From what we know, how is this battle looking right now? They both will be smaller and lighter. They both will still likely have v8s in their premium models. Camaro will surely have to upgrade its interior, since it really could not make it any worse than it is now (you would think, but I am sure that Chevy could find a way). The camaro is doing better in sales right now, so it could be an interesting match up. Any thoughts? Lets try to be objective here though and not just insult the crapmero, I mean Camaro.

 

Wow man we don't really even know for sure about the ZL1 and the GT500 and it's only about a year away, your going out on a limb comparing the two all-ready. That being said: Duh! Dude the mustang is way better! Lol

 

I think to will be interesting for sure. Obviously, being on a mustang forum and owning one myself means I'm wayyy biased. But regardless, I shall comment. I think as long as chevy continues to base the camaro off of a GTO chassis it will fall short of the mustang. Our chassis is meant for the mustang...and the mustang only. I for one am incredibly excited for the new generation of mustangs. I think Ford has an amazing R&D team and will def come out with another game changer. I for one LOVE the current body style...however I feel it is also time for Ford to come out with something completely different looking...yet still have lines and cues from mustangs of the yesteryears. Long story short...Ford will def remain ahead of the game given the track they are on now.

 

I just hope Ford ain't planing to kill Mustang or something. I know it sounds crazy, but 2010 Mustang's sales were the lowest they've ever been. Plus Mustang doesn't really share platforms with any other Fords (too bad, it would be a perfect fit for a Lincoln) ... it's not really cost effective.

 

I don't see that happening, times have definitely been worse for the mustang.

 

Have they really?

By the way, Twin Falls, Idaho. I used to live there from 1999-2002, great place. I still remember cruising down on Blue Lakes on Friday and Saturday nights in my Mustang, back when I was in high school.

 

I love the mustang now, but if Chevy actually came out with a very competitive product, I would be open to buying one. I do not think Chevy will be able to come close, but if they did, I would consider one.

 

Yeah, a bit far on the horizon to do any but the most broad ponderings on the next gen pony cars. I think, in those very broad terms, we might expect:

• Smaller and lighter (-200lbs for the Stang, 400-600lbs for the Camaro and Challenger)
• Sleeker
• More efficient (see sleeker above, DI and turbos infiltrating more deeply into the engine lineups, cylinder deactivation and active start on the V8s, etc.)
• V8s will be retained, though perhaps in more specialty models.
• Improved materials and quality, people aren't turning such a blind eye here in regards to pony cars any more.
• Better visibility, especially the Camaro.
• Market placement/demographics will be similar, if slightly more upscale/specialty (price leader sport coupes will be smaller FWD/AWD platforms) -- still very affordable though.

Will, those are my best hazy crystal ball guestimates...

 

Sorry for the bump but I just noticed this reply. things have been worse for the mustang.

We have a "412" horse 302 GT that is affordable today... anyone remember when this was going to be the future mustang?

 

I even wonder what the next generation would look like. Ford has been on top of their game by far beating their competition to an oblivion so I would have to say the Mustang.

 

Depends on what you mean by worse? From an engineering standpoint, from 1994 to 1998 you betch'ya - Ford pretty much abandoned the car and left it to rot just sucking in the money until the well ran dry probably hoping to replace it with an SUV named Mustang.

Saleswise right now seems pretty bad, but consider in MY2000 Ford sold 4.2 million vehicles in the US and in My2010 Ford sold 1.9 million vehicles in the US with alot of discerionary income lost now due to the economy (forget what the feds say about diminishing unemployment - most of the jobs returning to the economy require you to say; "would you like fries with that"? ) it also facing competition from the new Challenger and Camaro, even though both fall short in the performanc edepartment compared to the current Mustang, they are effectively still the new kids on the block and in this segment fresh styling is king when it comes to people in the market for a sporty coupe as oppossed to actual performance nuts.

 

Hey, that's a lot like my old Probe GT -- a fantastic car in its own right but no Mustang by any stretch of the imagination.