godwhomismike Posted August 13, 2006 Share Posted August 13, 2006 Ford is going to make a Mustang Shelby GT, basically the same one that was to rent at Hertz, will become a production model that can be bought at dealerships. Watch the unveiling: http://www.fordboldmoves.com/ Images of the new Mustant Shelby GT: Bold Moves : Homepage . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IwannaSportSedan Posted August 13, 2006 Share Posted August 13, 2006 I watched some of the Bold Moves homepage website video... If everyone at ford complains about the product development cycle, then why don't they make a really bold move.... and CHANGE IT! It is this typical "hold meetings to give the executives something to do during the day" bureaucratic game play that makes their cars crap. Spend less time and money jawing about it, and spend that money and time building things. And for PETE's SAKE, put an IRS in the damn mustang! Even if you have to re-design the body and interior, drop some of the weight, and sell it as a Mercury for 30-35k to recoup the money! I am sorry, but as long as the S197 Mustang weighs well north of 3500lbs, and has a truck axle, I when I think about Mustangs I'd like, it will be a Fox-bodied t-top hatchback with subframe connectors, a modified 99+ IRS, and a Griggs Racing SLA front suspension, and a 4.6 DOHC motor. or an SN-95 Saleen Cobra similarly modified. Both could probably be had for as much, or less than a Shelby GT. And why, WHY didn't they call this the GT350? They currently have the Ford Mustang, The Ford Mustang GT The Ford Shelby GT500 The Ford GT The Ford Shelby GT-H and now the Ford Shelby GT. What is next? Ford Mustang Shelby GT-R-S-T-U-V? Let's over-use the GT a bit more, shall we? (and grand touring seems to have lost it's meaning with Ford, anyway. The Mustang is more limited to being a muscle car with a live axle than a long distance sport tourer. At least 20-40 years ago, that is what most everything else had to make due with, too.) GT350 would have made more sense, and differentiated it a bit more, AND been more deferent to Carol Shelby's past work with Ford. They can use GT500, but not GT350? Ford used it on the 84 20th Anniversary car that had NOTHING to do with Shelby. Shelby followed Iacocca, and they were playing at Chrysler, with K-cars at the time. Bureaucratic insanity. Like most car companies, they have to avoid anything that makes sense. I am sorry, but bold moves for the Shelby GT seem to be mostly hot air, a retune, and body kit, so far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShockerGT Posted August 13, 2006 Share Posted August 13, 2006 Ford won't use an IRS anymore because it was a completely rubbish design when it was implemented in 99 Cobras. Ford never spent a dime redesigning it and when the 03 Cobras came around, and they saw that most owners were blowing rear ends and where going with 9" live axles when they were going up in power. So they decided to drop the whole IRS production for Mustangs and go with live axle design and it has proven them in the Grand Am cup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
godwhomismike Posted August 13, 2006 Author Share Posted August 13, 2006 What is next? Ford Mustang Shelby GT-R-S-T-U-V? The next two I have heard are the Boss and the Mach 1. If they do a Mach 1 with a shaker hood and those retro style seats - wack it. Same goes for if they do a shaker hood on the Boss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest *Jedimaster* Posted August 13, 2006 Share Posted August 13, 2006 Have you driven a Ford lately? Nope, why would I want to? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
godwhomismike Posted August 13, 2006 Author Share Posted August 13, 2006 if they do a Boss or a Mach 1, that might get me to think about one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest *Jedimaster* Posted August 13, 2006 Share Posted August 13, 2006 I'd think about one too! About not getting one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewScooby Posted August 13, 2006 Share Posted August 13, 2006 And why, WHY didn't they call this the GT350? That is the first thing that popped in my mind. I have owned 3 brand new fords in the last 10 years. Two of them being Mustangs that I modded. I used to be what guys at work would call a ford guy, not anymore. Ford is dead to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IwannaSportSedan Posted August 13, 2006 Share Posted August 13, 2006 Ford won't use an IRS anymore because it was a completely rubbish design when it was implemented in 99 Cobras. Ford never spent a dime redesigning it and when the 03 Cobras came around, and they saw that most owners were blowing rear ends and where going with 9" live axles when they were going up in power. So they decided to drop the whole IRS production for Mustangs and go with live axle design and it has proven them in the Grand Am cup. From what I hear, it is an issue with the diff not being mounted into the carrier very well, and flexing under power, causing wheel hop. Then, the diff is aluminum, IIRC, that doesn't have big steel axle tubes to act as a heat sync for the diff, diff carrier overheats, especially with the exhaust running right under it. Maximum Motorsports has a kit to fix the wheel-hop, and a diff cooler, and exhaust heat sheilding/ceramic coating does tend to fix the issues. Some people further upgrade with tubular a-arms, with better toe link location, better bushings, springs, shocks, and the usual suspect suspension upgrades. Some radius head upper link bolts also solve the wheel clearance problem, with 10" or wider wheels. The track is also 3 inches wider at the hubs than the fox's live axle. The big benefit, is that it can be fairly easily fitted to any fox or SN-95 or new-edge 99+ mustang, before the 05 redesign, and is cheaper to procure and install than a kit-car-like fabricated IRS. it weighs about 80lbs more than a live axle setup, but on a front heavy mustang, that only serves to balance the weight, and the fox bodies aren't all that heavy anyway. I am sorry, but until Ford brings the mustang honestly into the 21st century... its either an older Mustang, or something else entirely. (I have owned a crappy fox mustang, a Probe GT, a Ranger, and a Miata, all linked to FOMOCO at least a bit...) I have lost all confidence in their new products and direction. I used to be a Mustang FREAK when I was younger. Now I know a bit better, although I still like some of them for what they are. Autoblog has an article on the Shelby GT(should be 350) and from what it sounds like, it may be only in white or black with silver stripes. Grown-ups want a pony, too: Shelby GT details, photos - Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/08/07shelbygt_03_450.jpghttp://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/08/07shelbygt_06.jpg Every mod they do can be done out of the FRPP catalog, and on your choice of color with a base Mustang GT. A blue-silver or blue-white stripe motif would be cool, as well as a red-gold stripe combo... but not offered. Those, along with white with blue stripe official racing colors were offered on the 60's shelbys, especially the '66 GT350, which this car tries somewhat to resemble with the body style, quarter windows (2+2 Mustangs had extractor vents, not glass. Shelbys had glass), billet grille, and the hood scoop. Ford is more of a writeoff on this stuff, so I don't get so frustrated as I do when Subaru makes the same sort of boneheaded moves, when Subaru has better products, and more potential in a more un-tapped market segment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speeding_gaijin Posted August 14, 2006 Share Posted August 14, 2006 Ok, gents, here is my two cents. I drove a mustang, a v6, bottom of the line, from car rental. I am assuming they get better as they go higher in price. But even for a v6 it was great experience. No matter what grade it is, it is a definition of a cool car. If I want a fast car I would get a subaru, but if a want a head turner for less than 30 gran, i would get a mustang. but what if i am willing to pay more? i mean lets face it: today, mustang has to compete not just with fast cars, it has to compete with comfortable and luxury GT cars. We get more luxury and high tech in Legacy's or any japanese car. I was dissapointed with cheap plastic interior, lack of 21st century gadgets i saw in for example lincoln LS. I am sure there a lot of people who'd pay over 35 gran to have smooth breathing leather, nice materials on dash board, real aluminium or even titanium used in interior, rather than painted plastic. And I am not talking about trends like HID's, LED tails, sports shifting, or auto clutch for semi auto, which should be optional for todays cars. Mustangs AT was one of the worst i have ever driven. Ford would win big if they released a luxury mustang to compete with Lexus, Maseratti, or whatever. They have Jag, which they can use to trick out the mustang. It wouldn't be appropriate for a car in the 60's, but this is 21 century. Standards are a bit different now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psi365 Posted August 21, 2006 Share Posted August 21, 2006 Being a former Ford guy (I still have my Mustang Cobra) other then the name I am glad to see Ford finally getting the message. It should be named the GT350, but who really cares about the name. Not a lot of Shelby lovers can afford the GT500, but this gives some normal people the chance to get a real Shelby car. I had a REAL bad experience at a Ford dealer (insert Ford bash here). From that experience I said I'd never get another Ford. The Shelby GT might make a liar out of me. If you look close at the second video when they first walk into the shop there is a black Mustang with 70 Boss 302 stripes on it. As far as them actually getting new products out there faster.....its already been said. Its typical corperate leadership. Those exec's have to justify their jobs. So while they are deciiding what to do another car company just does it. Look how the "just do it" additude has changed Daimler/Chrysler. Right now the Mustang is sole rwd coupe on the market unchallenged. It won't be until next year that Chevy puts the Camaro on the road again, and Dodge gets the Challenger going. Mustangs were never ment to have the gadgety stuff in them (even though they have that color changing cluster). They were always ment to look good and go fast. Stock GT's have 300hp and this little thing called TORQUE to make up for it's weight. If that isn't enough power you can get the 500hp GT500 or mod it. You can't really compare a sport/luxury sedan versus a sports coupe cause they are two different cars all together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpeedNeeder Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 If the GT had 4 doors and my kids could see out of the back seat, I would own one today! My other car is a 1993 Chevy S-10 Tahoe! (Currently being driven to failure by my nephew) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wukindada Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 For the 5k diff. in price they should have dropped the 5.4 in the car. You are basically just getting a ground kit & a diff paint job on a GT:rolleyes: Toyota 6EATS .........SUCK!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mines Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 For the 5k diff. in price they should have dropped the 5.4 in the car. You are basically just getting a ground kit & a diff paint job on a GT:rolleyes: But it looks so purtty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IwannaSportSedan Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 FRPP handlng and power packages, front body kit, hood and stripes. 18" wheels, and shelby badging all over the place. Another case of paying for the label. (Shelby) I agree this could have been cool with the 5.4 engine with 3-valve heads, (and GT350 name) but Ford is Ford. If they were smart, they wouldn't be in the predicament that they are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wukindada Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 The (Shelby) name is a far cry from what it was 35yrs ago;) Take off the shelby name & paint job & let my 5K go into a 6mt & a 5.4l putting out 350/375tq.....playing the name game ShrekB:rolleyes: Toyota 6EATS .........SUCK!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShockerGT Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 The (Shelby) name is a far cry from what it was 35yrs ago;) Take off the shelby name & paint job & let my 5K go into a 6mt & a 5.4l putting out 350/375tq.....playing the name game ShrekB:rolleyes: Why go with a heavy modular 5.4 in an already nose heavy car. Now, if you want to go fast in a straight line with the 5.4l, then I wouldn't go with a 6spd either, Id just put in a set of 4.30s on that and put it on the bottle or put a "belt slip kit"/"whiny motor kit" in there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wukindada Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 If it had IRS the car wouldn't be so bad of a handling machine. The 5.4 if I remember correctly is within 50lbs of the 4.6. Now the Cast iron supercharged 5.4 is another story....add another 200lb:eek: Toyota 6EATS .........SUCK!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShockerGT Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 The 4.6 is already a stout motor that has a lot of potential, sure not as much as an already blown and restricted 03 4.6 blown DOHC or 07 blown 5.4, but with an aluminum 4.6 DOHC Cobra motor, it doesnt cost an arm and a leg to hit a "reliable" 500whp and still be considered "lightwight" in the Mustang world. Oh and you've got a PM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IwannaSportSedan Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 Agreed about the 4.6. Nice motor, especially in aluminum DOHC trim, like Lincoln Intech or 4.6 SVT Cobra trim. Too bad the 5.0 Cammer motor is FRPP crate engine only. I don't think Ford wants to go to the work of putting that in a car with a powertrain warranty. Saleen is, but only in a few select Parnelli Jones replicas of the 69 Boss 302 trans am car. They can probably afford to cover a little bit of warranty on just a handful of 55k specialty cars, considering that they also build and support the S7 and lots of other vehicles. I'd love to put either engine with a 6MT/modded-IRS in a light but reinforced fox body car. THAT is lightweight in the mustang world. it'd be fun to justify the 5.0 badge on the fender of a fox mustang with a 5-liter modular DOHC engine making a really healthy amount of power. 100hp/liter should not be out of the realm of possibility. Low compression and forced induction would be even MORE fun. Not to mention out handling some very suprised sports cars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speeding_gaijin Posted August 23, 2006 Share Posted August 23, 2006 Mustangs were never ment to have the gadgety stuff in them (even though they have that color changing cluster). They were always ment to look good and go fast. Stock GT's have 300hp and this little thing called TORQUE to make up for it's weight. If that isn't enough power you can get the 500hp GT500 or mod it. You can't really compare a sport/luxury sedan versus a sports coupe cause they are two different cars all together. Maybe they never meant to be, but this is 21st century. some stuff is a must. Look at some of its rivals like a 350z. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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