C/D: V8 Mustang more popular in UK than in US

[kevm14]

Proportionally, they mean.

http://blog.caranddriver.com/u-k-kickin ... ake-rates/

That's...interesting.

My guess? They probably figure, bloody 'ell, if I'm gonna drive a proper pony car, it should have the proper pony car engine (a V8). Meanwhile, in the US, people are like...I want to look fast, but the ecoboost and V6 are fast enough for me. By the way, Ford (wisely) does not offer the lame V6 package in the UK. Totally sensible decision.

It kind of puts the Camaro SS pricing in perspective. The V8, at least for the Mustang, is for more "serious" buyers, and not casual buyers. So the Camaro SS is equipped properly for such enthusiasts.

[kevm14]

This comment sheds some light, also.

UK Mustang buyers are likely a very different demographic. Mustangs are often daily drivers here in the States, and 20-something owners aren't unusual. I'll be surprised if Mustang owners there don't have a higher median income and use something more appropriate for their commute. In short, the UK Mustang owner is probably similar to the American Corvette owner.

[bill25]

Lot of golfers in the UK?

[kevm14]

Well the Scots invented golf, so...

[kevm14]

The V8 popularity also points to something that Ford may not want to admit: the new car still isn't good enough as a car, and requires the V8 to be interesting. This idea that the Mustang with a "euro-style" ecoboost engine is something that they'd want to drive daily...it's just not happening. So we don't want it, and they don't want it.

And this.

Even the Brits agree that Ford's concept of a 4-cylinder "eco-muscle car" is about as appealing as wet pajamas in a snowstorm.

Like I said, at least with the Camaro, it's the entry level engine. Simple, no marketing spin or sabotaging certain engines/trim to prop up another engine.