Compared to other car's I love how raw this mustang is going to be.

And I don't even know how people know the weight either Kev. Maybe a really educated guess

 

Gotta go with the IRS (or lack thereof). It should at least be offered on one of the models, V6 or GT (if not both).

 

I went with suspension. I really wanted IRS, but I can understand why they went with what they did.

 

I voted suspension, but its really the tall, skinny tires that I object to most.

I admit they will probably handle better in bad weather with the longer, narrower contact patch, but I think a high performance car should at least have the option of wider tires straight from the factory. I'd like to see a 235/55-R17 (on a 17" Elanor rims) option for the V6 and a 255/45-R18 option for the GT.

 

Have you seen it in person? Lowering a well engineered car does not exatly help. Half of the riced out modified hondas actually get outdone by nearly stock setups at the track a lot of the time. Untill it is thoroughly race-tested, there is no way to know the effects of what lowering does for the car. [/b][/quote]
I couldn't agree more.

While this car doesn't have the very low ride height some people like, it does sit very nicely.....MUCH better than the current car IMO. Loved the stance at the autoshow.

This stock suspension looks good and will handle well as engineered. Sure you can drop it more, but likely at the expense of ride quality and possibly handling.

Of course, you are free to do as you choose but based on what I've seen up close, I'm leaving it as is. At the very least, the money is better spent elsewhere (18's, mufflers).

 

a live axle should not pose any significant loss of handling in the twisties...ford has done some amazing things with live axles...the turbo t-bird from the 80's had lateral shocks behind the rear axle to control unwanted movement of the axle...it was amazing how planted the rear end was going over bumps while accelerating.

a friend of mine had one of the first mustangs when they originally came out in 63...the small six and a three speed...no radio!! and it was under 2k before taxes and tags...that's what ford is aiming for with the 05 mustang...that's why the v6 is a carryover and that's why the entry level model doesn't have the irs, strut hood, or any other number of options that would drive up the base price.

i think they got it pretty good right out of the box, IF the quality is there...just because something is inexspensive doesn't mean it has to be cheap. jackg 90seville 94k

 

Irs would be nice but I havent drove a new 05 to see how it handles with live axle my 97 cobra has live axle with progressive rate springs with ride height dropped 1 1/2 inch and it handles like a slot car. Looks like to me getting the ride height down really helps the handling a great deal. Progressive spring also have good ride quality.

 

Six speed option would also be nice.