Ford Mustang is being reigned in and slowing down

Hold your horses, the Ford Mustang is being reigned in. The world’s number one selling sports car is slowing down. V8 engines that power the GTs and the Mach 1 models will put out less horsepower and less torque. While it’s not a big reduction, it’s a significant step back in a car segment that sells based on horsepower.

For the pony enthusiasts, don’t panic. The new 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine will have just a 10 horsepower and 10 lb-ft of torque reduction. For the vast majority of drivers, it’s not enough to notice. The 2021 GT produced 460 horsepower, while the Mach 1 was 480. Unless you’re taking your Stang to the track, it’s unlikely to make a difference. It also keeps the Mustang in the ballpark with its main rivals. The Chevrolet Camaro SS produces 455 horsepower, while the 392 Dodge Challenger is at 485 horsepower. However, those companies have not disclosed any recent engine tweaks.

"Changes were made to meet more stringent LEV III regulatory emissions requirements – Claire Carroll, Ford Spokesperson"

Road & Track confirmed the new engine specs are caused by more strict emissions regulations and more of these types of changes will become more common. It received a statement from Ford spokesperson Claire Carroll stating, “changes were made to meet more stringent LEV III regulatory emissions requirements that resulted in a horsepower and torque reduction for the 5.0-liter V-8 engine.”

The biggest revelation to this news may be the timing. As several manufacturers are announcing transitions to electric vehicles, they are also working on the amount of horsepower these EVs will produce. For example, the monstrous Hummer EV is putting out more than 1000 horsepower and it has a WTF mode. The WTF mode stands for Watts to Freedom, but it launches the Hummer at speeds comparable with sportscars. The electric vehicle leader, Telsa has models that produced more than 1000 horsepower. Even the cheapest model, in the same price range as a Mustang GT, the Model 3 can produce 480 horsepower, which is now considerably more than the GT and even the Mach 1.

One week ago, Ford debuted its 2022 Mustang line-up that included a Stealth Edition to the Ecoboost four-cylinder model. It also promoted a new California Special to be offered in the GT models. Jim Owens, Mustang brand marketing manager, said, “Mustang owners have always loved personalizing their ride, and these new flavors of Mustang are ready to inspire and excite new enthusiasts.”

It’s yet to be seen if the new looks will excite Mustang drivers enough to accept the horsepower reduction of their beloved ponies. It’s also unknown how the combustible engine sportscar manufacture will keep up with the electric vehicle crowd, which seems to be just starting to rev up.