2 Go Snake

If the GT350 does not have to live up to some number, then what is the significance of the GT350 name ? I would think Ford would be better off to just create a new name for the new proposed performance model. In order for a GT350 to sell, it would have to really produce some fantastic performance numbers.

stangfoeva

With the this last gen of mustangs as proof, are you really worried about Ford making it perform well?

laserred38

Maybe we just won't have a GT anymore? maybe it'll be Base, GT350, GT500

2 Go Snake

I hope not. We need a GT as the base GT.

97GT03SVT

I think they should just make it a Boss 302 like car. The original GT350s were meant to be road racing cars while the GT500 was the 1/4 mile muscle car.

When you really think about it the Boss 302 and GT350 served the same purpose back in the day. Personally I'd rather see the return of a Mach1. I don't like the idea of a modern GT500 and GT350 both being produced by Ford at the same time.

Perhaps it will be a watered down version of the GT500? The originals looked pretty much identical to the GT500 with less power and a lower price. I'm thinking maybe Ford will make it a cheaper alternative to buying the 662HP GT500?

UOP Shadow

My 2013 GT500 has 660 bhp. Should they change the name?

Actually, we don't call our 2013 a Shelby or even a Cobra; we call it a Mustang. Let's face it, it's just a Mustang. A really fast Mustang. But still a Mustang.

bob

IMO the Boss replacement is probably spot on, well its enough to make sense to me.

Besides alot of people really like the Boss and translating that into a GT350 is a good way to avoid pissing off all the guys who bought a Boss for its exclusivity while getting more mileage out of the drivetrain.

Also the GT --> GT350 --> GT500 progression makes understanding the Mustang line-up more intuitive for people who aren't Mustang fans.

Then there is the whole issue of what is a Mach 1 (the Boss seems alot clearer)? Even on this board you get a whole range of replies from it should be an ecoboost 6 (them's fight'n words in my book) making gobs of power to the 5.8 devoid of a supercharger for a powerplant (essentially your watered down GT500).

Although if Ford were to use the GT350 as a regular production vehicle where would that leave a future Boss SE?

Perhaps the GT350 will just be the Brembo brake package of the future?

Fenderaddict2

I think having a GT350 to serve the road racing crowd and a GT500 to serve the drag racers is brilliant. GT as a moniker has a wider global appeal than Boss, and adding the numbers allows for Ford specific branding. The numbers have never referenced horsepower nor displacement so why worry about that now. And either suit the Mustang better than Titanium would.

Fenderaddict2

Agree, MACH 1 simply has no clear brand direction. Plus it sounds as silly and retro as the Boss with no upside IMHO. Leave it behind I say.

2 Go Snake

I dont know that there were enough Mustangs sent to Shelby to be converted to GT350 Mustangs in 2012 to indicate a GT350 is desired by very many Mustang buyers. If the GT350 is going to be like a Boss 302, why did Ford not attach the GT350 name to the Boss 302 and produce it in 2013. Why would Ford wait until 2014 to produce a 2015 model year GT350 ?

Twin Turbo

Because the GT350 moniker is currently licensed to Shelby, not Ford. And a GT350 will cost you a similar sum as the GT500........as you need to ship your new GT (say $35k) and then pay Shelby to turn it into a GT350 for a not inconsiderable $30k.......and it's a post title deal.

Before Mr Shelby's death, there will have been a number of meetings in order to agree a new plan for the licensing agreement going forwards.

I forsee Shelby producing a variant of the Focus later this year and that will fill up capacity nicely for them, assuming the price isn't too silly. A lower entry price for a Shelby product means the brand is likely to stick around longer.

If this means a GT350 built by Ford, I can only see that as a good thing. If there's also to be a GT500, the 350 won't tread on its toes as it does at the moment, at least in terms of pricing. If the GT350 is also a spiritual successor to the Boss, then that too is a good thing as many have commented that the Boss was a better balanced package than the GT500. It would be nice to have such a Mustang in the S550 line up.

CCTking

Heres my wishful line-up

Base motor: V6 refreshed to push 350hp
Base GT: Coyote pushing 450hp
(Bullitt appearance package option)
GT350: Boss replacement, road racer friendly
GT500: Rip snarling 670-700hp MONSTER
All offered with a good ol 6-speed, IRS (SRA conversion kits available, probably aftermarket) and and all new refined interior.

Twin Turbo

That would be a cool line-up and certainly one I'd like to see......although, personally, I'd rather investment wasn't spent on SRA conversion kits.......but I know there's going to be a large part of the drag racing crowd that may want it. Also, it does sound like we'll be getting a 4-cylinder entry level car. Whether this replaces the V6 or not remains to be seen, but here's my wish:

2.3 Inline 4 (300bhp)
3.7 V6 (330 bhp)
GT V8 (440 bhp)
GT350 n/a V8 (525bhp)
GT500 Ecoboost V8 (600bhp+)

Looking forward to some of these models being confirmed at some point this year

Desi

3.7 V6 (330 bhp)
2.5 Inline 5 (350ish bhp)
GT V8 (440 bhp)
GT350 DI V8 (500ish bhp)
GT500 ? V8 ?

Is my call, Add in the 2.5l out of the RS500 (if they can't boost the 2.3 enough) and it could be a great entry level track beast but above the base model (I'd like to see a TT V6 as well, though) have the occasional SE (Bullitt/Mach 1), give the GT350 DI, but leave it naturally aspirated and the GT500 can be the monster we all want in an SVT built machine.

Clino

LOVE the idea of making the Bullitt an appearance package available on the GT since that's basically all it ever was anyway and isn't really connected to performance specifically. Great idea!

The_Munk

If the 4 banger is going to have 300bhp then I don't think there is going to be a V6 with 330 bhp.

bob

Embrace your destiny! there are Mustangs (storm troopers) and there are GT500s (sith lords).

Rule the galaxy!!!!!!

jace1987

I have to agree; too narrow of a power gap between base and V6.

2.3 Ecoboost Base model (285-300hp)-it might most likely be a 2.0 Eco.
3.7 V6 base(330 hp) with optional 3.5 Ecoboost V6 (365 hp)
GT, Carryover V8 (440-450hp)
GT350 DI 5.0L V8 (525 hp)
GT500 Ecoboost(twin turbo and DI) 5.0L V8 (600+ hp)-probably not available until 2016/17.

All come standard with SRA, with optional IRS for those who want it. And hopefully no MT82s. I could be wrong about the power gaps though. The ford edge 3.5L V6 is rated very close to the 3.7L V6 sport (less than 20 hp gap.) So who knows

laserred38

Yeah, you're crazy.

AlsCobra

This might be the dumbest discussion on TMS right now. And there are some dumb discussions here. Lol