I don't think the next Mustang will be anything like what people hope it will be.
#61
Yes driving techinques makes a huge difference in the MPG of a hybrid, just like it makes a huge difference on regular vehicles.
However, drafting semis, rolling through stopsigns, stoplights, etc. is not safe driving and not something that drivers should be attempting.
And again, the real big deal with the new EPA tests is that many of the hybrids simply "beat" the old EPA city MPG test. Some of the hybrids got higher city MPG than highway MPG, which any of us with some technical sense know is impossible. I'm sure that some of those hybrids were intentionally engineered to beat the EPA test. The reason why the city MPG of those hybrids was so high was that they ran primarily off their batteries and the test did not account for the fuel needed to recharge the batteries. The new EPA test effectively closes those loopholes and was long overdue.
However, drafting semis, rolling through stopsigns, stoplights, etc. is not safe driving and not something that drivers should be attempting.
And again, the real big deal with the new EPA tests is that many of the hybrids simply "beat" the old EPA city MPG test. Some of the hybrids got higher city MPG than highway MPG, which any of us with some technical sense know is impossible. I'm sure that some of those hybrids were intentionally engineered to beat the EPA test. The reason why the city MPG of those hybrids was so high was that they ran primarily off their batteries and the test did not account for the fuel needed to recharge the batteries. The new EPA test effectively closes those loopholes and was long overdue.
#62
I Have No Life
#63
BUT, I'm enjoying this car just as much....and I get to take more than one passenger for a ride!
#64
Shelby GT500 Member
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You should. My 96 cobra had 4.10's and made 295rwhp and it got 25-26mpg on the free way. Alot of low mpg problems are not nessecarily the car, more is to be said about the foot on the pedal. If you know how to drive ultra conservative, you can get some incredible fuel mileage out of just about anything.
#67
One of the easiest ways Ford can bump up Mustang fuel economy is to catch up with the now over 10 year old GM trend of offering a 6 speed. My 95 Trans Am used to get 26 or 27 mpg on the highway in California (meaning I was cruising at about 90mph). I wouldn't feather my way onto onramps either. It had a 3.29 rear end (I think, can't remember for sure), it's a formula Ford could follow easily and I'm a little surprised that they didn't offer a 6 speed on the GT's in 2005.
#68
Tasca Super Boss 429 Member
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One of the easiest ways Ford can bump up Mustang fuel economy is to catch up with the now over 10 year old GM trend of offering a 6 speed. My 95 Trans Am used to get 26 or 27 mpg on the highway in California (meaning I was cruising at about 90mph). I wouldn't feather my way onto onramps either. It had a 3.29 rear end (I think, can't remember for sure), it's a formula Ford could follow easily and I'm a little surprised that they didn't offer a 6 speed on the GT's in 2005.
#69
I Have No Life
#70
One of the easiest ways Ford can bump up Mustang fuel economy is to catch up with the now over 10 year old GM trend of offering a 6 speed. My 95 Trans Am used to get 26 or 27 mpg on the highway in California (meaning I was cruising at about 90mph). I wouldn't feather my way onto onramps either. It had a 3.29 rear end (I think, can't remember for sure), it's a formula Ford could follow easily and I'm a little surprised that they didn't offer a 6 speed on the GT's in 2005.
#71
Bullitt Member
#72
Actually, the GT500 is the only current Mustang offered with a 6 speed, the transmission that Ford and GM codeveloped was a 7 speed that will see Caddillac and Lincoln duty. What I mean is you should have a 6 speed option from the base V6 and up.
#73
I can back this statement up with living proof too! I've taken the stang on a few road trips here and there. My highest highway total was 32.3 mpg (went 128 miles on 3.96 gallons). It's fairly easy to get 30 mpg on a 100% highway trip.
#74
Team Mustang Source
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Lets not forget that the Old fox body had no strength either..even the Fox4/Sn95 still stucked, but not as much. Ride in a pre 04 convertible and then in a post 05 one and you'll be shocked at how much of difference their is in the two....
#75
I seriously doubt it...modern cars with modern safety features weigh more, so the problem is that if you want a safer car, its going to be heavy. For example the new Scion xB weighs nearly 3200lb! it gained 500-700 from the outgoing model because people wanted more creature comforts and I'm assuming that the car is less of a tin can now too.
Lets not forget that the Old fox body had no strength either..even the Fox4/Sn95 still stucked, but not as much. Ride in a pre 04 convertible and then in a post 05 one and you'll be shocked at how much of difference their is in the two....
Lets not forget that the Old fox body had no strength either..even the Fox4/Sn95 still stucked, but not as much. Ride in a pre 04 convertible and then in a post 05 one and you'll be shocked at how much of difference their is in the two....
#76
Cobra Member
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I seriously doubt it...modern cars with modern safety features weigh more, so the problem is that if you want a safer car, its going to be heavy. For example the new Scion xB weighs nearly 3200lb! it gained 500-700 from the outgoing model because people wanted more creature comforts and I'm assuming that the car is less of a tin can now too.
Lets not forget that the Old fox body had no strength either..even the Fox4/Sn95 still stucked, but not as much. Ride in a pre 04 convertible and then in a post 05 one and you'll be shocked at how much of difference their is in the two....
Lets not forget that the Old fox body had no strength either..even the Fox4/Sn95 still stucked, but not as much. Ride in a pre 04 convertible and then in a post 05 one and you'll be shocked at how much of difference their is in the two....
It all has to do with design too!
#77
Team Mustang Source
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But please Ford, if you are listening, don't do it by adding any MORE cheap-looking plastic to the interiors. Do it with something cool like a carbon-fiber roof. Oh, and you have my permission to do a spoiler delete on all Mustangs from now on.
#79
#80
I Have No Life
If it has a lip built in... (as to what some people have said it does)
it might not even need a spoiler.... win/win all around.
Less parts and stuff...and less weight.
it might not even need a spoiler.... win/win all around.
Less parts and stuff...and less weight.