Anyhow... since C&D says "over 400HP", my seat of the pants guess is 430HP at 7000RPM. I've said it elsewhere, but just to get back on topic and all.

 

Got an estimate or idea?

 

Well, my well equipped, heavy 07 GT automatic weighs just 3440 lbs on race days (3620 lbs with me in the car), so I think I could take an '11 GT to the track with an 1/8 tank of fuel and remove the spare/jack and be within 100 lbs of my car.

Point being is that the 11 GT will be encroaching on GT500 performance if it gets over 400 hp. The GT500 runs high 11's with the right driver, but mostly 12's with an average guy on the factory tires driving. Does our beloved GT have to be a 12 second car, as well? Wouldn't a low 13 second performance be more than enough from the high volume V8 Mustang offering? That would only require about 350-360 flywheel hp assuming the 11 GT weighs in around 3600 lbs. 400 flywheel hp is gonna put the car into the 12's so very easily - even if the car weighs in at 3700 lbs (which I doubt it'll get that porky).

I'm all for a 12 second factory Mustang GT, but only if the cost can be contained to a starting MSRP under $30K. If all the cool improvements put this car closer to a starting MSRP nearing $40K, then many blue collar Mustang diehards will be priced out of the market and GT sales will tank. And most of us V8 lovin' fools won't consider the inferior soundtrack of a V6 - even a dual exhaust V6 pumping out 305hp.

 

Yeah.
Like I said...it would all depend on options and stuff.

It won't be weighing in the Camaro/Challenger category

Brian,
I can see where you're coming from.
If you can look at the V6 offerings, I can see the GT following the same pattern.
For X dollars you can get into X/Y/Z model which is quick and has good mileage.... but X/Y/Z+ N ... you can get a faster/better version with options.
Therefore the base of each model will be your 'economy' version (if we can call it that) but check off some option boxes, and away we go

 

You are right in that statement. Give me a Camaro SS before a raspy V6.

 

I don't think we are in any danger of a 40k gt, unless you are talking about loading up a convertible with every option plus dealer installed accessories. My guess is that the prices will be within 1k of current

 

I'm convinced he has a 2011 GT in his garage. Come to think of it, has anyone ever seen Boomer and Alan Mulally in the same room together?

 

You can get a 10 GT coupe past 40k with no dealer accessories.

 

base price is all I'm concerned with. Options are just that...options.

as long as the base GT is under $30K the car will be a steal!

 

Base sucks. Why have a well performing car with a junk interior with no features.

 

Because all that stuff is subjective. I personally want Sync, back up camera, etc. but I realize there are many who don't need or want that.

 

Amen! I'd still have roll up windows and manual locks if I could ...no seriously

 

Because it goes fast.
Oh wait, it weighs less too. Make that FASTER.
What do you use the features for anyway?

 

And I see nothing wrong with that Mike!

Although roll up windows is a bit much

 

I have no need/want for backup camera, navigation, glass roof, auto headlights, or heated seats. I do enjoy the Sync system in my wife's Escape, but that would honestly be about the only creature comfort I would want on a Mustang. Auto climate control?? If I am cold or hot, I can turn a dial to turn up the heat/AC. If it is dark outside, I can turn on the lights with a switch. If I am backing up, I have mirrors. If my butt is cold, then it is cold.

Just give me a Mustang with a good V8 and a nice radio (not a thundering monster that can be heard for blocks around). All of the rest of the amenities are only interesting to me in a luxury/family sedan, and I am not buying a Mustang to be a luxury/family sedan. If you want a Mustang to be a luxury/family sedan, you are in the wrong market in my opinion.

 

I enjoy the power windows and locks, but that is not really much of a creature comfort in my opinion.

 

No but last night Alan Mulally was in the same room with Jim Cramer on the set of Mad Money. When Jim Cramer asked what is so special about Ford products, Mulally mentioned a "dynamite Mustang" among other new offerings (Fiesta, Taurus, etc.) Does Mulally know something we don't know?

Regarding the upcoming V8 5.0 engine: Lexus uses a V8 5.0 engine in the ISF and it produces 416 hp and 371 tq with direct injection and variable valve timing on the intake side. It will be interesting to see if Ford can match this engine output without using direct injection.

 

Here's the Cramer-Mulally interview:

Part 1: http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?play=1&video=1355645178
Part 2: http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?play=1&video=1355657649

 

+1

+2

 

GT = grand touring.

So you think I should put base V6 seats in my GT500? They are lighter. I could also swap my alcantera steering wheel for the base V6 wheel, hell and also toss the Electronics Package, how useless.

But seriously....

If I wanted a dog**** interior I'd buy a 2004 Cobra.