|  | | | 4.0-LITER SOHC V-6: ECONOMICAL PERFORMANCE
With technologies such as electronic throttle control, traction control and an available five-speed automatic transmission, the Mustang's new 4.0-liter SOHC V-6 powertrain is anything but basic. And with 210 horsepower and 240 foot-pounds of torque, the V-6 engine offers real Mustang performance at a more attainable price.
The 4.0-liter V-6 offers quieter and smoother performance, higher output and more compact packaging than the previous Mustang's 3.8-liter pushrod V-6. It features low-profile heads with single overhead cams driven by a slave shaft mounted in the "Vee" of the engine. The result is a lower overall engine height than a conventional overhead cam setup. The 4.0-liter V-6 gets a new composite intake manifold, a unique camshaft grind, new tuned-length exhaust manifolds, plus a new flywheel and oil pan.
Engineering attention also was paid to noise-reducing features including a girdled crankcase for increased strength and rigidity, a dual-mode crankshaft damper, coated skirt pistons, optimized bearing clearances and isolated composite cam covers.
A MUSTANG FIRST - FIVE SPEED AUTOMATIC
For the first time in its storied history, Mustang is available with a five-speed automatic transmission. The 5R55S automatic, also used in the Lincoln LS and Ford Thunderbird, has closely spaced ratios that keep the engine in its power band to produce better acceleration, with a wide ratio span that provides impressive highway fuel economy. A new powertrain control computer delivers benefits in the transmission, as well as the engine, by precisely controlling shift duration and shift timing. Throttle position, engine speed, load, environmental factors and other parameters guide the transmission shift schedule.
A new electronic interface lets the powertrain control module communicate with the automatic transmission ten times faster than before. As a result, the entire powertrain works together to deliver smooth performance.
SWITCHING GEARS, TREMEC STYLE
For those who prefer to select their own shift points, five-speed manual transmissions are standard on both the V-6 and GT versions of the 2005 Mustang convertible and coupe.
The V-8 powered GT is equipped with a rugged Tremec 3650 gearbox; the V-6 Mustang gets a Tremec T-5 manual. Both have been improved for greater shift quality and efficiency. For example, they now use a flange coupling instead of a splined drive with the driveshaft, resulting in better balance and reduced driveline lash (the "clunk" that is sometimes heard when engine torque is applied or released into the transmission, driveshaft or rear axle.) An all-new shift linkage is designed to provide quick engagement of the gears producing a solid feel and none of the "notchiness" of the past.
A hydraulic clutch reduces pedal effort while still offering a performance feel. The V-6 clutch has new plate materials for durability, and the V-8 clutch has been enlarged to handle the engine's 300 horsepower.
previous page | go to Page10 |
| |
