rhumb

Well, obviously, they would design an IRS with much heavier duty components (didn't think I had to add that, but then again...) But the design/engineering investment would be equivalent and the added material costs for the heavier duty components, maybe $100-200 max.

Overall vehicle weight would go up a bit, though the far more critical unsprung weight would plummet. But if vehicle weight were the overriding issues, then why the pig-iron engine block, way up front where you least want it for handling or off-the-line traction? Again, I think this is 90% cost cutting / 10% engineering decision with the bean counters winning out and Shelby, et al left to spout the company line (as long as they're signing his checks).

mkoesel

If you really know how to drive, you don't need a V8 either.

SVTJayC

I think he was refering to just Ford's line of cars. Somehow I don't think GM will let Ford use their IRS in the Mustang.
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The Tbird (MN-12) had IRS from 89-97. Same IRS used in the Lincoln Mark 8, which had same HP and TQ as the current Mustang. The TBird S/C had more TQ. They sold very well, and were priced pretty low. Having owned a pair of them, this is why i can't possibly take Ford's "we did this to cut costs" line seriously.

crazyhorse

Do you need a 450+hp V8...not really.

Do you want a 450+hp V8....Oh, yeah, you want one of these.

holderca1

If you really know how to drive, you don't need a V8 either.
[/b][/quote]
Yeah, you can Flintstone it just fine.

clintoris

first of all the RX8 isn't a $25K car... and secondly, they aren't even putting out 250 hp.... trying to build an IRS that can handle even more torque and hp than the 475 or so that's going to be delivered would probably cost a little more to R&D then manufacture. Ford DOES NOT make a huge amount of money on Mustangs.... all of their profit comes from SUVs and trucks.... if you want to pay the same price people are paying for M3s and for Corvettes, then keep on cryin' about not getting your IRS. But until you see a price tag like that on a Mustang, shut up and put up, or go on down to the BWM store, or the Chevy store and get what you want.... an IRS. All the other cars with Carrol Shelby's name on them that have an IRS in them sell for well over $100K.
If Mazda can build a cheap IRS for the RX8, then perhaps you can modify one to fit in your Mustang, and then maybe you can put the rotary motor up front, because the V-8 will blow it all up in short order......
I don't mean to a complete A-hole here, but I get tired of people whining and crying about not getting their IRS, or the leather causes chafing on their butt, or the fog lights aren't even comparable to HD lights in BMWs.... you know... I understand that it's all a matter of opinion... but it's my opinion that there is too much vaginal bleeding going on about the IRS.
be happy that there is a 3 link solid axle instead of a new body on the fox chasis.

the end

mkoesel

Yeah, you can Flintstone it just fine.
[/b][/quote]

Guess I touched a nerve with that one.

... there's still time to get your tail out from between your legs and formulate a real retort.

KGSGT350

I agree. I think people are make way to big of a deal about IRS. Who's on this board any way? You want IRS? But a Ford GT and stop complaining!

holderca1

Guess I touched a nerve with that one.

... there's still time to get your tail out from between your legs and formulate a real retort.
[/b][/quote]
what?

TampaBear67

Believe Me, If this Shelby/Cobra Mustang Didn't Compare To the Performance Of an M3 Then FORD Would Have Never "Called Out The M3" Plain and Simple! Ford Isn't Going to have Egg on their Face! FORD Has Extensivley Tested The New Car Against ALL Rivals To Bench Mark Performance! I Predict that this car will Hang Right In there with An M3 and Maybe Out Perform It!

It Is Currently Winning Almost Every Trans Am Race It has Been In. Against the Likes of BMW M3's, and Porche 911's.

All You Guys that are Getting So P.O.'d Just Because the Shelby Cobra Doesn't have an IRS Really Need to Get a GRIP! I Think You Guys are Just too HUNG UP on having the Bragging Rites "Oh Yeah, My Cobra Has A Sophisticated Multi Link Independant Rear Suspension" Who Gives a Rat's Ask? I'd Rather Brag My Mustang Cobra Can Whip Your BMW M3's Ask Any Day!

EVERYONE has Said That Even Though they Were Dissappointed to hear that the 05 Mustang Has a Solid Rear Axle, That they Seem to be Seriously Impressed With It's Performance! Get Over It! Ford Just Built a Better Mouse Trap/Solid Rear Axle, than The World Had Ever Experienced Before!

rhumb

Exactly. The Probe, as with most street cars, are very purposefully designed with a touch of understeer as that is a slightly more benign handling balance and less likely to get the average driver backing into the woods at 50mph. Addco has a nice, thicker rear anti roll bar that will reduce the understeer and give you a more ideal (for performance drivers) neutral balance. Might want to play with upping your front tire pressures a touch too. But that Probe IRS hangs in there like a Marine when the going gets tough.

As for the Stang, exactly, it does loose rear traction, but that's a consequence of a lack of suspension compliance and control over the rough stuff than anything purposefully designed in. And oversteer, especially as a result of a lack of contact with the road (rear axle coming off the ground over bumps) is a very dangerous and hard to control handling "quality" and certainly not one anyone would want. A bit of power-on, well controlled oversteer to balance the car coming out of a turn, fantastic, fishtailing around with the lively axle doing a Riverdance step, not.

holderca1

Why are we comparing a FWD car to a RWD car?

jsaylor

I am surprised by those who feel the new car will ride so badly. I have yet to ride inor drive the first "normal" SVT Mustang that did not seem to ride better than it's GT brethren. When you are good at tuning a chassis there are often better roads to improved handling than simply adding stiffer springs and calling it a day.

If this car continues that SVT tradition then I expect the combination of slightly more composed ride and the bespoke seats will offer at least GT level comfort and likely a bit better than that, which is more than good enough for me.

Handling is a more legitimate concern and I think that this car, just like the 05GT, is likely going to handle very well indeed. Ford has delivered on everything they have claimed thus far, I hardly expect them start falling short now on this car.

rhumb

As for the seats, are they really any different, aside from the colors, from the stock GT seats? To my eye, they look identical in shape, contouring and padding. Not that the GT seats are bad by any means, but just as with the rear suspension, I expected an upgrade going into an SVT version. A nice set of Recaros or Sparcos would be sweet.

SVTJayC

Yeah the seats don't do it for me. Right out of the 60's.

mkoesel

We'll see JL, we'll see. I'm concerned about that behemoth under the hood. Oh it'll have gobs of power and torque, but that's a lot of weight to be carrying over the front wheels.

Rampant

I think it all boils down to price. If they are going to use a SRA and price it around $45k (which the Shelby name may suggest), then this no longer becomes a high value car (which is the whole point of a Mustang).

Forget the 333hp M3, what about the 400hp, 3180# Vette?

SVTJayC

The 0-60 time they are quoting doesn't really make it perform at a premium to the 05 GTO either.

crazyhorse

Where is the IRS **** when we need him?

Evil_Capri

I can't wait for some road tests to pass judgement. Maybe a M4 (Isn't that what BMW is calling the new 2-door M3?), GT500, and base 'Vette comparison.