Not really. Ferrari is where you should go when looking at worst reliability. Then take a look at Mercedes and VW.

 

Yeah... actually I agree with you. I think working on making the GT500 lighter should be Ford's #1 priority as far as Mustang development. Aluminum blocks would definitely help and as you mentioned (and I have before in another thread)... spreading it's use across the trucks and SUV's will help with the increased material costs. An aluminum hood, trunk lid and roof would help too as well have lower the car's center of gravity.

500hp is fine for now... especially if they can lighten up the car. But the GT will need either a price cut or more power when the competition arrives... or cut the price on the GT and introduce a new Mach 1 or Cobra Jet specialty model that runs either a N/A 5.4L or the "stroker" 3v 5.0 that Saleen built.... target 350hp - 400hp.

With how much of a fat pig the GT500 is, you'd probably be faster (and cheaper!) to get a GT, bolt-on a Kenne Bell and a Saleen suspension kit.

 

All great ideas. If not standard equipment....at least make it all optional. I understand Ford's need to keep this thing under $50K......but if the customer wants to pay extra for aluminum body panels and other weight reductions......why not offer it.

I think the GT is fine at 300hp.....remember, the current Mustang is a retro of late 60's Mustang versions. The GT was a step over entry level in the late 60's. Start thinking Mach1, Boss, GT350 and Bullett tribute for versions between GT and GT500. Ford has a lot of options on the table and plenty of room to work in. I can't talk a lot about it........but Ford is not passing any opportunity to milk the retro Mustang for all it's worth.

Without a doubt you could build a faster Mustang than the GT500 for a lot less than the price of the GT500. I personally would love to build a Cervini's C500....check out the web page for the kit:

https://www.cervinis.com/product.aspx?car=1&id=1160

That right there is a cheaper, faster better looking Mustang then the GT500.

 

[QUOTE=bascho]All great ideas. If not standard equipment....at least make it all optional. I understand Ford's need to keep this thing under $50K......but if the customer wants to pay extra for aluminum body panels and over weight reductions......why not offer it.QUOTE]

Dude... Get real. Can you name one (1) manufacturer that offers alternative body panels for a mainstream production car as an OPTION? Specifically, offers aluminum (or other) body panels as replacements for steel panels on an order sheet (not through some manufacturer-approved racing department or as a change on a higher performance model)?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

When I behold the Cervini C500, or ANY Cervini body part on that page, I behold a laughable monstrosity. That is very, VERY far from a "better looking Mustang". It's hideous.

 

I am not a huge fan of any of the other Cervini kits......but I have been in love with 'Eleanor' Mustang from Gone in 60 secs ever since I watched the movie. I think the C500 is the best way to have the 'look' of the Eleanor Mustang with the reliability of a modern car. I've already been down the road of owning a '66 Stang.......would never do it again.

But you're right......beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

 

http://www.saleen.com/saleen-parnellijones.htm

I like the look of this A LOT better than the GT500... Man... Saleen should offer this as a kit too.

 

The only tarted-up NEW mustang I've really liked was the '06 Foose, which kinda-sorta was Eleanor-ish as well.

I normally don't go for Saleens, but the PJ edition looks pretty nice.

 

Yeah I know what you mean. The performance is great with Saleen's, but the looks are so so and the price is Even the 2005/6 Saleen Mustang... just don't like certain elements... like making the rear longer (for their variable exhaust) and the ugly spoiler. But the PJ Edition... that's just hot. Plus the "stroker" 5.0L OHC V8... yum!

 

The Foose is my second favorite for the same reason. The PJ edition looks good too. I can't really say that I've disliked any conversion of the retro Stang......but I am a Mustang guy at heart so I am supremely biased.

 

rodrigo67 - I agree with your statement.

"It takes relatively few bucks to get big increase's in hp on american cars while it takes very large dollars to get gains on the others. Some cars are so efficient at producing power from small engines (ahem), that there is very little left to squeeze no matter how much is spent. "

Being an owner of a Charger RT, I could see adding much HP for far less money if I chose to modify. I choose not to, but many people are.

Also the feeling of 390lbs of torque of a 5.7 litre V8 just makes the car feel that much faster.