifth generation. Despite this, Ford has retained enough of its old appearance that the car can easily be identified as a Mustang until the iconic taillights with sequential rear turn signals.
The coupe and convertible include Mustang's iconic long sculpted hood and short rear deck, as well as three-pole taillights. The car has a lower and wider stance, as well as wider rear fenders and tracks.
It also includes the traditional shark bite front fascia and trapezoidal grille.
However, the overall shape looks more European than American muscle cars, which is a concession to the world market that Ford hopes to deal with Mustang.
Although Ford has provided Mustang with a basic four-cylinder engine for the first time since the third generation, it seems like a gamble, but it is not a real responsibility. The 2.3-liter is a version of Ford's EcoBoost series of turbocharged four-cylinder engines, including direct injection and variable cam timing.
The cockpit is "inspired by aviation," Ford said, all information and controls are easily accessible. Pay attention to details and craftsmanship. There are large musical instruments and various audio and connection options.
This two-door coupe has only four seats. Although the rear seat area is still a bit cramped, compared to the fifth generation, the cabin is more spacious, with more shoulder and hip space, especially the front. The front bucket seats are comfortable, but not everyone will appreciate this support.
The trunk space of the coupe is quite spacious, at 13.5 cubic feet.
For automatic transmissions, there are shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel, suitable for those who want the convenience of clutchless but still have some control over shifting.
Overall, the sixth-generation Mustang has a new front and rear suspension system. The front is a double ball joint MacPherson strut arrangement designed to allow larger and more powerful brakes.
The rear is an integrated link independent suspension with springs, shock absorbers and bushings adjusted for high-performance driving. The aluminum rear steering knuckle helps reduce weight to improve ride and handling.
Standard features of our EcoBoost Coupe include a backup camera; dual "smart charging" USB ports; reverse induction system; smart access with button activation; Ford's SYNC 3 and MyKey connection system; tracking app; leather wrap Tilt/retractable steering wheel with audio and cruise control; selectable driving mode; limited-slip rear axle; 12-inch LCD digital instrument panel; ambient indoor lighting; dual-zone automatic climate control; and a foldable rear seat.
The toggle switch on the console allows the driver to choose among the car's selectable drive modes, which can adjust the steering force, engine response, and electronic stability control settings. The advanced stability control has been adjusted to maximize the performance of the Mustang.
Other standard features include rain-sensing wipers, external "pony" projection lights; LED iconic headlights and fog lights; hood vents; illuminated door sill panels; and a universal door/garage opener.
Since 2000, G. Chambers Williams III's automotive column has appeared regularly on Express-News. Contact him at Chambers@auto-writer.com.
2021 Ford Mustang High Performance EcoBoost Coupe
Packaging: Medium-sized, two-door, four-seater, turbocharged four-cylinder power, rear-wheel drive coupe. Highlights: Ford’s pony car is now in its sixth generation, with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine added to the power system. In 2021, four-cylinder models will be equipped with a 2.3-elevated performance EcoBoost package ($6,095). Negative factors: adults with tight rear seats. Engine: 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder, high performance. Transmission: six-speed manual; 10-speed automatic (additional $1,595). Power/torque: 330 horsepower/350 foot-pounds (2.3 liters). Length: 188.5 inches. Curb weight: 3,752 pounds. Brakes, front/rear: disc/disc, anti-lock. Luggage capacity: 13.5 cubic feet. Side airbag: front seat installation, standard. Electronic stability control: standard. Fuel capacity/type: 15.5 gallons/unleaded premium (for best performance). EPA fuel economy: 20 mpg city/27 highway/23 combined. Main competitors: Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, Nissan 370Z. Basic price: US$32,175, plus US$1,195 for shipping. Tested price: $48,115, including shipping and options (2021 high-performance EcoBoost coupe, automatic). Score on the road: 8.7 (probably 10).
The displayed price is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price; actual selling prices may vary.