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Diesel Engined Ford Mustang Planned for Europe?

Ford is planning to bring the pony car in Europe, as part of its global strategy which states that the same cars should be sold in multiple regions worldwide. Moreover, Chevrolet has announced that it would market the Camaro in Europe in 2011, so Ford needs to counteract with the new Mustang.

However, there could be a problem. Even though Ford has put three new engines into its 2011 Mustang, thus giving the car more power and better fuel efficiency than ever before, Europeans have a different approach on fuel consumption. The 305 horsepower V6 rated at 31 miles per gallon (7.5 l/100km) on the highway is the most frugal Mustang on offer, yet the mpg figure would hardly be a turn-on for Europeans.

If it really wants to succeed in Europe, Ford must put a diesel engine under the Mustang's hood. Previous attempts on selling the Mustang in Europe have shown that it has never been a big seller. But a diesel version could turn it into a winner. During last week's edition of Autoline After Hours, Mustang chief engineer Dave Pericak discussed the implications of bringing the Mustang to Europe, stressing the importance of diesel engines. Which shows us that this is actually true, Ford engineers are indeed considering diesel for Mustang.

Ford could equip the Mustang with the 3.0 liter turbodiesel V6 that powers the Jaguars XF and XJ. It produces 270 horsepower and a massive 443 lb-ft of torque (600 Nm). In the XF, the engine is rated at 34.6 mpg combined on the EU test cycle. Similar or even better results could be expected from the lighter Mustangs and also better performance. However, if Ford is serious about putting an oil-burner in the Mustang, the development would take a couple of years. So don't expect to see one earlier...
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