The new K-1 Attack has a 240hp 3L Duratec, the Bonspeed X-Type has a 260hp 3L Duratec. So the power is easily there -- as most us here know. But if Ford wants, it's much easier and cheaper to squeeze power out of the 3.0L than it is to upsize the engine.
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As a 2006 model, with the 3.5 finally be available? That should be the BASE engine with an updated 3.9/4.x V8 from the LS as the optional powerplant.
The 3.5L Duratec will be coming in 2007 -- along with the Mazda6 redesign at the same time. Whether it will be going on the 500/Futura at the same time, I don't know, but I would imagine so.
As for why not the V8? Because 300hp on a mid-size FWD econo-sedan just spells wheel-hop, torque-steer, and front-end plow. It'd drive like a pig and require extensively upgrading the entire drivetrain to handle that much power, because I doubt this car is made to handle 300+hp, a full 50% more over stock, right from the factory.
