m05fastbackGT

The base Mustang will never move upscale to 40k. Because if it did, it would indeed be the end of Ford Motor Co. As the Mustang has been Ford's halo car for over 40+ years. In which Ford depends largely upon it's base V6 sales, over the GT, and special editions by over a 2-1 margin.

As for upscale Mustangs are concerned. We already have them, as in the Shelby GT500, and Shelby GT. I also assume there will be an upcoming Mach 1 and perhaps even a new Boss, during the 2009 model year.

That being said, since it's debut on April 17th 1964. Mustang has remained the affordable sporty car, built for the masses, and always will !

UnrealFord

Never say (Always will.).. LOL

V10

By the Mustang's 60th anniversary, a base Mustang will cost over $40K.
(based on the long term historical inflation rate of 3% - 3.5%).

Tighter safety, emissions & CAFE laws could push the base Mustang past the $40K mark in as little as 15 years.

Of course given all it's problems, Ford Motor Co. may not stay in business long enough for us to see that $40K base Mustang.

V10

The Porsche 911 is hardly "the same car for going on 50 years."

A 2008 Porsche 911 is about as similar to a 1964 911 as a 2008 Mustang is to a 1965 Mustang. Just as the Mustang has been updated many times, the 911 received major makeovers in 1989 (internally designated the model 964), in 1994 (the 993), in 1999 (the 994) and in 2005 (the model 997)

Any links to the original 911 ended when the current style 911 was put into production 1999. The current 911 shares no parts with the original 911, the unibody, suspension, engine and body size are all different from the earlier gereration 911s. 911s became water cooled in 1999, a huge break from the previous air cooled engines. However, for marketing purposes it was decied to continue the 911 name, which is the same thing as Ford still using the Mustang name on a 2008 Mustang even though it has nothing in common with the 1965 Mustang.

There are many definitions of success. One could make a strong argument that almost 9 million Mustangs sold, makes the Mustang far more successful than the approx. 1m 911s that have been sold.

Kyle2k

Ford isn't the only one having problems, however. I am kind of angry I can't find the article, but I guess GM had a record loss of any US automaker in the history of time for 2007...It was SOMETHING along those lines so excuse me if im not 100% correct, but Ford is showing signs of a comeback whereas, if the Camaro flops...uhm, yeah GM will be hurting MUCH more than Ford probably is.

shwaco1967

I read that a a lot of you say that it is impossible for Ford to bring us a 400 hp GT in such a short time. As far as designs and engines, Ford has these things on the table long before they see production. Why put it all out with upcoming competition? Ford is highly capable of taking on anything out there to defenitly include Challenger and Camaro. Ford d*** sure ain't gonna let US know what's in their bag of tricks. I didn't think we'd even have a 300 hp GT. I personally was guessing about 285-290. Ford will be ready and for you pessimistic folk who don't think so... Oh well. I think you are just setting yourselfs down for a let up. I always say; It's gonna be, what it's gonna be. Like the gentleman said earlier, "sit on the sideline" and just wait.. Competition improves the breed and we all may be in for a surprise. As for me personally, I'm a Mustang nut in spite of the competition.. Nuff said.

m05fastbackGT

If that's the case, then I'm sure whatever GM, and Chrysler have to offer, will be even higher than the Mustang. No matter how you look at it, when compared to the competition. Mustang will still remain the better overall value, just as it has since the very beginning.

We can only hope that 15, 20 years from now. That very same 40K will be equivalent to our 20k of today

m05fastbackGT

Yes, you're right. Guess I got a bit carried away lol.

Sorry for getting off topic, but I see that your from Buffalo. I'm originally from Lockport myself.


Let's go Sabres

bob

Pick it apart for me Kyle

The Mustang as it stands currently is the lightest car in the "pony car" market - The F5 is going to be heavier by probably some 200 pounds (it was engineered on the zeta full size plateform which wasn't really designed for the 35mpg cafe rules that are now in place). GM would have to pull off a major miracle in materials science at the current time in order to substantially reduce the weight for the car - no amount of LSx awesomeness can change that.

The Challenger is well over the weight of the Mustang, being only slightly lighter than the 4dr sedan chassis its based on.

It would be naive not to consider the effect who and what group would be running the country in the immediate future. Various people and places here/now want to put a cap on carbon emissions similar to what the EU is proposing (even the current administration has no love for the domestic automobile industry).

As for a 40k base Mustang, is it really out for the realm of possibility (not saying Ford would do it)? The sort of enthusiasts car people are clamoring for - a lightweight sedan utilizing advanced materials (aluminum - titanium - carbon fiber - magnesium - super steels, ect) equipped with a sophisitcated chassis and drivetrain would add to the cost of the car at this time substantially.

Look at the Corvette - transaxle aside, it is the king of affordable high perfomrance - it uses advanced materials in conjunction with a cheap powerplant to offer alot of performance for the money.

Personally I dont want a 40k+ Mustang either, what makes the car successful and affordable now probably will not ring true in the future for various reasons.

max2000jp

The Mustang will become more expensive in the near future. If you think otherwise, you don’t know anything about economics or current/future legislation. CAFÉ as well as safety and emissions standards will drive the cost of cars higher. Ford will use advanced technology, lighter materials, and aerodynamics to overcome these obstacles. If you don’t believe me, watch the “EcoBoost” video on YouTube. Ford’s plans for the next 10 years are mentioned in the presentation.

Cavero

Depending on how the 2010 styling turns out (which I don't have high hopes for), I might start saving money now to retrofit the new engine into mine instead of trading in...

97GT03SVT

Just inflation alone raises these prices quickly. I don't have exact stats but the base price of the current car has gone up every year since it's 05' launch. I remember seeing an ad that the Mustang was the cheapest 300HP car with a base price of 25k for the GT the cheapest 08' i've seen in my area is up to 27k.

Black331

This is just amazing, so many people pulling info out of their asses when we know what engine the 2010 GT will get, I guess the lack of demand will keep dealers from gouging us so that will be nice, I wonder if people will believe it when it comes out??

Boomer

Well are you ABSOLUTELY sure... nothing is set in stone yet.
We know what engines are coming... but when is the question.

Still unknown if its 2010/2011

We won't know for certain until things are announced.

Look at the 09 F150... and its engine rollout.

V10

At 3.5% inflation the price doubles in 20 years.

V10

If, as you prediced, 2010 MY Job 1 is in Dec 2008 , everything but software and minor tweaks such as suspension tuning has to already be set it stone.

Boomer

Well I'm sure a decision is made but peons like us won't find out till later

97svtgoin05gt

Another speculation thread. I think this one makes like the 100th??

Seriously though, I would expect us to have probably a 365 horse GT from the factory and they may even give us forged internals so you can tweek it to handle the competition. I don't however see them doing 400hp stock. With the GT500 being so expensive, I would imagine there will be an "SE" for the masses with Terminator like power for those who want to be hangin with the LS crowd, but don't expect that car for 30 large. I'd put that more in the 37 large arena.

Just my take, since we're speculating.

Boomer

Too bad your opinion is wrong

Falchion

Hmm, you may be right. They might have the 5.0 engine later on in the year?