I hate to see the mustang gain weight. Its probably going to be a reality but they are too heavy now. Even though the challenger and camaro are heavy they will perform simply because of the cubic inches they have. I seriously doubt the camaro will be any worse on gas than a 4.6 mustang. Gm can squeeze the mileage out of the small block. Those LS engines are a jewel.

I long for the day of a LX stang with no power seats, windows, and any other useless stuff that adds cost and weight. Those days are long gone I guess.

 

All new LS3...
old news

 

I am assuming that GM is putting VVT and Direct Injection in the LS3. Other than that, the LS3 was introduced in MY08, so I don't think there will be extensive updates.

 

Dodge put power windows in the Viper because they weigh less than crank windows. So don't assume that all these convenience items are what are driving the weight of current cars up. The most significant factor to the increased weight is all the added structural components to make them stiff enough for both handling and crash tests.

Some moron comes barreling through a red light in his Suburban, I'd much rather be in an S197 than an LX Stang. And that has nothing to do with power windows.

 

I think it'll start without that stuff... but it would be in the works for any updates.

Kinda like the 5.0 and its DI etc

 

That is interesting. I had no idea. Back in the day you could buy a car without A/C and other items. Think back to the the the fox coupes. I have no desire to go without A/C in my old age but I could do without a lot of stuff like power seats and useless gagets that drive up weight and cost.

 

Precisely. While GM has been hinting at a DI upgrade for the small-block for some time now the reality for the moment is that there haven't been any serious rumors about when production of such an engine, with DI, is even slated to begin. And since anything of a hi-po nature from Ford or Chevy is a constant source of rumors anymore the truth of the matter is that we would have almost certainly heard something more solid about this combo if it were slated to go into production in the near future. Coming? Yes, particularly now. Coming as quickly as the 5.0L PFI? Not a chance. Coming as quickly as the 5.0L DI? Maybe, info on that engine has been 'garbled' by the fact that two injection setups are on their way, so we can't really know just how far along the DI setup is or isn't at this point.

 

GM showed an LS3 with gasoline direct injection last year. They have the technology and with gas prices/CAFE changing the game, I think there is a strong possibility that it will be available at launch.

 

+1

I even fear getting rear ended when I drive my SN-95 Mustang.

 

Nope, it's going to lose a few pounds..

 

I doubt it will lose weight. The fact is the average car these days comes with so much content like navigation, 6 disc changers, 8-12 speaker systems, 18' to 20' wheels from the factory.

I agree with some of the others with the idea of an LX package for the next gen Mustang. I recently been considering the purchase of a S197 GT and it seems every GT on the lot is a fully loaded example. I think many are forced into buying the little extras that they don't really want. I understand that by doing this Ford makes these options cheaper for the majority of consumers but I personally would be a huge advocate of a special order LX option. Maybe it's just me but I think "LX" and "5.0" go so good together .

I think as far as handling goes I would agree with some of the above comments that the lack of an IRS will hold back the Mustang. I understand that there are many factors that can be used to improve the handling of the car but overall IRS is superior tech and I have a feeling that Ford will need to put in an IRS sooner than later at least in the SVT model!

 

Ford has stated they want to make future cars lighter, and the Mustang is included in that plan.



I have no reason to doubt this info. There are many things they can do to shed a few pounds, shouldn't be too hard..

 

The 2010 will not loss weight, the 2014 or whenever the total refresh happens will be the time it will lose wieght.

 

Yes, they did state that. The S197 is a carry over platform with more content added. It will not lose weight unless Ford uses more aluminum parts or CF. Both will increase the price of the car.

 

I agree that the refreshing won't see and significant weight loss. If nothing else, it might gain weight, but nothing too obsurd. We will have to wait til the redesign in 2014ish to see any advancement there. I can't wait!

 

And what exactly are you basing this on?

 

There are other ways of shedding pounds, the use of high strength steel, better engineering, etc.

Even the F-150 lost some weight for 09, I don't see why the Mustang can't.

I wish I could find a legit source for the weight of the current car but everything I can find lists different weights..

 

It 'could' lose weight... or stay even depending on what magic ford can pull.

I don't see it gaining a tonne of weight if it does.
We are talking -/+ 100lbs MAX

 

i heard it would lose some, but only a little bit, maybe not even 50lbs. But these days just keeping them the same weight is an accomplishment, soo..

 

These new "hips" may add a little bit of weight. I doubt it, but it could happen.

On another topic, I stated that I saw the new Challenger SRT8 at the local cruise Saturday. Boy, is that thing HUGE!
Unlike the Mustang, I don't see Chrysler redesigning the Challenger in the next couple of years. I think this will be a one time thing. Maybe a five year run?

Will the Mustang lose weight in 2014? I guess it all depends on the new GRWD platform and the new design!
IMO, its going to stay around the 3500lbs mark.