Is Ford Reviving the Mustang SVO?
A reliable source has told Garage 419 Ford is considering a revival of the SVO Mustang. ‘Stang heads remember the original SVO as an upscale, European-flavored special-edition Mustang powered by a somewhat blasphemous turbocharged four-cylinder engine. We’re told the new model will likely be powered by a 300hp version of Ford’s EcoBoost four hooked to a six-speed manual transmission. The new SVO could be up to 500 pounds lighter than a Mustang GT and, if the story pans out, could easily outperform the GT on a racetrack. Fuel economy would improve by as much as 25% over the GT’s current 15/23 rating. If the spirit of the 1986 Mustang SVO is anything to go by, and the gas prices aren’t anywhere near peaked, I say build it.
But first, let’s put the SVO in context. In the early 1980’s, rising gas prices and oppressive emissions regulations sent the muscle car market straight into the toilet. The Corvette, supposedly the best sports car America had to offer, barely put down 150hp. The Fox-bodied, V8-powered ‘Stangs didn’t do any better, managing just 140hp. That was the reason why, in 1981, Ford created the Special Vehicle Operations Department. SVO was designed both to oversee Ford’s racing program and build high performance, limited-edition street vehicles. The team’s first complete car, the Ford Mustang SVO, arrived in 1984.
Where engineers once would have insisted on a V8, the SVO sported the kind of turbocharged, intercooled 2.3-liter four-cylinder most often seen in a European rally car. And the SVO was no econobox; it was the best appointed and most expensive Mustang ever built. The 1984 version made 175hp, but by 1986, that figure was lifted to 205hp by way of a new cooling system. A “fuel grade” switch was standard, giving the car more power or better economy depending on the type of fuel used. But just as the SVO was taking off, the pendulum swung back. After just 9,844 units, gas prices plummeted, making the much cheaper, V8-powered Mustang GT a better value. The V8’s low-end torque arrived at just the right time, as Americans were thirsty for some real muscle.
What have we learned? Well, for one thing, the boys at SVO may not have been far off a solution that would work perfectly today.
ford, mustang, cars, car, SVO, muscle, rumor, mill
My dad had an 1986 SVO and I always thought it was a blast to ride in. If Ford does bring the SVO back, I hope they'll use the '86's styling as a basis for the new one.
I had a 88 Thunderbird Turbocoupe which had the exact same 2.3L Turbo 4 I went Toe to toe with a Mid 90's GT Mustang and he couldn't pull away from me i had very little mods and was dyno'd around 245HP they are and can be Wicked fast cars check out turbotbird.com for more info on the engine and stuff to do with them
I hope that this happens as well I have a 93 with a 2.3(non turbo) I am wanting to convert it to the SVO motor. I think this would be a good move on Fords part.
This is GREAT news......I will get in line for one now! Being a past owner of many FAST Fords growing up my dad worked at Ford Product Development, I rode in every thing you can think of that was Fast (1968-1974).I did own a 86' SVO and a 88' Turbo Coupe, I would eat IROCs and GTAs regularly then........... let them know a 4 cyl just had there lunch!!!
I had an 85 1/2 mustang SVO and loved it. Worst days were replacing the $10 clutch cable stuck in downtown Phoenix and getting rid of it. Best days, smoking my x's 5.0 with a 4 cylinder turbo. Of course, that meant he rebuilt his, again...
This is GREAT news......I will get in line for one now! Being a past owner of many FAST Fords growing up my dad worked at Ford Product Development, I rode in every thing you can think of that was Fast (1968-1974).I did own a 86' SVO and a 88' Turbo Coupe, I would eat IROCs and GTAs regularly then........... let them know a 4 cyl just had their lunch!!!
Bring it! Naww!
As a big engine convert I love the idea. But, admittedly bad in relation the the Mustang image and tradition. There are just some people who can't get past big engines. Times are changing, I even got my old man a pro engine builder of 30yrs to admit a little TT with a turbo four was fun. The american automakers should jump on the bandwagon. Maybe thier stock will rise. Why don't we have a Focus RS over here?
I had Just given up looking for an SVO. Missed a mint 86 with 10K mi on it, and then I hear about this!!! I have wanted one ever since they came out, and something always got in the way, and then they stopped making them. All the problems getting parts and things falling off didn't make me happy, but still I kept looking.
I picked up an 07' Impreza wagon, and bought some SVO seats to put in it, since they were the best I ever sat in. I didn't get a Sube turbo, since even the base model I bough rode too rough for me, because of an injury that damaged my muscles, and the WRX made me feel like I was run over, after test driving it a mile.
To me the V-8 stangs felt like I was driving a truck. I had a 69' Charger stolen and needed a cheap car quick, and bought a 71' Merc Capri. It had the 1.6L OHV Kent motor that was anemic, though moved OK on the road. That car made me LOVE handling I found out too late that Lotus used the motor, and there were Lots of parts for it in the UK. Ford was getting 600HP with 4 valves and a turbo. When the SVO came out, it was the next car to get, But hearing about the next upgrades, I waited and waited, and then they cancled it. Right after I got injured, so was on the shelf.
I Love a small, light car with a Small motor making Lots of power. I like the Vid on YT of the 900HP SVO...
Vince F
THEY ARE NOT BRINGING THIS CAR BACK. period. this car is a legend. WHATS NEXT THE NOTCH BACK MUSTANG . give me a break.