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2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost loses big power on 87 octane

The 2015 Ford Mustang with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder is a pretty potent package on paper. With 310 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, it boasts better performance numbers than the 3.7-liter V6, but with better fuel economy as an added benefit. However, if you're in the market for one of these boosted 'Stangs, you should probably keep in mind that it really prefers to gulp premium, 93-octane fuel. It can drink 87-octane swill in a pinch, but you're going to find significantly less power underfoot when pulling away. While it's not shocking that the ponies are dialed back with a lower grade of gasoline, an alleged page from a Ford training manual obtained by Mustang 6G purports to show just how much power is lost, though. According to this document, the 2.3-liter EcoBoost makes 275 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque when running on lower octane fuel. That's a substantial reduction of about 11.3 percent compared to when the engine drinks 93 octane. Interestingly, according to Mustang 6G, that finding was a bit better than expected, because a Ford engineer reportedly said power would be down about 13 percent without altering peak torque. In speaking with Autoblog, Paul Seredynski of Ford powertrain communications, objected to part of this document. While he couldn't confirm the specific losses listed for the Mustang EcoBoost, "torque remains unchanged" with lower octane gasoline, Seredynski said. He speculated this training manual page was "possibly from before the engine was certified" and therefore showed incorrect figures. Serendynski did confirm that the automaker recommends using 93 octane, and like all modern engines, the software adapts if it's lower. "Peak power would be reduced" by using a lesser grade, he confirmed. Featured Gallery 2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost: First Ride View 20 Photos News Source: Mustang 6GImage Credit: Copyright 2015 AOL, Ford, Mustang 6G Ford Technology Convertible Coupe Performance ecoboost ford mustang ecoboost

Shelby Super Snake returns with 750+ horsepower

If you've been waiting for the ne plus ultra of new Mustangs, we're glad to report that the wait is over, friend. Feast your eyes on the new Shelby Super Snake. Based on the 2015 Ford Mustang GT, the new Super Snake is being offered with over 750 horsepower thanks in no small part to a Ford Performance supercharger. That's even more than the 605 hp in the last Super Snake released in 2007, the new 627-hp Shelby GT, or the 500-plus-hp Shelby GT350 you can order from the factory. Shelby American's latest also packs upgraded Ford Performance suspension components, a Borla exhaust, 20-inch wheels from Weld Racing and coated in Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber, six-piston Wilwood brakes, and more. Differentiating it visually from lesser pony cars are a carbon-fiber hood and aero kit, blacked-out grille, racing stripes, and special badging inside and out. Inside you'll also find a short-throw shifter and three-gauge instrument pod. The upgrades will set you back $49,995 on top of the price of a donor Mustang GT, and only 300 examples will be built this year. For the first time the Super Snake will be available with either a manual or (heaven forbid) an automatic transmission. Related Video: SHELBY SUPER SNAKE RETURNS WITH 750+ HORSEPOWER MUSCLE CAR BASED ON 2015 FORD MUSTANG GT • The legendary Shelby Super Snake returns for the 2015 Ford Mustang model year • 750+ horsepower option combined with new independent suspension and braking system • The first Super Snake available with an automatic transmission • Production limited to 300 Shelby Super Snakes per model year LAS VEGAS – June 16, 2015 – Shelby American is launching the newest Shelby Mustang to wear the legendary Super Snake badge, which will be based on the 2015 model Ford Mustang GT. With the option of over 750 horsepower, as well as unmatched performance enhancements to the handling, braking and cooling of the Ford Mustang GT, the new Shelby Super Snake continues the lineage of the best-selling and most sought-after Shelby car. Additionally, it will be the first Shelby Super Snake also available with an automatic transmission. There will only be 300 total 2015 model year Shelby Super Snakes built. "When Shelby American introduced the 605 horsepower Super Snake in 2007, the car became an instant sensation," said Joe Conway, CEO of Shelby American and co-CEO of Carroll Shelby International.

J.D. Power study identifies top seats for your tush

File under News your fanny can use: The seating systems in the Ford Escape and Edge, the Audi A3, Chevrolet Cruze, Kia Cadenza, Porsche Cayenne and Toyota Tundra received top marks in a new J.D. Power study on seating and seat belt quality and satisfaction. The J.D. Power 2017 Seat Quality and Satisfaction Study asked more than 77,000 new owners and lessees of 2017 model-year cars and light trucks to rate their vehicle's seats and seat belts within the first 90 days of taking ownership. The survey is broken up into seven vehicle segments and scored on total seat problems per 100 within each segment, with awards presented to the seating system supplier. Canadian auto supplier Magna won three of seven first-place awards for its seating systems in the A3, Escape and Edge. Ireland-based Adient got top marks for its seats in the Cadenza and Cayenne. Lear Corp. won for the Cruze, and Avanzar Interior Technologies scored highest for seats in the Tundra. J.D. Power says its study is intended for automakers and suppliers with quality and satisfaction information to be used in developing and marketing seating systems. "But the results are just as interesting to a consumer audience," the company says. "After all, some drivers spend a considerable amount of time behind the wheel, and it's helpful to know which vehicles offer the most comfortable seats for those long commutes." Ain't that the truth. Ford was the only automaker whose seat systems, both manufactured by Magna, received top honors in two segments: the Escape for mass-market compact SUV and the Edge for mass-market midsize/large SUV. J.D. Power says it used 22 attributes to measure seat quality, three measures of seat belt quality and 12 to measure satisfaction. Awards were presented to the seating suppliers. Related Video: Image Credit: Audi Auto News Design/Style Audi Chevrolet Ford Kia Porsche Toyota Safety JD Power seats