Zoran, I highly doubt that. The 4.6L is pretty much at its end of its lifecycle.

 

I hope you're right.

 

He's right, Zoran

 

Yep, it does look modern but the speedo gauge seems illegible and the 4-gauges are useless behind the shifter. It doesn't feel as inviting as the S197 interior but GM may change that on the actual car.

 

Well historically (as in 1967+) the Camaro has always offered the better performing package at a higher price point as well. Occasionally the Mustang would sneak in a sucker punch but for the most part the Camaro has been the faster better handling car.

IMO eventually you either realize the numbers aren't really that important, or you stop letting them bother you. For all of the F-bod's prowess its pretty much inaccessible beyond a few moments at a time (same for the Mustang as well) for most people. We are by and large bench racers.

 

The cool thing is that you can't really complain about the manual transmission offerings anymore... The Challenger SRT-8, Corvette, and GT500 all have the same TR-6060.

Now, what would be interesting is if we installed the LS3 into a S197 GT mated with the TR-6060:
The Ford Mustang GT SS LT4!

 

I agree, and would like to add that having better performance has not necessarily equaled better sales, which is what really matters to Ford and GM.
You've pretty much summed up this whole debate with that paragraph!

 

I'm afraid that would be heresy

The Mustang Gods from above would rain down a fiery wrath from the heavens above to pummel you into submission

 

You must not have seen the banter about the Shelby TSB for clutch issues. All 07,08 and most 09's
are affected. So, it's not all that pretty tranny wise.

 

I wasn't aware of the TSB. What does it say and what is affected?

 

Since the Mustang GT coupes premium package cars are delivered at around 3415lbs, and supercharged with better wheels, tires and brakes still weigh around 3550, with changed out suspensions, these cars are still very fast and handle great. We all know that all these cars mentioned handle like pigs without changed out and balanced suspensions.

The problem is that everyone and the magazines keep comparing stock Mustangs to more expensive cars that weigh more.

If you take a stock Mustang GT coupe premium package, add engine bolt ons to get up to 305 310rwhp or so N/A, minus some weight for a suspension change out (including watts link) your still at about $36,500, and will eat those other cars for lunch on corners and equal their power at 355hp @ 3390lbs, except the Corvette of course, which will still cost you $8-9,000 more than your modded Mustang. Just my 2cents. Erik

 

So you mean the stock Mustang GT coupe can't outrun a Bugatti Veyron?!??

 

It might if it was in a straight fall from 30,000 feet, but the flat front grill area would still be a dis-advantage I'm afraid. Erik

 

I think part of why the Mustang is getting bashed in comparison to the new Challenger and Camaro is that it is old. Remember when the 05' Mustangs first came out and all you read was about how stiff of chassis the convertible has and how great the Mustang handled. Now just a couple years later these are the sticking points that the journalists use to put down the Mustang, that and it's huge HP disadvantage to the competition in both V6 and V8 forms.

I think the only initial criticisms for the 05' Mustang was the cheap material used for the interior and many disliked the back end styling. For 10' Ford did address both of these areas. My only gripe at this point is that Ford has done a poor job in the improvement area. It seems that little to nothing has been done to the 09' compared to 05' models. I understand that the total restyle is just around the corner but I think they should have done little things like add 15-20HP here or there or maybe tweak the suspension a bit. The perfect example is to look at the major improvements Chevy made to the Corvette for 08'. Though it is the same body style as the original 05' C6 it saw a host of improvements including more HP, suspension and steering improvements and even a mid-cycle interior upgrade. Think about it why buy a loaded 09' GT for over $30,000 when you can get a low mile 05' GT for under $20,000....... Thats just how I see things.

 

In my opinion Ford has a great opportunity. Keep the 2010 Mustang lighter by several hundred pounds, and they would have a distinct advantage over the heavy Camaro. Price it under the Camaro, and give it a better aesthetic design. Lastly, provide an engine with forged internals on the standard GT.

With that, the Mustang will maintain dominance.

 

2010 may be a bit like the 1993 speaking strictly in terms of performance. However, 2011 will be absolutely nothing like 1994.

 

You mean the 2011 won't be slower then the 2010 like the 94 was to the 93?!?! What is Ford thinking!?!

 

Ah, leave it to Chris to dredge up the painful things we would all sooner forget.

 

better than '96...

 

They fixed it all eventually