Horsepower Meets Heritage: How the 2025 Mustang Engines Keep It Classic

The 2025 Ford Mustang blends old-school American muscle car history with today’s performance tech. This new generation carries on the Mustang’s 60-year legacy while packing more power and innovative features. From the agile EcoBoost to the track-ready Dark Horse, this year’s lineup stays true to its roots while pushing what’s possible on four wheels. To learn more about the 2025 Ford Mustang’s engine and performance, check out this guide from our team at Brewster Ford.

2025 Ford Mustang Engine Lineup

The 2025 Mustang lineup features three engines tailored for different driving styles. The EcoBoost is a great choice for efficient everyday driving, while the Coyote V-8 variants offer maximum power for the ultimate joyride. Whether you’re cruising around the Hudson Valley or commuting to work, there’s a Mustang engine to match your driving style.

EcoBoost 2.3-Liter Turbocharged I-4 Engine

The 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine uses modular power cylinders for a responsive throttle, producing 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, and the turbo technology delivers impressive performance while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency. This engine runs on regular gasoline instead of premium, providing long-term savings.

The Renowned 5.0-Liter V-8 Coyote Engine

The fourth-gen 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 delivers the true Mustang experience. This naturally aspirated engine produces 480 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, which jumps up to 486 horsepower and 418 lb-ft with the optional active exhaust. This engine features dual throttle bodies, spray-in cylinder liners, revised cams with increased lift and duration, and modified headers for improved tuning.

The Coyote V-8 delivers the classic growling sound and strong acceleration that defines American performance. The 4.2-second 0-to-60 mph sprint time shows how modern engineering has improved power delivery. Whether you’re taking weekend drives around the Hudson Valley or spending a day at the track, the Coyote V-8 is ready for anything.

Introducing the Dark Horse: A New Performance Variant

The Dark Horse tops the 2025 Mustang’s lineup, evolving from the previous Mach 1 with track-focused improvements. This specially tuned fourth-gen Coyote V-8 produces 500 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds in optimal conditions and 4.1 seconds in standard testing — making it the fastest Mustang on the public roads.

Available in regular or premium variants, the Dark Horse engine celebrates its seventh generation’s release and Mustang’s 60th birthday in 2025. This model balances street driving with track capability, working well in traffic and on road courses. Racing-inspired components make it the most capable factory Mustang while maintaining the brand’s reputation for high performance.

Performance Features and Enhancements

The 2025 Mustang features an electronic line lock, electronic drift brake, selectable drive modes, independent rear suspension, and MagneRide adaptive damping. The electronic drift brake delivers up to five times more force than regular handbrakes, with novice and expert modes available exclusively in track mode.

The 2025 Mustang comes with six drive modes: Normal, Sport, Slippery, Track, Drag Strip, and Custom for a personalized setup. Every Mustang features rear-wheel drive with tuning that creates a great road feel, perfect for driving down backroads and cruising over the Hudson River. Whether you’re a beginner enthusiast or a long-time Mustang lover, you’re sure to find the right driving configuration for your needs.

Transmission and Drivetrain Innovations

The 2025 Mustang offers three transmission setups. EcoBoost models only come with a 10-speed automatic engine, while GT models offer both 10-speed automatic and six-speed manual options. The Dark Horse gets the TREMEC TR-3160 six-speed manual from the previous Mach 1 and Shelby GT350, while GT models use the MT82-D4 six-speed manual.

Manual transmissions include rev-matching for smooth downshifts. Automatics give you the best acceleration with the available steering-wheel paddle shifters. All models feature rear-wheel-drive configuration. Each transmission setup pairs perfectly with its respective engine for optimal customization.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG Insights

EcoBoost models deliver 22 city/33 highway/26 combined mpg, while GT V-8 engines get 15 city/24 highway/19 combined mpg. The transmission you choose can affect your fuel efficiency. GT models reach 18 mpg combined with 10-speed automatic, but that number dips to 17 mpg with a manual transmission. However, the Dark Horse V-8 engine reaches 14 mph city/22 mph highway regardless of transmission.

EcoBoost provides excellent fuel economy for commuting while delivering top-tier performance. All 2025 Ford Mustang engines run on regular gasoline instead of premium, saving money over time.

Handling Dynamics: Suspension and Brake Upgrades

Ford claims this is the most athletic Mustang ever, thanks to chassis and suspension improvements. Independent rear suspension dramatically improves handling over solid axles. The comprehensive package includes 5.0-liter V-8 with twin-independent variable cam timing and port fuel direct injection, 10-speed SelectShift automatic, rear-wheel drive, limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes with performance linings, and MagneRide damping.

The Dark Horse features track-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and cooling systems for sustained performance. These components deliver excellent handling on backroads or racetracks while maintaining everyday comfort. The MagneRide system constantly adapts to road conditions, while Brembo brakes provide strong stopping power to match the powerful engines.

Performance Packages: What They Add to Your Ride

The GT Performance Package includes wider wheels and tires, a Torsen limited-slip differential, performance-tuned chassis components, Brembo brakes, and a performance wing for improved track handling. The Dark Horse Handling Package adds wider wheels with performance tires, MagneRide damping, adjustable strut mounts, additional aerodynamic components, and fine-tuned suspension calibrations.

The Mustang 60th Anniversary Package is exclusive to the GT Premium trim and limited to 1,965 units featuring red wheel centers, red fender badges, and a black grille mesh. The Ford Mustang GTD represents ultimate performance with 815 horsepower, a top speed of 202 mph, a 6:52 Nürburgring lap time, a supercharged 5.2-liter V-8, an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and Multimatic dynamic suspension spool valve technology.

Experience the Ultimate Mustang Legacy at Brewster Ford

The 2025 Ford Mustang keeps the magic that’s made American performance cars special for 60 years while adding tech and capability that would’ve blown minds when the first Mustang hit the streets.

Here at Brewster Ford, you can try any of the nine 2025 Mustang trims for yourself on our winding local roads. We’ve been part of this community for decades, so we know firsthand the challenges that local drivers like you face. Call our team today to discover our stock and financing options or to book a test-drive in America’s favorite muscle car. Your perfect Mustang is waiting.

Images from ford.com

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