2015 Ford Mustang - General Discussion

[CodeRedR51]

I was under the impression we were talking about factory cars. When did LS swaps in Miatas become a thing, anyways?

Big motor, little car. Seems familiar, no?

 

[Blackbird.]

A lot of hate on the current Mustang. As long as your not expecting it to be something its not its a great car. Obviously I'm biased but I can't find anything to complain about save for homelink. Before I supercharged it I could see it being a great DD. I got good mileage for what it is with my commute. The interior is a nice place to be, makes all the right noises. Of course I feel I improved upon it from stock but when it was stock it was still a great car.

 

[niky]

I was under the impression we were talking about factory cars. When did LS swaps in Miatas become a thing, anyways?

It's an illustration of what would have been possible then... though not now, as a V8-powered Miata would never pass pedestrian crash safety.

Cars like the RX7 and the Silvia Spec R, both powerful buggers, were under 2,800 lbs when they bowed out. Both 2+2, with decent space (heck, the last S15 I drove had roomier front seats than the current Mustang).

The GT-R and Supra were heavier, but the GT-R was based on a full-sized sedan and had four-wheel drive and the Supra was just... heavy.

-

Then again, the Mustang wasn't and isn't meant to be an ultra lightweight sports car. It's a grand tourer with a big motor and big drama. The new one could stand to lose a little weight, but otherwise, it's a nice car. Though I'm glad they're ditching the retro styling for the next gen. Otherwise they'd get stuck in a rut like MINI... no way forward, no way back.

 

[Jubby]

Then again, the Mustang wasn't and isn't meant to be an ultra lightweight sports car. It's a grand tourer with a big motor and big drama. The new one could stand to lose a little weight, but otherwise, it's a nice car.

This. The idea of the Mustang was to have a powerful car that the general public could afford. There aren't many V8 cars that can be afforded at a $40-50k salary, and less worth buying. It's not surprising that this car has some poundage on it, considering the average vehicle's weight of most cars have increased 20-30% in the last 40 years.

 

[Tornado]

It's an illustration of what would have been possible then... though not now, as a V8-powered Miata would never pass pedestrian crash safety.

Cars like the RX7 and the Silvia Spec R, both powerful buggers, were under 2,800 lbs when they bowed out. Both 2+2, with decent space (heck, the last S15 I drove had roomier front seats than the current Mustang).

The GT-R and Supra were heavier, but the GT-R was based on a full-sized sedan and had four-wheel drive and the Supra was just... heavy.

The 300ZX of the 80's was a bit of a porker too.

 

[CodeRedR51]

The 300ZX of the 80's was a bit of a porker too.

Let's not forget the 3000GT.

 

[homeforsummer]

The overwhelming majority of Mustang buyers want the weight

Have to nit-pick here a little. Nobody really wants the weight, it's just a byproduct of the stuff they do want, like equipment, a massive engine, seating for four and a chunky design.

No, you guys have tougher emission laws than we do.

The only reason I can think of is that the 4 and 6 are less thirsty. But that makes no sense when buying an American car in Europe. Unless one buys a Deawoo-Chevy.

First line of second paragraph nails it. U.S. emissions regs are strict, but European CO2 regulations mean our fuel economy ratings are way tougher than America's. That said, Euro 6 (which the 'Stang will probably fall under) is largely as tough as Californian emissions regs, even on diesels.

You, well, we Europeans, buy a Mustang for the V8. I don't see that sentiment changing any time soon.

You're missing the bigger picture here, I think.

Currently, Mustang fans in Europe love the car for its V8 (among other things). But Ford wouldn't be selling it if they only expected to shift cars to the few thousand die-hard fans who happen to be in the market for a new Mustang.

A new four-cylinder model might be off-putting for existing European 'Stang fans, but if it gains a hundred thousand new Mustang fans who don't give a money's about the V8, then that's what Ford's gonna do.

When did LS swaps in Miatas become a thing, anyways?

I remember reading about it in magazines maybe six or seven years ago (and it was bound to be happening before then too). But cheap Miatas and inexpensive crate engines have made it much more common recently, it seems.

 

[CodeRedR51]

I remember reading about it in magazines maybe six or seven years ago (and it was bound to be happening before then too). But cheap Miatas and inexpensive crate engines have made it much more common recently, it seems.

Older swaps are 5.0 Ford iron block motors and go way back. I'd say the LS swaps are only within the last 5 years or so.

 

[Slash]

Older swaps are 5.0 Ford iron block motors and go way back. I'd say the LS swaps are only within the last 5 years or so.

The old 5.0s are TOTALLY different from the new one as well....I've had a lot of people I know get confused over that.

 

[Keef]

I was under the impression we were talking about factory cars. When did LS swaps in Miatas become a thing, anyways?

With Miatas, I wouldn't call it a "thing" but in general it's definitely a thing. The drift crowd especially is adopting LS-series or era GM engines left and right. Small, relatively light, powerful, easily modified, rowdy as hell.

They had a retro concept a decade ago, but for some reason didn't go beyond this. Had a 640Bhp V10.

It was around the same time as the Daytona Coupe and GT concepts. People were stunned by the GT and it took off...then the economy tanked and everything was shelved. Since then, Ford has been concentrating on revitalizing their world lineup and enhancing profit. As long as their plan comes into line, I'd expect them to jump into the specialty car game within 10 years. The Cobra and Daytona Coupe ideas were too good to just forget about. Imagine the Dayton Coupe especially...performance competitor to the SLS, Vanquish, Viper, 911 Turbo...

 

[Slash]

With Miatas, I wouldn't call it a "thing" but in general it's definitely a thing. The drift crowd especially is adopting LS-series or era GM engines left and right. Small, relatively light, powerful, easily modified, rowdy as hell.

The same reason people put 302s in RX7's.

 

[Keef]

That's how they do it in the country. The LS has been gaining a following to rival that hillbilly rig.

 

[homeforsummer]

Imagine the Dayton Coupe especially...performance competitor to the SLS, Vanquish, Viper, 911 Turbo...

I'd have one in a heartbeat.

Well, if I was incredibly wealthy I would, anyway.

 

[MrWednesday]

Older swaps are 5.0 Ford iron block motors and go way back. I'd say the LS swaps are only within the last 5 years or so.

I believe the standard nomenclature for the old 5.0s among enthusiasts is "302", for their cid. It's what I universally call them now.

The same reason people put 302s in RX7's.

A 302X7 is ridiculously quick, and appears to handle well enough (I can judge quickness a lot better than handling when they're on the track with me).

 

[Slash]

I believe the standard nomenclature for the old 5.0s among enthusiasts is "302", for their cid. It's what I universally call them now.



A 302X7 is ridiculously quick, and appears to handle well enough (I can judge quickness a lot better than handling when they're on the track with me).

I've always called them 302's but some people seem to forget the 5.0 is another name for the 302. So I usually say that as well if I know they don't know much about old Fords.

Exactly and with the aftermarket support, they can get lighter and substantially faster.

 

[Dennisch]

You're missing the bigger picture here, I think.

Currently, Mustang fans in Europe love the car for its V8 (among other things). But Ford wouldn't be selling it if they only expected to shift cars to the few thousand die-hard fans who happen to be in the market for a new Mustang.

A new four-cylinder model might be off-putting for existing European 'Stang fans, but if it gains a hundred thousand new Mustang fans who don't give a money's about the V8, then that's what Ford's gonna do.

That is what I am wondering about. Would a 4 or 6 pot Mustang sell here? Did they survey us Europeans for that new Mustang?

Ford Europe should talk with Ford USA about not bringing a fat Mustang to Europe but instead bring back a smaller, more European 2+2 or just a 2-seater.

 

[Zenith]

That is what I am wondering about. Would a 4 or 6 pot Mustang sell here? Did they survey us Europeans for that new Mustang?

Ford Europe should talk with Ford USA about not bringing a fat Mustang to Europe but instead bring back a smaller, more European 2+2 or just a 2-seater.

Knowing the amount of focus testing that Ford does for every bloody decision they make, I believe that they did survey some Europeans.

I listened in on a chat that included a Ford representative who endlessly cited their focus tests for the aesthetics of the new Mustang

 

[FiftyBelowZero]

According to a writer for the Wall Street Journal, Ford will be ditching the retro styling for the new Mustang and it will very closely resemble the EVOS concept from the Geneva Motor Show.

My opinion: I think it will be hard (for me at least) to see another Mustang that doesn't look like the classic.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/next-ford-mustang-to-ditch-retro-look-in-favor-of-futuristic-evo/

It seems the Mustang is no longer a muscle car.

 

[Tornado]

It seems the Mustang is no longer a muscle car.

Welcome, to the world of tomorrow!

 

[xNEVER-ONEx]

They can't give it a front forward cab. Has to retain a long hood.

 

[Dennisch]

Knowing the amount of focus testing that Ford does for every bloody decision they make, I believe that they did survey some Europeans.

I listened in on a chat that included a Ford representative who endlessly cited their focus tests for the aesthetics of the new Mustang

Well, ok then. Then all Ford needs to do is keep the price roughly the same as it will be in the US.

 

[Azure Flare]

Welcome, to the world of tomorrow!

Couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[McLaren]

It was around the same time as the Daytona Coupe and GT concepts. People were stunned by the GT and it took off...then the economy tanked and everything was shelved. Since then, Ford has been concentrating on revitalizing their world lineup and enhancing profit. As long as their plan comes into line, I'd expect them to jump into the specialty car game within 10 years. The Cobra and Daytona Coupe ideas were too good to just forget about. Imagine the Dayton Coupe especially...performance competitor to the SLS, Vanquish, Viper, 911 Turbo...

Which is pretty sad because I believe if they had placed the other 2 into production, they would join the GT today as one of the few cars you could actually buy as an investment.

The average Ford GT has tacked on about $75,000 on top of what it was brand new & any example under 500 miles has doubled in value; the cars aren't even a decade old yet. While this probably wouldn't have done Ford any good back then (& that no one knew the GT would increase so well), I have no doubt the Cobra & Daytona concepts would be worth $150-$175,000 today easily had they gone into production.

And if they ever decide to bring them back (& they could seeing as Ford has been the biggest retro-manufacturer lately), I bet Ford GT values sky rocket another $30-50K.

 

[homeforsummer]

That is what I am wondering about. Would a 4 or 6 pot Mustang sell here? Did they survey us Europeans for that new Mustang?

I don't see why not. As long as it's priced right, anyway.

We're expecting, what, 250-300 horses from the Ecoboost 'Stang? That puts it somewhere in Nissan 370Z territory, and Nissan shifts enough of those. Hell, Ford was able to sell a run of its Focus RS, and I'm sure an ultra-hot hatchback is more of a niche vehicle than a RWD coupe.

 

[Nessy]

I don't see why not. As long as it's priced right, anyway.

We're expecting, what, 250-300 horses from the Ecoboost 'Stang? That puts it somewhere in Nissan 370Z territory, and Nissan shifts enough of those. Hell, Ford was able to sell a run of its Focus RS, and I'm sure an ultra-hot hatchback is more of a niche vehicle than a RWD coupe.

Indeed, there's been a hole in that market for Ford (in Europe), since the Capri.

 

[HBR-Roadhog]

Can't say that I like the looks of the one pictured in the Op but it would not be the first one I did not like when it was introduced. I like the retro looking ones pretty well but I also like the way they looked before the retro change. I drive a 2001 Stang myself and I rather like the way it looks. I also quite liked the looks of the style just before the one I have, I guess it was mid to late 90s with the cat eye head lamps.

 

[Slash]

Can't say that I like the looks of the one pictured in the Op but it would not be the first one I did not like when it was introduced. I like the retro looking ones pretty well but I also like the way they looked before the retro change. I drive a 2001 Stang myself and I rather like the way it looks. I also quite liked the looks of the style just before the one I have, I guess it was mid to late 90s with the cat eye head lamps.

Stock wise I never cared how the front end looked too much unless it had a low bumper like the Cobra R but I always liked how beefy the rear looked. I wouldn't mind a "new" New Edge.

 

[White & Nerdy]

Welcome, to the world of tomorrow!

I return again, and in the FIRST PAGE OF THREAD I READ, this is what I see.

Really. THE MUSTANG WAS ONE OF THE ORIGINAL MUSCLE CARS! If it weren't for the Mustang (and the GTO), there wouldn't BE muscle cars! Ford stomps all over its heritage and you pass it off as an inevitable part of progress. Really. I suppose you would have been in favor of calling the FWD Probe a "Mustang" back when Ford had that idea in the late '80s?

 

[Tornado]

And here I thought I was just joking because he was responding with an extreme exaggeration to the very first post of the 45 page thread, dated well over a year ago.

 

[White & Nerdy]

Sorry. It just sounded so much like something you would say in a serious way.