Next Gen Mustang Mega Thread

[cbass]

I also heard rumors of a 500 hp powerplant on the next mustang. We'll see though.

[DaBears]

Originally Posted by cbass

I also heard rumors of a 500 hp powerplant on the next mustang. We'll see though.

Its possible, the current 5.0 isnt even close to being "tapped out"

[drummer5679]

Originally Posted by Mr_Draco

Actually if you look up the dimensions of the previous gen Camaro's and compare them to the 5th gen, you'll see the 5th gen is about the same size wise as the others and only about 100 lb difference. The 5th gen actually isn't the heaviest Camaro either.

I was more referring to the 5th gen in reference to the 1st gen, I should have specified. These are the specs I could find on both cars:

67-69 SS:
Length / Width / Height 4689 mm (184.6 in) / 1836 mm (72.3 in) / 1293 mm (50.9 in)
Weight 1440 kilo / 3174.7 lbs
Wheelbase 108 in

(source: http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/1...ro-SS-350.html)

5th gen:

So the 5th gen has a 4.3in longer wheelbase, is 5.8in longer, 3.2in wider, and 2.3in taller. Not to mention it is nearly 700 (SEVEN HUNDRED) pounds heavier than a car that was composed entirely of steel and iron.

That's a considerable difference. I'm not saying it needs to be 3200lbs because I understand the differences in safety standards, but the modern "muscle cars" currently are middle aged with a beer gut and could stand to lose about 10% of their weight, the best way to do that would be trimming a few inches from the waistline.

[AZCamaroFan]

by the end of the 2nd gen run they had added a lot of extra weight to those cars for various reasons. i think it was around 3,900 pounds. other than that 1st , 3rd and 4thgens were all well under 3,500 pounds.

[LOWDOWN]

Quote from article:

Popular Hot Rodding also indicates the new model may shave as much as 300 pounds to increase performance while maintaining today's power levels. How much of this is true?

"MAY shave AS MUCH AS 300..." = Speculation

"HOW MUCH...TRUE?" = Great Unknown

Actually, the weight losses are as much to assist mpgs as mphs...CAFE '16 quickly approaches.

I think it's safe to say ALL Pony Cars are going to have to shrink a bit (or more, in some cases) and "lighten up"...just like WE have to with these speculative articles...

[LOWDOWN]

Size:

Gen-5 Camaro has the SAME wheelbase and is slightly shorter than a '64-'72 Malibu 2-dr...whose Base Curb Weight was 250-500 pounds less...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Chevelle

[rayhawk]

Carbon fiber is often cost prohibitive on an aircraft, I don't think you will ever see it in significant quantities on an entry level car.

[Cvega]

I believe Camaros and Mustang could and should weigh around 3400 pounds. A 3400 lb Camaro SS with the 6.2 v8 would be much better on gas, much faster and quicker, it would be better handling.. It is possible.. If a Toyota Camry SE V6 weighs 3240 lbs, then a Camaro could way a bit more..

Plus keep the Camaro looking similar though

[iHasCamaro]

Originally Posted by LOWDOWN

Size:

Gen-5 Camaro has the SAME wheelbase and is slightly shorter than a '64-'72 Malibu 2-dr...whose Base Curb Weight was 250-500 pounds less...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Chevelle

Holy crap. So the giant steel cars of yesteryear are actually lighter than our modern Camaro? That's amazing.

[LOWDOWN]

Not really...

Base Curb Weight ('64-'72) was for a 6-cylinder/3-speed manual/no power steering-brakes/no air/no cruise/no tilt/no radio etc. etc.

No 5mph bumpers/ABS/Stability Control/air bags/4WDB etc. etc. etc.

What now is "mandatory", by customer taste AND government regulation, is a "weighty" issue.

Keep in mind, too, the "current" Camaro is based on a version of a "current" Chevelle (i.e. mid-sized 2-dr coupe a.k.a. Holden Monaro). The Camaros of old were based on the smaller/lighter Chevy II/Nova chassis...

[kbui]

Originally Posted by iHasCamaro

Holy crap. So the giant steel cars of yesteryear are actually lighter than our modern Camaro? That's amazing.

Safety wasn't as big as a concern back then !

[camaro-dreamer]

Originally Posted by LimaCharlie

This doesn't sound promising to me. I see a small V8 option, V6 option, and a 4 cylinder option. Add the word "hybrid" to the mix and the next Mustang sounds even worse.
I can understand the less interest in retro styling but the global theme makes me think the next Mustang will look like a 2-door Fusion/Taurus.
The sad thing is I see all this happening to the 6th gen Camaro too.

Hybrid could also mean eco-boost (i.e. factory turbo).

Frankly, I don't care if they change the styling for either the camaro or mustang next gen as long as my 6'4" frame can fit.

[Sax1031]

unpossible only GM is able to shave weight on the next platform.

[AZCamaroFan]

The Camaro is still steel. Only front and rear caps are plastic, and there's a whole lot more stuff packed into them.