1993 had 205 hp (sorry-just had to do it. Really they just changed the way they calculated hp that year).
1993 Cobra had 235 hp

 

Ford had the Cobra R engine (5.4 4v) in 2000 hitting 385+ HP
I know it was only in 300 cars,
but at the time, it was more so that Ford wasn't pushing HP like they are now.

 

personally i would be happy with 350 hp or more..anything less is dumb and just.well un-appealling

 

That is a nice accurate list you compiled there. Notice how big the jumps have gotten the last couple gens. I don't think that a small bump of just 15HP will get many current gen owners to trade in their cars for that. Not only is Ford trying to outdo the current 05-09 cars but also the new competition from Dodge, GM and Hyundai (Genesis coupe will have 300HP and be under $30,000)! Ford needs to do everything in it's power to keep Mustang sales up, lets face it guys this is the only segment that Ford truly dominates. Though I never automatically go along with rumor mills I think the 400HP 5.0 is feasible in the mainstream GT.

 

As far as horsepower goes, it would be great if the GT got 400.....but when put up next to a new Challanger or Camaro, isnt the Mustang MUCH lighter? I dont really know off the top of my head but I've heard both of those cars are supposed to be pretty **** heavy. So even IF the Mustang's power isnt as much as those two......as long as its lighter, it will still manage to compete. I think thats what they should focus more on. But who am I kidding........."400hp Mustang GT" just sounds SOOOOOOOO nice. Just say it outloud a couple times, haha.

 

I just got my 08. All this talk is giving me HP envy already! lol

 

From BLUEII
Told ya

 

Any word on the suspension/brake front? I’d love to see an IRS rear, but I doubt that will happen. There were rumors of a Watts-Link. Any updates on that? Also, anyone heard anything about brake upgrades? More power is always welcome, but you need to be able to put it to the ground and stop. The brakes and suspension are areas where Ford can make easy improvements for 2010.

Another thing I don't understand is why Ford won't launch the new engine WITH direct injection. The technology is out there, so it's just a matter of implementing it. The benefits to fuel economy and emissions make it a no-braine in a new engine.

 

not that it matters but the Ls1 started with 340hp in the 97 vette.

 

The suspension and brakes will certainly be improved, but very likely that it will stay SRA, at least in the base/GT. The Bullit's a pretty good indicator of how good the GT-level suspension/brakes can get.
The tech is out there but obtaining it has issues. Number one is that they have to set up supplier chains for DI components and there aren't an infinite number of suppliers doing DI bits. This is why even several premium brands haven't converted 100% to DI yet, despite the advantages.

 

The Bullit really isn't much improvement over the standard GT. We need larger front brakes up front with better pads. A watts link would be nice given it's a step above a panhard bar for obvious reasons.

This is a relatively low volume engine from what I read. Ford should have no issues finding enough supplies for 50K engines annually. Hell, Mazda provides it in three of their vehicle currently.

 

I know a lot of people out there compare all the horsepower numbers with different makes and models but you know what . . . The other cars are not mustangs. I dont know about you guys but I have owned plenty of stangs in the past (83gt, 86gt, 93gt, 2000gt and a few other brands between each of them. Only a mustang feels like a mustang. When I bought my 2000 GT I took the LS1 Z-28 for a ride and it just wasn't as fun as the mustang. I drove around in a SRT-4 w/ stage 2 turbo upgrade and it was alright but got boring. Mustangs just got that feel that makes me keep coming back for more. Big HP is awesome to have, but thats not the only thing that sells me on a stang.

 

I agree with some of the things you said, but Ford has to offer a product that is equal or greater than the competition.
There are cheaper, less hp, FWD Asian Coupes that are nearly as fast as the 300hp Mustang GT. That really bothers me.

 

True, non-conventional competitors (Honda, et al) are creeping up with some impressive performance models that can stay with the Mustang GT, but other than the current GT500, Ford has always been the underdog with HP numbers. But yet, the Mustang is still a very popular sports car. More HP is not always the answer. Offering an affordable well-balanced car is. 400 HP sounds nice, but may be over the mark for regular GT's. We'll see......................

 

400 HP certainly sounds technically possible for the GT, but I wonder about some other things >>

- With oil prices rising sharply - and likely to continue doing so - can this regular GT be made fuel efficient enough to comply with CAFE and emissions standards, particularly if DI is not added to the mix from the get?

- Will a 400 HP base GT be feasible from an insurance standpoint? In other words, might some buyers be unable to purchase one because insurance rates on a 400 HP muscle car will be higher than they would be on the current 300 HP car? Sure, those with the cash can afford it - but this isn't an SE model, this is the bread & butter V8 model designed to appeal to the "average," middle class buyer.

Then there are all the other reasons others here have cited for believing a 400 HP GT is unlikely.

Personally, I think when you analyze the big picture, a 400 HP GT falls into the "If it looks too good to be true...it probably is" category.

 

Personally, I don't think the GT will produce 400+ hp, that will be reserved for SE editions such as the Boss or Mach I

 

hahah,
when it comes out, this is going to be awsome...

 

The skepticism just makes it that much better.

 

Did anyone have trouble insuring Pontiac's 400hp Cavalier...I mean GTO?

Personally I'd be happy with 350-375hp and more effficient would just be icing on the cake!

 

How many GTOs did they build? How much did they cost?

Answers:

- Less than the Mustang

- More than the Mustang

The GTO was an unsuccessful niche car. Most 400HP cars today are niche vehicles. And it's common knowledge that that much power drives insurance rates up.