Don't get too excited yet, but the prospect of Ford selling Mustangs in the UK just moved a step closer thanks to the announcement of a brand new 3.7-litre V6 engine offering European levels of power and economy.
The new twin OHC V6 aluminium engine produces 305hp and 280lb ft of torque and, when mated to a new six-speed automatic gearbox that's also part of the Mustang's 2011 model-year upgrade (arriving next year), can achieve 30mpg.
A well-placed source from inside the company has confirmed to PH that Ford's philosophy is to move all its cars towards a 'global' standard. There is certainly no intention to bring this generation of Mustang to Europe but, as our man confided: 'As we continue to develop the Mustang's engine and drivetrain, that inevitably means moving it closer to European standards and tastes'.
We were speaking to our 'deep throat' on the phone, so I can't pretend that his comment came with either a nudge or a wink. But considering we've also heard that Ford is planning to have a US-spec GT500 Mustang on its European press fleet next year, I can't help thinking we're being warmed up for something.
So maybe we won't get lucky this time around, but when the next generation Mustang is launched - two or three years from now - it could be a different story. At which point we'll remind you where you heard it first!
Incidentally, the new 3.7- litre Duratec makes its 305hp with the help of Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT), tuned upper and lower intake manifolds, cold air induction and dual exhausts, says Ford.
The unit revs to 7,000rpm and as Mustang's chief engineer David Pericak says in Ford's press release about the upgrades:
"This car marks a new type of Mustang. We're using a high-performance quad-cam V-6 with all the bells and whistles in a car that's become legendary for its handling and roadholding; it's really going to get a lot of new sports coupe fans excited about Mustang, some for the first time ever."