5.0 is Confirmed

[Howard]

Agreed.

Though I think it's entirely possible to _design_ a hemi chamber with 4 valves.

EDIT: Do you know Larry Widmer?

 

[Xed]

Have you ever seen the interior of a Mustang? Mustangs aren't exactly renowned for their build quality either. The base Camaro is only about $1k more which isn't that big a deal.

I'm pretty happy with the new interior in the 2010's. I also believe car and driver said the 2011's should be available late summer/early fall.

 

[PricklyPete]

I don't care what people say about this car not having IRS or just finally getting 400+ HP...it is going to be badass and I'd love to own one.

 

[ballmode]

Going to be a hell of a car

 

[TehMac]

If they can keep the weight down, this will be pretty cool. Current Mustang weighs around 3,500 lbs in V8 form, so we'll see what this does.

 

[MBrown]

First Videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlR8hbpkHkw&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwvLEx10KgE&feature=player_embedded

 

[LTC8K6]

Nice!

 

[ElFenix]

7000 rpm makes me

 

[PricklyPete]

If they can keep the weight down, this will be pretty cool. Current Mustang weighs around 3,500 lbs in V8 form, so we'll see what this does.

I thought i read the new engine only gains 10lbs...so it should be right in order. I'll see if I can dig up where I read that and update this post.

Here's the link:
http://www.insideline.com/ford/mustang/2011/2011-ford-mustang-gt-5-0-first-look.html

And for all this, the new 5.0-liter V8 weighs only 10 pounds more than the outgoing 4.6-liter version. And weight, or the relative lack of it, is what has been keeping the Mustang GT in the hunt with the thundering Camaro, despite the relatively weak output of the 4.6-liter V8. Using the data from our 2010 Ford Mustang GT, 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS and 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T comparison test as a baseline, the Mustang now has fewer pounds for each of its horsepower to pull around than the relatively heavy Camaro. With a slight weight gain from its 3,572 pounds in 2010 trim, the new Mustang GT should have a weight-to-power ratio of 8.7 pounds per hp. The Camaro is right around 9.0 pounds per hp and the flabby Challenger R/T is 10.7 pounds per hp.

 

[TehMac]

Nice, it is very believable that the Mustang was able to hang with the M3 on Parelli tires--the Mustang is lighter, has about as much HP (5.0L = 412 to the M3's 414 hp) all it really needed was new tires.

Given Zv's observations, I'm not sure it needs live axles, considering the Shelby GT350 had a live axle and beat Corvettes in the '60's.

 

[ElFenix]

I thought i read the new engine only gains 10lbs...so it should be right in order. I'll see if I can dig up where I read that and update this post.

Here's the link:
http://www.insideline.com/ford/mustang/2011/2011-ford-mustang-gt-5-0-first-look.html

blind spot assist mirror? if morons didn't point their mirrors so that they could see themselves in them we wouldn't need blind spot assist mirrors. why doesn't driver's ed teach proper mirror use? and that 'asssitance' spot looks like it takes up the most important part of the mirror. suck.

 

[KentState]

blind spot assist mirror? if morons didn't point their mirrors so that they could see themselves in them we wouldn't need blind spot assist mirrors. why doesn't driver's ed teach proper mirror use? and that 'asssitance' spot looks like it takes up the most important part of the mirror. suck.

When I took drivers ed, they taught proper mirror usage. Even when setup correctly, all cars will have some sort of blind spot. Typically, you are suppose to quickly glance over your shoulder to check the blind spot area, though that is difficult on some cars today with wide b-pillars and small rear windows.

 

[KentState]

I have to get a new car by the end of '10. Right now I'm considering a 370z, G37 coupe, 135i, Camaro SS, Corvette, used S5, S4, used M3 and this. It just seems that the GT, while not as fancy as the S4/S5, is a hell of deal performance wise for ~$35k fully loaded.

 

[ElFenix]

When I took drivers ed, they taught proper mirror usage. Even when setup correctly, all cars will have some sort of blind spot. Typically, you are suppose to quickly glance over your shoulder to check the blind spot area, though that is difficult on some cars today with wide b-pillars and small rear windows.

i've got practically no blind spot, and it's well behind me. the way people set up their mirrors they've got giant blind spots right next to them. if you merely suggest that there's a better way of doing things they get all butt-hurt like you've just called them and their entire progeny the idiot bane of humanity.

 

[yh125d]

You can usually set up your mirrors to eliminate your blind spot on most vehicles, works really well on average sedans at least

 

[Zargon]

I have to get a new car by the end of '10. Right now I'm considering a 370z, G37 coupe, 135i, Camaro SS, Corvette, used S5, S4, used M3 and this. It just seems that the GT, while not as fancy as the S4/S5, is a hell of deal performance wise for ~$35k fully loaded.

too bad FORD is notorious for allowing insane dealer markups that most GM dealers wont do.

people were paying as much for a GT500 as you could get a new Z06 for

 

[ayabe]

too bad FORD is notorious for allowing insane dealer markups that most GM dealers wont do.

people were paying as much for a GT500 as you could get a new Z06 for

Dunno about that, GM dealerships are still trying to get 40K for an SS Camaro.

 

[KentState]

too bad FORD is notorious for allowing insane dealer markups that most GM dealers wont do.

people were paying as much for a GT500 as you could get a new Z06 for

Only saving grace is that I get the employee discount through both. Too bad those are slowly eroding to invoice price.

 

[LTC8K6]

I have read that the Coyote is actually lighter than the 4.6L...

 

[Elfear]

I thought i read the new engine only gains 10lbs...so it should be right in order. I'll see if I can dig up where I read that and update this post.

Here's the link:
http://www.insideline.com/ford/mustang/2011/2011-ford-mustang-gt-5-0-first-look.html

Ford released tech specs that said a manual Mustang GT would weigh 3875lbs and the convertible would weigh ~4000lbs. They have since made a correction to their sheet as seen here http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2011_mustang_ill_ford_fe_9998_3.jpg.

According to Ford the manual GT will weigh 3603lbs. Not sure why they didn't correct all the weights listed unless the convertible and automatic versions really will be ~4000lbs.

Now if Chevy can just put the Camaro on a diet it should be a pretty good time for car buyers.

 

[TehMac]

3,603 lbs???

no go senor.

 

[ElFenix]

3,603 lbs???

no go senor.

that's can't be right if the motor weighs as little as claimed. that's 120 lbs more than the current GT. that's more than the current convertible.

 

[TehMac]

that's can't be right if the motor weighs as little as claimed. that's 120 lbs more than the current GT. that's more than the current convertible.

Yea that really sounds messed up. These cars keep getting heavier and heavier.

 

[alkemyst]

They also keep getting more power. People want ammenities in their cars.

One of the main reasons I stick with my 98 240sx is the 2700lb wet weight of the car. I tried other performance cars and most of the ones in my realistic price range ($30-40k) are really nice inside and out, but just feel disconnected driving them.

I may be debating going for a mid 2000 M3 though. I have to decide if it's worth it to sink $6-8k into my car this year on a new engine and performance mods (0-60 around 4 sec, 12-13sec in the quarter) or upgrade.

 

[exdeath]

They also keep getting more power. People want ammenities in their cars.

One of the main reasons I stick with my 98 240sx is the 2700lb wet weight of the car. I tried other performance cars and most of the ones in my realistic price range ($30-40k) are really nice inside and out, but just feel disconnected driving them.

I may be debating going for a mid 2000 M3 though. I have to decide if it's worth it to sink $6-8k into my car this year on a new engine and performance mods (0-60 around 4 sec, 12-13sec in the quarter) or upgrade.

Both? Having a decently fast and comfy cruiser like an E46 M3 means you can go all out with your fast car without streetability comprises. Something I've been putting a lot of thought into myself recently. Just have to keep the mod bug in check with the new car because it won't be "*just* an intake and exhaust and that's it..."

I'm of the opinion that pure raw performance cars peaked in the 90s and first half of 00s. Cars in this period had just enough technology to perfect fuel injection and other basic essentials like ABS related to *control systems* and nothing more. Anything since has simply added unneeded luxury items, things like heated seats and auto dimming mirrors; basically there is nothing left to do with the engine and control systems, so now it's just about how much stuff from your living room you can pack into a car and still call it a car. Same can be observed with the M3 in question; the S54 is a pinnacle in engine perfection and simplicity; anything since is merely a room of bored engineers looking for something to do and looking for a place for the kitchen sink.

Yeah some day we'll be driving Mustangs and 350Zs that do 0-60 in 3 seconds with 5 people in the heated spa in the back seat, but as you said, it's not the same raw feeling of having 3 pedals, a steering wheel, and 4 tires. To that end, sometimes I think my Cobra is a bit much after driving my dad's '30 coupe; there is something I admire about unapologetic simplicity.