Maybe a stupid question

[joes3rdcamaro82/91/2010]

Do you guys think they are running the production engines in the prototypes? Do you think that they even decided on the final power ratings?

[Mindz]

Personally I don't think so yet. I don't think engines have been decided upon. I think that decision will be made probbaly around summer when it's closer to production date and they have an idea of what the "new" mustang is going to offer and to see if the challenger ups their stakes in the pony car war.

[KILLER74Z28]

From experience at my former employer; yes, some of the production engines are being used. Got to know a lot of info on how the engies are going to respond to real world usage. Cough cough, cooling issues…

[Sterling]

Isn't that what the mules are for? I would think that they would have one for each engine that they are expecting to use.

[mega_man_01103]

Originally Posted by KILLER74Z28

From experience at my former employer; yes, some of the production engines are being used. Got to know a lot of info on how the engies are going to respond to real world usage. Cough cough, cooling issues…

cough FI cough maybe cough i hope

[TAG UR IT]

Originally Posted by KILLER74Z28

From experience at my former employer; yes, some of the production engines are being used. Got to know a lot of info on how the engies are going to respond to real world usage. Cough cough, cooling issues…

I'd have to *cough*...I mean agree w/ this! *cough, cough*

I'd agree, though. They need to see how each prototype is going to react to all issues. Let's say you put a V6 in a prototype and run it hard all day long...it holds up. Then, you go and sell that same coupe w/ a V8 all beefed up. It falls apart. I think they'd have to test w/ most, if not all, the engines they plan on using in the prototypes.

[DGthe3]

I would imagine every engine that they consider has to be tested in the car. Just like they had to make a bunch of clay or plastic bodies showing the look of the car, and the different wheels, suspension setups, interior combinations, exhaust and so on. Lots and lots of testing. Though most of it can be done inside a shop, lab, or design studio, nothing beats a road test for things like engines and suspensions

[Grape Ape]

I don’t believe that the motor lineup has been finalized. But I suspect that there are mules running every motor that is a candidate for the first year line up.

I’m crossing my fingers that the motors being tested include some pre-production prototypes.

[2010_5thgen]

i think the whole point of having he cars out and driving them is to test the wear and tear on the motors. they arent just driving around to show people the exterior. i think the production, or production option, motors are in the car. they drive them thousands and thousands of miles to break them in and see how things start reacting after they get used and abused.