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Ford considers diesel, hybrid and electric versions of new Mustang

At the unveiling of the 2015 Ford Mustang, powertrain chief Bob Fascetti said the company is considering green versions of the model including diesel, hybrid and even electric versions. Could Ford transform the muscle-car industry forever?  

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John Gress/Reuters/File
A Mustang badge is seen on Gail Wise's Skylight Blue 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang in Park Ridge, Illinois. Gail Wise made the first known retail purchase of a Mustang in 1964. The 2015 anniversary model was announced last week and the company is considering diesel, hybrid and electric versions of the model.

Someday, muscle-car enthusiasts might brag about kilowatts, not horsepower.

Future versions of the 2015 Ford Mustang, which was revealed last week, might possibly get diesel, hybrid, and even electric powertrains.

At the car's unveiling, Ford global powertrain chief Bob Fascetti told GoAuto that the Blue Oval is pondering all of these options, in an effort to make the Mustang greener.

Fascetti did not divulge any specifics, only saying that improving fuel economy is a priority and that Ford is looking at all available options to accomplish that goal. 

He also didn't say whether the company planned to replace the Mustang's six-speed automatic transmission (a six-speed manual is also available) with one of the new nine- or ten-speed automatics Ford developed with General Motors.

These transmissions are expected to make their way into production vehicles in the next three years, and should significantly improve fuel economy.

The 2015 Ford Mustang will also be available with a new 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which should offer improved fuel economy or--at least--less-inefficient performance.

The EcoBoost is the first four-cylinder Mustang engine since a 105-horsepower 2.3-liter four that was dropped after the 1993 model year.

Thanks to modern technology and a turbocharger, the EcoBoost makes much more power from the same displacement: Preliminary figures are 305 hp and 300 pound-feet of torque.

The EcoBoost is actually the Mustang's mid-level engine, splitting the difference between a 3.7-liter V-6 that will produce at least 300 hp and 270 lb-ft, and a 5.0-liter V-8 with at least 420 hp and 390 lb-ft.

While the Mustang isn't a green car, these measures should improve its EPA fuel-economy ratings and help Ford achieve Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) targets.

Still, a diesel, hybrid, or electric Mustang might be a hard pill to swallow for the car's fans.

Would such a car be appealing to you? Or should a Mustang stick to internal combustion only?

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