usmcrebel

Yes,im not saying use lighter materials just use less of it. im by no means saying the mustang should all turn into the FR500C. i agree wholly with knight about reducing the size, 1-2 on the side and 3-5 length would save a min of like 100-150 lbs. which would make a big diffrence. to compete with the maro on power i think the stang is good, except for the gearing and tranny. i will argue fords motors are capable to put out equal or more power than GMC/Chevy's do, but i feel that ford falls way short in the tranny/ gearing war.

Tony Alonso

I am curious about your source for this information. This sounds really good if true!

bob

To bad if the current chassis is going away , and not sure what to think about a chassis that would also support an Exploder, thats a pretty big shoe to fill and I don't know if Exploder folk would like something with a Mustang cowl height, which seems to be a big deal when sharing plateforms. Then again doesn't nissan share the 350Z plateform with much bigger cars (and possibly an SUV)?

If Ford chose the keep the D2C chassis and its paid off and the profit margin gets bigger, they could certainly do things like substitute super-steel for the regular stuff, allowing for thinner and lighter gauges of metal, and refine the chassis some more, like going to a watts link or introduce light weight componets like aluminum uprights and control arms.

As for the MOD motor, I'd like to see it go out with a bang, an all aluminum 5.4 that would utterly wilt GM's LS3 like butter in an oven (i'm talking someting like 450 hp), then move onto the Boss motor program.

GT98

It was an old article about the Mustang that was published about a year to year and half ago...

Sharp

The last platform stayed for 25 years. It's hard to say how long they will keep this one.

Boomer

Hopefully nowhere near that long

V10

The Nissan 350Z actually shares the Infinity FM platform.
The FM platform is used for the G35, sedan & coupe, M35/M45 sedan and the FX-35 / FX-45 SUV.

The FX-35 is a VERY sporting SUV that handles incredibly well for that type of vehicle. The G35 & 350Z will easily embarass the current Mustang in ANY handling test.

So if Ford follows the Nissan / Infinity RWD platform model I have no doubt that the next gen Mustang will be far better than what we have today.

V10

I totally agree, the current Mustang is flat out too big and heavy. However in an interview a long time ago HTT put the blame on the size & weight of the Mustang on customer desires, such as more leg room, bigger trunk & fitting the 5.4L in it.

Moosetang

Much, Much less time. read the articles out today about Ford downsizing the number of platforms its using.

Tony Alonso

Do you remember where this was found? Thanks!

Sharp

I have, they are condensing platforms as they do complete redesigns. The question is when will they feel they need a complete redesign. I do agree that it will be much less time.

Moosetang

I'm predicting 8 years, max, for D2C as-is. Modern product cycles are pretty quick (we're already getting an updated Mustang next year, the pretty darn new Fusion is getting an all-new platform in the next 2-3 years, and the 2004-vintage F-150 is considered "ancient" by most rags doing comparisons. By 2012, Ford will either being doing an overhual of D2C to bring it up to or above new competition, or moving Mustang to the new Global RWD platform.

Sharp

I think your pretty close. I'm guessing 9 years, if the next body style sells as good as this one.

Fords4Ever

I disagree, I had a '96 and IMO the S197 is perfectly sized for what it is. Check out the competition:

http://autos.msn.com/research/compar...2251&v=t100973

2006 Mustang GT coupe: 3450lbs
2006 GTO 3725lbs
2006 Nissan 350Z 3339lbs
2002 Camaro Z28 3439lbs
2007 Corvette: 3179lbs

And just for good measure how about a purpose built Ferrari:

2007 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano: 3722lbs

The only car in this list that is considerably lighter is the Corvette and it's a two seater!

I'm all for making the car lighter but I am totally against making it smaller. Additionally I do not want to pay thousands more for lighter either.

theedge67

I agree with Fords4Ever. I wouldn't mind a lighter 'Stang, but I don't want it any smaller. I enjoy having a rear seat that someone can actually ride in (not that it is huge, but enough for a medium size person), and I enjoy being able to drive without my knees hitting the dashboard like my old Fox. I love this car because it is so comfortable to drive in, both short and long distances. Any compromise in size would definitely hurt that comfortable factor.

V10

Add another 50 lb for the 2007 & 2008 which have some structural improvements making it >3500 lb. Plus with any options the Mustang weighs even more. The 99-04 Mustang GT weighed 3350 lb., which is more like what I'd like so see.

I don't want any less interior room, but the packaging efficiency of the Mustang could be improved which would reduce size & weight.

ttbit

Have to agree. For me to get this car, it had to be a DD. Thanks to the size and other major improvements, it does the job very well.

fordboy97f150

well altho it seems wierd to use the explorer platform, that handles IRS with lots of pressure on it, hauling and what not, i would think IRS is in the future for mustangs...plus you might be able to use explorer lift kits on your mustang!!!lol just kidding guys i know better!

Moosetang

Well consider this: The next-gen Explorer's fate is somewhat of a mystery. If it switches to a unibody as rumored, it could do so as a "twin" of the next Ford Territory. If that happens, we could end up with an Explorer and Mustang on tailored versions of the same global RWD platform.

Sharp

+1 for current size. I think it's just right.