I hope your right, because that looks like @#$%!

 

Hey Brian

One last thing

http://www.ltdanband.com/

 

Thats pretty cool

 

Eh, wouldn't put too much stock in that. The mazda FWD-based platform would cost too much to re-engineer for RWD.

I personally think the 2015 Mustang w/ a highly-upgraded S197 platform underneath is poised for success in the next iteration of the affordable sports car. Success meaning sales volume success.

The Camaro is still carrying that development cost of the Zeta platform, then moving it over to the Alpha platform in 2015/16? It may perform better than the rest but it will still cost more.

Who knows what platform the SRT 'cuda will be on. All I know is knowing the euros, it ain't gonna be cheap either.

The S197 has the advantage of the built in engineering and cost benefits of its age. It may not be the latest thing on the block but who cares?

If they're intending international sales volume the current platform shrunk all around to fit on Euro roads would be perfect. Plus configured with way more efficient/sensible ecoboost 4 cyls will leave the other pony cars in the 1990s while it takes the Mustang into the 21st century and beyond. Right onto the heels of all these supposed 'true sports cars' like the FR-S.

A very contemporary, non-retro sleek beautiful exterior shrunk all around the current car's interior geometry w/ IRS, modern interior, -600-800 lbs, and more MPG for around the same cost (or probably way less thanks to one ford cost cutting) ? Ford's poised for success in the next round.

 

Ford is on pace to cut platforms globally through the end of the decade. I'd say it's a real possibility that a car that sells less than 100,000 units a year is on the chopping block above a lot of others. But hey, what do I know?

 

I hear Nissan is going to discontinue the GT-R for that same reason. Nissan expected better sales then what they have made so the car is not profitable for them to make.

Ford would loose a lot of it's image if it did somehow lose the Mustang.

 

Lol Lt. Dan Band

 

Sure I completely agree. And exactly the more reason why I see them saving money and continuing with the antiquated S197 RWD platform than investing in a new or heavily re-engineered existing one. Last I heard everyone was all scared about AAI once Mazda pulls the 6 out of there, what's the best way to keep that volume going than to start shipping smaller versions to Europe and Asia?

Unless Ford is just dead set on reliving the 1980s and giving us a Mazda mustang after moderate success with their pony car + pickup truck 5.0 engine. But hey I guess I don't know much either.

 

They're just crying cuz its hard to make stuff in Japan now. Typical business types switching sides once the wind redirects.

Once the Yen reverses course you'll see more of the Japanese' whacky experiments like the RX-9 and a $70k light-LFA/supra.

 

AAI is going to be fine. After going through the tour and seeing them finish off the last of the Mazda6's, they're going to ramp up and add models there. I think we'll see a platform shared by another vehicle as the base for the 2015 car, not a carryover of S197.

 

We'll see. If that's the case then I'd be sad to continue to see baby boomer toys rather than a real next generation affordable sports coupe.

 

Why not modify the current platform? Testing shoes IRS fits. Surely it can be modified and lightened as well?

 

Fords sales on Mustang are lagging only because of its high price. Yes, I agree they made the Mustang a much more powerful and refined car, but its sticker price is way out of touch with wages. Many people buy a Mustang for a fun car not so much as a DD car. Yes I know many people DD theirs but it isn't typical DD car.
$35k is not affordable.

 

I don't think these really qualify as Spy Shots but they at least tell of what direction NOT to go for the 2015.
I have seen some of these before must most are new to me.

http://blog.americanmuscle.com/modif...at-went-wrong/

 

I would probably drive that Eleanor smart car lol.

 

That was buy a group called Thaton designs and it was called the Smartienor.
The displayed it at a show in a Giant Box with clear window like it was a Huge toy. it was pretty cool. They did a Bat-mobile version as well.

 

Found the Pics. I think Thalon , Like a lot of ultra custom companies, and gone under.


This Smart Bat car was a George Barris project but I know Thalon did one too. Thalon had Eleanor kits for s197 stangs.

 

here is the s197
and this is from their original web sight.

http://www.behance.net/gallery/Eleanor-Mustang/326057

 

Hey everybody keeps saying they want a Smaller Mustang. LOL

 

Lol very true. Sir, I think we found a winner. Lol