Ford Mustang pricing favors turbocharged engine

Ford's pricing for the new 2015 Mustang almost assures that the turbocharged engine -- possibly a hard-to-swallow option for pony car purists -- will be a hit.

While the base price for the Mustang with a V-6 engine is $24,425 plus delivery charges, the turbocharged EcoBoost version starts at only $1,570 more, according to a pricing sheet leaked by a dealer to a Mustang fan website. The report hasn't been denied, or confirmed, by Ford.

If the EcoBoost engine saves at least three or four miles per gallon over the conventional engine with little penalty in performance, it will be an easy choice for most buyers. Embracing a turbo would be a huge move for Mustang buyers, who are notoriously hidebound lot. But then again, so were pickup truck buyers, and they have moved in droves to Ford's turbocharged engine in the F-150.

At the high end of the market, Mustang will top out at $46,995 for the 50th anniversary limited edition. That's a big jump from the GT Premium fastback at $38,720. Some of the same elements of the 50th anniversary edition, too, are available in a special package for $1,595, according to the pricing sheet.

There are other interesting options as well. Ruby red paint tacks on $395 and "triple yellow" is $495.