Mustangs................

[syr74]

Originally Posted by Hesh

Actually they have to be in place by August 2012, not 2017. I do not know where he came up with 2017 from. Also, yes the Mustang recieved a 5 star rating for the current standards. So exactly why is the newest version of the Mustang going to be as you call it a lame duck model. They are upgrading the drivetrain wouldnt it make more since to add the reinforcments now with the other upgrades that are coming.

http://www.nationalsafetycommission....-for-light.php

I'll post the pertinent portion here.....

This new standard replaces the current requirement, which calls for roofs to withstand 1.5 times the weight of the vehicle, applied to one side of the roof, for light vehicles up to 6,000 pounds.

The new schedule begins in September 2012, and will be completely phased in for all such vehicles by the 2017 model year.

Ford would only need to update S197 if they intended to keep the platform around in the current form long past currently expected sell-by date. As of right now S197 will be very heavily revised for the 2013 or 2014 model year, meaning there is no reason or benefit to making these changes before that time.

[Hesh]

Ahh ok the roof strenghting needs to be done by 2017. The head restraints are to be done by August 2012, and I find no mention of when the reinforced doors have to be done by. Article I read lumped them in together as features that had to be added or upgraded by 2012. Did not give full information. Should have done a little more digging. Still why put off what you know is coming? The Mustang is going to grown in weight. It is inevitable. Figured with Fords loss to roll over lawsuits in SUV's they would get right on this. They have know this was coming for almost 2 years now. This is also a standard that is already enforced in other places and is just now coming here. Its not like Ford, GM, or Chrysler hasnt already been doing this over seas. Most of the standards over there are alot tougher than they are here. I dont see how its that hard to do now instead of waiting. Its not a complete redesign. Its just an addition to current model that would not be that hard to get done.

[THE EVIL TW1N]

Originally Posted by Hesh

Ahh ok the roof strenghting needs to be done by 2017. The head restraints are to be done by August 2012, and I find no mention of when the reinforced doors have to be done by. Article I read lumped them in together as features that had to be added or upgraded by 2012. Did not give full information. Should have done a little more digging. Still why put off what you know is coming? The Mustang is going to grown in weight. It is inevitable. Figured with Fords loss to roll over lawsuits in SUV's they would get right on this. They have know this was coming for almost 2 years now. This is also a standard that is already enforced in other places and is just now coming here. Its not like Ford, GM, or Chrysler hasnt already been doing this over seas. Most of the standards over there are alot tougher than they are here. I dont see how its that hard to do now instead of waiting. Its not a complete redesign. Its just an addition to current model that would not be that hard to get done.

but it's an addition that does not have to get done at all for this generation, meaning it would just cost them $$ with very little if any benefit right now. Why spend that money when they don't have to worry about until the next generation anyways?

[Hesh]

Im sorry im just of the mindset to get it done sooner rather than later. Putting it off will just cost more money at a later date then doing now while they have an easy opening to do so. It also is a bonus just to say they are ahead of the curve of things. Keep the postive image up that they still have right now. Its not only a thing they have to comply with but something they can use as a marketing tool. Saying " we are the safest in our segment" and prove it by keeping the standards ahead of what are required. To me that is a win win situation. Putting it off is just showing that Ford like everyone else in the auto industry is hurting worse than what is being said.

[GatorBlue371]

Sounds like things are about to get interesting.

[truth411]

I have been reading this thread and this is how I see it.

1. While the 2011 mustang won't gain 300lbs, but those who think it won't gain a single pound are probaly wrong aswell. One thing everbody seems to forget is.... wait for it.... PRICE POINT!!!!! the V6 mustang which is the back bone of mustang sales (not the GT) is only $655 cheaper than the LS camaro. IF the old cheap 4.0 truck V6 is replace by a far more expensive 3.7 V6 and 6 spd transmissions, it will mean that for the first time in history (I could be wrong but I think I am right) The camaro will have a price advantage over the Mustang!! Was that not one of the mustangs key advantage compared to its competitors? A sporty car with a lower price point than its competitors?

2. This goes for camaro fans aswell as mustang loyalist, This is the 21st century, performance does not mean just striaght line acceleration. If you take the V6 camaro and a 3.7 V6 mustang to a track the V6 mustang would get slaughtered, there is not a track pack for the V6 (which would increase the V6 price even further). I highly doubt the 3.7 V6 mustang will Stop or handle even close to the V6 camaro. Even if the V6 mustang is close to a 13 sec. car, on a road course it will loose badly to the V6 camaro. which leads me to..

3. Ford knows it's fan base, and it's fanbase are heavily into drag racing and only care about straight line acceleration and thats it. I am not saying this is true for all mustang owners of course, but it is the truth. One of the main reason the mustang still uses the SRA is because their fan base want to keep it for..... Drum roll..... DRAG RACING!!! I think the Mustang is a drag car first, track car second, while the camaro is a Track car first, drag car second.

4. I think this is how Chevy should market the Camaro, Kids these days care more about handeling than just straightline speed. The V6 camaro shows that it has the superior chasis, read the V6 reviews.

5. I think the v8 Mustang and the V8 camaro are going to be pretty close stock for stock, But the reason I am going to buy the Camaro SS because the LS3 is faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar more mod friendly compared to any DOHC V8 out there for the money mod for mod. Didn't American racing headers acheive a 50 rwhp increase from nothing more than adding long tube headers and a tune!!! I will search for it but I think they retained the stock mufflers, so lets think about that for a moment... 50 rwhp, The LS3 just loves mods. From what I have seen it is very possible for the Camaro SS to be a 420+rwhp car with NOTHING BUT STANDARD BOLT ONS!! (CAI, Headers, Exhaust, Tune) that is just incredibly value for the money. I highly doubt the same will be for a 5.0 Mustang, but we shall see.

Thats how I see it, I could be wrong but I don't believe so, it's just MVHO.

[GLBL WMR]

The 5.0L car will not weigh less than 3700 lbs. Callin' it right now.

[Bocephus]

My prediction: the 5.0 Mustang will weigh under 3600lbs.

[GatorBlue371]

My prediction, The 5.0L will weight between 3600 and 3700lbs...




...lol

[THE EVIL TW1N]

I think it'll be right at 3600 lbs.

[THE EVIL TW1N]

Originally Posted by Hesh

Im sorry im just of the mindset to get it done sooner rather than later. Putting it off will just cost more money at a later date then doing now while they have an easy opening to do so. It also is a bonus just to say they are ahead of the curve of things. Keep the postive image up that they still have right now. Its not only a thing they have to comply with but something they can use as a marketing tool. Saying " we are the safest in our segment" and prove it by keeping the standards ahead of what are required. To me that is a win win situation. Putting it off is just showing that Ford like everyone else in the auto industry is hurting worse than what is being said.

Your not really understanding. They'll likely be moving to a new platform by the time the standards are needed. If they are never needed on this generation, then it is a waste of money to even upgrade it. simple as that. Right now they are already in the positive image in that it meets and exceeds all current standards.

[truth411]

Originally Posted by THE EVIL TW1N

I think it'll be right at 3600 lbs.

Dude that is only 20lbs heavier than the current Mustang GT with a track pack (3580lbs) It will be more than that.

[THE EVIL TW1N]

Originally Posted by truth411

Dude that is only 20lbs heavier than the current Mustang GT with a track pack (3580lbs) It will be more than that.

And why would that be? The new engine is said to be lighter than the outgoing 4.6. The transmission is only 8 lbs. heavier according to Tremmec. How much more do you honestly think the brakes will weigh, assuming they upgrade those?

[The_Blur]

Originally Posted by THE EVIL TW1N

And why would that be? The new engine is said to be lighter than the outgoing 4.6. The transmission is only 8 lbs. heavier according to Tremmec. How much more do you honestly think the brakes will weigh, assuming they upgrade those?

He's right. The powertrain won't be the cause of any weight increases. I wouldn't expect any cosmetics to be heavier than they currently are. There might be safety equipment changes in the future, but the Mustang has otherwise managed to present itself as the low-weight entry into the pony car wars. There's nothing we can say to dispute this. Hopefully, GM manages to keep the Camaro ahead with better gearing, ratios, performance, or future weight reduction.

Competition is a good thing. Let's not get defensive over it.