the GT500 certainly is a SE.

 

There is a flaw in that logic. HIDs, ambient lighting (for 2008 anyway) are options. the cost of those in now way would make up for the cost of the Aluminum block.

The GT Supercar block is not just a simple 5.4L aluminum block.

 

So, are thinking:
4.6 = GT/Bullitt/CS
5.0 = Boss 302
5.4 = Shelby GT500

Every 4lt's has its own SE?

 

I'm thinkin Ford may slow down for the time being and offer a V6/V6Pony, GT and GT500
Who knows..may see another CS (pony package for the GT)

 

Although I can't provide you with a 100% guarantee. From what my source has said, in which both ( GTJohn) and Jeff (05fordgt) also seem to agree upon. The next major platform change, won't take place until April 2014, as a 2015 model.

This would also seem to make perfect sense, as this would also mark the Mustang's 50th anniversary.

So IMHO, it really wouldn't make any logical sense for Ford to launch a complete new redesign. With just 1-2 years remaining, before the Mustang reaches it's 50th anniversary.

I also agree with Pete (boomer) that in the meantime, Ford can just continue to change the body panels, until Mustang is ready to debut on the all new GRWD platform.

 

That's a long time for the S197 chassis to be in service.

 

10 years really isn't that long, especially when you compare how technically advanced and modern the D2C platform has been vs. the previous SN-95 on the Fox-4 platform.

 

Not to mention the Fox lasted FOREVER! Well, not quite eternity, 16 model years.

 

Certainly way too long by today's standards.

 

Hell, that was way long for that day's standard.

 

Truthfully, it's long by ANY standard...all the way back to the beginning of time.

 

Kory, I don't know where your getting 16 model years from. But Mustang ran on the Fox platform for 14 years from 1979-1993, however if you also include the SN-95, which ran on the Fox 4 platform from 1994-2004. The entire Fox platform, technically ran for 24 years. So in that respect, yes it did last for almost an eternity.

 

My bad. I counted 78.5 model year too. But that's still 15 model years. Starting with and including 1979. Then, yes, followed by the Fox 4, or Fox Revisited from 1994 to 2004. 25 model years on the same basic platform. Still sold a ton though!

 

Agreed, people were already complaining about the increased cost of the GT500 relative to the "lack" of content to the Terminator. An aluminum block capable of handling 600 or 700hp+ reliably (and not as in aftermarket reliably, but OE reliably) would have excaberated the situation further.

If one wants to consider the opposite end of the spectrum look at the LS7, its a great 500hp engine, very light weight too, but stretch it past 700hp in street trim (I say street trim, because supposedly full exhuast, tune, and a cam swap will get you 600hp, I imagine with more extenisve mods you might be able to get another 100hp without turning an LS7 into a pure race piece - which means anything more will require FI of some sort) and it becomes a grenade.

GM's LS9 doesn't seem to be appearing in anything less than the CTS-V or the ZR1 at the moment so I suspect its on par with the GT(40) mill in terms of cost.

So yeah, its a big dumb lump of iron, but is an affordable big dumb lump of iron that can take a beating that would leave GM's finest a melted pile of goo.

 

Heh, given the current financial climate, Ford may have no choice but to keep the S-197 around for awhile. A shiny new Mustang is great unless nobody can secure enough credit to buy it.

 

Bring back the fox!

 

Good points. Agree about the big dumb lump of iron, its definitely a party and the 5.4L
has a lot of room for incresed HP etc.
Based on your knowledge, what do you think Ford will do with the Mach1 & Boss?
Seems like the 5.4L N/A could have been a possibility a year ago.
What do you think?

 

I think the 5.4 was canned for obvious reasons.
Mainly weight of the engine, weight it added to the car, and the disruption of the handling characteristics to the vehicle.

With Fords recent kick on weight reduction, I couldn't see them wasting the time/money to go forward with an engine, for all intents and purposes, that will get its hoop handed to it by an engine coming down the line within 12 months that's scheduled for the GT

Basically Ford will take the 1 year hit with the lack of power to prep for the next coming in a year.

I would love to see a BOSS with the 302 (5L) in 2011 or 12.
Pump the tune up to take advantage of 91 octane, and put some of the new GT500 handling/brakes parts on it, change the wheels and a body panel here and there...and call it a day.

 

Hooah. I agree with Boomer. Doesn't have to be too difficult and different, just so long as it's not just a sticker package. Make it unique, but not impossible.

 

Im sure your right. Ford is creating so much buzz about the 2010 restyle, that even with the
carryover engines they will still sell mustangs etc. But, I had myself convinced that the 5.0 would be available in 2010 considering the GM/Dodge competition.....despite your saying all along that it would be 2011.
As it turns out, your most likely right and I was unsuccesfully optimistic.
However, a nice weight reduction and a 5.0L could make for an incredible stang in 2011.....ok, ok
a shaker scoop and some Boss stripes would be cool too.