Will Mustang Catch up?
Mach 1 Member
Joined: December 11, 2014
Posts: 837
Likes: 11
Actually I had a 65 coupe that I "mostly" restored (that's a whole story in itself) and the back seat in that car could actually seat a full size adult. Granted it wasn't an excessive amount of room back there but two adults could ride in the back with no problem in that car. Now I agree that every generation of Mustang from the Mustang II onward has had a back seat that is not very user friendly. The Fox Body Mustangs could seat two adults but it was pretty cramped. The current Mustang and the S197, however, have a back seat for insurance reasons only as you have correctly pointed out. I am seriously considering the back seat delete kit and the only thing holding me up is the fact that I've read some pretty negative reviews about the kit from American Muscle and how cheap and flimsy it is, especially for $150.
SUPERCHARGED RED ROCKET ------------------Master-Moderator
Joined: May 11, 2006
Posts: 10,645
Likes: 2,511
From: Carnegie, PA
The Hellcat is cool. No doubt beast. But it's a Chrysler. It will break down often. The electronics will crap out before the drivetrain. No it won't turn or hook up without a whole lot of work. With blower upgrades, a Boss or Shelby will produce more power than the Hellcat will, and be a better car. This car is for people who really want a sick Challenger or suckers who see 700hp and just gotta have one. Ford and GM really don't need to catch up on anything but styling. 707 is just a number to try and boost sales which is a great strategy. For $70k, you got a lot of great options to choose from. Your $40k Mustang is not in the same class so catching up is not necessary. I'm sure SVT will crank out an answer to the Hellcat eventually. For probably $70k also. Lol
GT Member
Joined: January 4, 2015
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
Actually I had a 65 coupe that I "mostly" restored (that's a whole story in itself) and the back seat in that car could actually seat a full size adult. Granted it wasn't an excessive amount of room back there but two adults could ride in the back with no problem in that car. Now I agree that every generation of Mustang from the Mustang II onward has had a back seat that is not very user friendly. The Fox Body Mustangs could seat two adults but it was pretty cramped. The current Mustang and the S197, however, have a back seat for insurance reasons only as you have correctly pointed out. I am seriously considering the back seat delete kit and the only thing holding me up is the fact that I've read some pretty negative reviews about the kit from American Muscle and how cheap and flimsy it is, especially for $150.
You would take it out completely, I would make it 20% bigger back there.
GT Member
Joined: January 4, 2015
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
Is it the GT500 or GT350 that is going to be a Ford SVT car? (or is it now going to be called Ford Performance?)
I only ask, because if the car is really done by Shelby, however good it will be (and I imagine it will be good), it won't be a factory car.
The Hellcat is a factory car, there is some value in that IMHO.
If you want a fun vehicle, try a Raptor! I drove one a year ago, boy that is a pointless but totally fun truck! I can't wait to see what they do for a Raptor in 2016 with the new F-150.
BTW, to those of you not from Texas, understand that my comments related to pickups and SUVs has to do with the fact that about every 4th vehicle on our road appears to be one or the other.
I only ask, because if the car is really done by Shelby, however good it will be (and I imagine it will be good), it won't be a factory car.
The Hellcat is a factory car, there is some value in that IMHO.
If you want a fun vehicle, try a Raptor!
I drove one a year ago, boy that is a pointless but totally fun truck! I can't wait to see what they do for a Raptor in 2016 with the new F-150.BTW, to those of you not from Texas, understand that my comments related to pickups and SUVs has to do with the fact that about every 4th vehicle on our road appears to be one or the other.
SUPERCHARGED RED ROCKET ------------------Master-Moderator
Joined: May 11, 2006
Posts: 10,645
Likes: 2,511
From: Carnegie, PA
Actually I had a 65 coupe that I "mostly" restored (that's a whole story in itself) and the back seat in that car could actually seat a full size adult. Granted it wasn't an excessive amount of room back there but two adults could ride in the back with no problem in that car. Now I agree that every generation of Mustang from the Mustang II onward has had a back seat that is not very user friendly. The Fox Body Mustangs could seat two adults but it was pretty cramped. The current Mustang and the S197, however, have a back seat for insurance reasons only as you have correctly pointed out. I am seriously considering the back seat delete kit and the only thing holding me up is the fact that I've read some pretty negative reviews about the kit from American Muscle and how cheap and flimsy it is, especially for $150.
A Man Just Needs Some....
Joined: April 9, 2011
Posts: 17,125
Likes: 34
From: Louisiana
Actually it is a Fiat now! I am well aware of the reputation of Chrysler, however frankly back in the 80's I don't think Ford or GM were much better, but that was a long time ago. I bought one of the first 2011 Ford Explorer Limiteds with Ford MyTouch, don't talk to me about crappy electronics! Ok, ok, they finally fixed it, mostly... but the first 2 years of ownership sucked. Three times I had to take it to the dealer to be factory reset, the screen went blank and would not come on, no matter what I did. Multiple upgrades and a complete interface change later, it finally worked well enough to be called done. I'm looking forward to Sync 3, it looks like they have learned some lessons and made some nice upgrades there. Doing the programming in house was a smart call, you need to have tight control over that sort of thing. I am well aware that 707 is just a number, but it is also the most powerful car produced by an American car company, so it is rather cool. Even the Viper has less power, as will the new Z06 Vette, but as shown by both, power only really counts when you factor in the car you put it in, since both the Viper and Vette will leave the Hellcat in the dust. Both cost a lot more however. Frankly, the 435 of the GT is plenty for me, anything more would just spin the tires more...
I am well aware of the reputation of Chrysler, however frankly back in the 80's I don't think Ford or GM were much better, but that was a long time ago. I bought one of the first 2011 Ford Explorer Limiteds with Ford MyTouch, don't talk to me about crappy electronics! Ok, ok, they finally fixed it, mostly... but the first 2 years of ownership sucked. Three times I had to take it to the dealer to be factory reset, the screen went blank and would not come on, no matter what I did. Multiple upgrades and a complete interface change later, it finally worked well enough to be called done. I'm looking forward to Sync 3, it looks like they have learned some lessons and made some nice upgrades there. Doing the programming in house was a smart call, you need to have tight control over that sort of thing. I am well aware that 707 is just a number, but it is also the most powerful car produced by an American car company, so it is rather cool. Even the Viper has less power, as will the new Z06 Vette, but as shown by both, power only really counts when you factor in the car you put it in, since both the Viper and Vette will leave the Hellcat in the dust. Both cost a lot more however. Frankly, the 435 of the GT is plenty for me, anything more would just spin the tires more... The 707hp thing is just how I stated it. It's a sucker sales tactic. Yes it's cool. It's a very cool number for a stock vehicle. But it could be 1000hp and I still know what it really is. A polished turd. Kinda like buying a Lambo. No it's not a good car, but it is absolutely one of the coolest cars on the road and rich dummies will still flock to them.
SUPERCHARGED RED ROCKET ------------------Master-Moderator
Joined: May 11, 2006
Posts: 10,645
Likes: 2,511
From: Carnegie, PA
Is it the GT500 or GT350 that is going to be a Ford SVT car? (or is it now going to be called Ford Performance?)
I only ask, because if the car is really done by Shelby, however good it will be (and I imagine it will be good), it won't be a factory car.
The Hellcat is a factory car, there is some value in that IMHO.
If you want a fun vehicle, try a Raptor! I drove one a year ago, boy that is a pointless but totally fun truck! I can't wait to see what they do for a Raptor in 2016 with the new F-150.
BTW, to those of you not from Texas, understand that my comments related to pickups and SUVs has to do with the fact that about every 4th vehicle on our road appears to be one or the other.
I only ask, because if the car is really done by Shelby, however good it will be (and I imagine it will be good), it won't be a factory car.
The Hellcat is a factory car, there is some value in that IMHO.
If you want a fun vehicle, try a Raptor!
I drove one a year ago, boy that is a pointless but totally fun truck! I can't wait to see what they do for a Raptor in 2016 with the new F-150.BTW, to those of you not from Texas, understand that my comments related to pickups and SUVs has to do with the fact that about every 4th vehicle on our road appears to be one or the other.
The reason ? Now that Ford/SVT is building the GT350 in house, Shelby American will take over the reins of the next GT500
GT Member
Joined: January 4, 2015
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
Are you honestly telling me that if you could buy a Lamborghini Huracán for the same price as a Mustang GT, that you wouldn't take the Huracán?
Mach 1 Member
Joined: December 11, 2014
Posts: 837
Likes: 11
I actually know a guy that owns a Lamborghini and he's not a big fan. It is without a doubt a cool car but he has told me that it really doesn't run well in cold weather. On the other hand his GT-R has destroyed 3 transmissions. lol
GT Member
Joined: January 4, 2015
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
This is just a guess on my part, the next GT500 won't be built by Ford/SVT as the previous gen was, but rather by Shelby American this time around..
The reason ? Now that Ford/SVT is building the GT350 in house, Shelby American will take over the reins of the next GT500
The reason ? Now that Ford/SVT is building the GT350 in house, Shelby American will take over the reins of the next GT500
But a manual only? Really? This is 2015... Ford, get with the program... Put a nice auto in there and be done with it...
GT Member
Joined: January 4, 2015
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
What model does he own? My understanding is that quality has improved greatly in recent years now that they are owned by VW.
SUPERCHARGED RED ROCKET ------------------Master-Moderator
Joined: May 11, 2006
Posts: 10,645
Likes: 2,511
From: Carnegie, PA
They won't put an auto in it, as it's main purpose is for the track !
A Man Just Needs Some....
Joined: April 9, 2011
Posts: 17,125
Likes: 34
From: Louisiana
Bullitt Member
Joined: March 25, 2004
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
The 707hp from the Hellcat isn't the impressive part. The 0-60 times and quarter mile times aren't the impressive part. It is the fact that it will keep doing it for years to come without anything from the owner and that it is civilized. That is the impressive part.
Maybe I'm not a hard core muscle car guy, I like comfortable.
Maybe I'm not a hard core muscle car guy, I like comfortable.
I'm with you on the comfort part. I am glad to see that autos are now equaling or surpassing manual transmissions in performance. (Being in a state of denial about knee replacement!)
Mach 1 Member
Joined: December 11, 2014
Posts: 837
Likes: 11
It's a Gallardo and he has made it a point to discuss his displeasure with the fact that its essentially and Audi sourced engine and still has so many issues.
GT Member
Joined: January 4, 2015
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
I know, I know... old school... but frankly the auto versions are faster these days, even on the track...
Look at the new Corvette Z06... the 8 speed auto is faster in almost all respects than the 7 speed manual...
GT Member
Joined: January 4, 2015
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
No but I would buy a Ferrari or a Mclaren any day over a Lambo. It's a matter of cool factor over any other factors. Just like Lambo owners, the Hellcat owners will buy this car for cool points. Show off cars. Which I completely understand but I'm cool enough to sacrifice a few points and buy the better car.
Fair enough... Like I've said, I have never driven a Ferrari, so I wouldn't know...One of these days...
Post *****
Joined: October 9, 2007
Posts: 32,808
Likes: 163
So your friend has a doubly small *****?
Mach 1 Member
Joined: December 11, 2014
Posts: 837
Likes: 11
I can't speak to that but he's actually a really cool guy. His job pays him a boatload of money and he's always loved sports cars so he figured while he was young enough he would go out and get the sort of sports cars that most of us only wish we could buy. Last time I talked to him he was considering adding a 911 to his collection but he refuses to buy one new. He was telling us that because Porsche refuses to change the look of the 911 year after year after year that the end result is actually that the value of them drops pretty sharply on a brand new one. Most people figure why buy a brand new 911 when you can't tell the difference between a new one and one that is four years old.
