Ford to reintroduce legendary Mustang SVO?

Ford’s current love affair with EcoBoost engines will finally find its way under the hood of a future Mustang after all, that is if you believe the words coming from the man who’s namesake is stamped on the hood of every Blue Oval-wearing car made in the world, Bill Ford Jr.

While speaking at Princeton University Tuesday evening, Ford was asked by a student if an EcoBoost engine would be used on the Mustang, to which he replied, “Yes,” without specifying whether or not it would come in the form of a turbocharged four-, six- or eight-cylinder engine, according to Jalopnik.

Last time Ford offered a turbocharged Mustang it arrived in the form of the well-known SVO, a result of the Special Vehicle Operations team. The SVO featured a 2.3-liter four-banger that was capable of a very respectable 175 horsepower in 1984. The original SVO was a premium offering complete with a functional hood scoop and rear spoiler – and a price to match – which begs the question of whether or not Ford will follow a similar path today.

Because Ford. Jr. did not specify which engine would be getting the turbo treatment our speculation is the most we can offer, but the most likely candidates are likely found in the 237 horsepower 2.0-liter EcoBoost destined for the Explorer, Focus ST and other vehicles, should Ford take the SVO route. Should Ford want to grab a bit more power, the EcoBoost offering found in the 2011 F-150 that produces 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque could be a contender as well.

Of course, there have been rumors of a “Road Runner” Mustang which featured an EcoBoosted Coyote 5.0 V8 as well, and with suggestions that the Camaro may take a similar route, we can’t rule that option out either – although it certainly wouldn’t make for an SVO rebirth.