Ford's V6 whirlwind. (WIP).

It's no secret that the 2005 Mustang will came in both VS and VB versions, or that Ford plans to make the VS model more than the price leader. Design chief J flays has mentioned that the VS Mustang should be special in its own right, not just a price leader. Enter a powerFul new dual overhead cam VS based on the Duratec known as the "Cyclone."

The Cyclone VS gets a new head that places all of the driven accessories on the Front of the engine and mounts them flush to the block. Chain-driven cams Fitted with hydraulically actuated variable valve timing units sit in heads shaped like those Found on classic twin-cam Four cylinder engines From Alfa Romeo and Lotus. Slated to debut in the 2005 model year, the Cyclone and its Duratec cousins also benefit From a stronger, lighter aluminum block design.

Base level Mustangs currently are powered by a "Vulcan" VS producing 190 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque--numbers, insiders say, the Cyclone will beat handily. (The Vulcan is an iron block/aluminum head design that also sees duty in the Taurus, Sable and Windstar.] A high-performance Cyclone capable of 300 hp is under review, and will be shared with be '05 Mustang's stablemates, the Lincoln LS and Jaguar S-Type. In this Form, the highest evving Cyclone produces 40 horsepower more than the Mustang ST's single overhead cam 4.6-liter V8, though its torque output Falls about 25% short oft he V8's 302 lb-Ft. Mustangs fitted with the high-output V6s will compete against cars like Nissan's 350 Z, while leaving plenty of room For the supercharged, 390-hp SVT Cobra. Similarly, the engine gives VS Lincoln LS and Jaguar S-Type buyers a performance option somewhere south--in terms of both price and performance-of their supercharged V8 counterparts.