05retro said:
This isnt posted gossip. Its simply a question. Does anyone anticipate a GT350 with a lower price range? Maybe without a supercharger, instead engine tuning like the Steeda Q? Just thought there might be an alternative to spending an extra 10k on a GT500
the answer is probably yes, although while the GT continues to sell well I dubt Ford will bother witht he expense of another model.
The GT500 will undoubtably be a limited run machine, as it will never sell in massive numbers regardless. Just like the awesome 04 Cobra, how many of them where left unsold on dealership forecourts a year later?
The GT500 is purley there to make a little bit of money but its main purpose is to inhance the image and reputation of the Mustang. Most people will not be able to afford the GT500 or indeed not want such a powerful road car so they will then opt to buy the GT or V6. Once these sales start to slump Ford will be looking at new ways to boost sales with limitited edition models such as the previous Bullitt and Mach 1. In many cases they will probably just be interior/exterior trim packages with a simple performance mod such a retune or bigger TB type of setup expect 5-30hp increase.
If we are really luck then Ford will introduce a perminent high end Mustang maybe using the name Boss or one of the past glory names. Logic would dictate that the 4.6 will not provide enough power and a s/c 5.4 would be to close to the limited run SVT cars so it leaves only 2 real choices.
-4.6 DOHC superchager as per 03 Cobra's
-All aluminium 5.4 3v SOHC
Personally I beleive the 5.4 would be the most likely choice pushing any where from 350-380bhp. As it would provide a significant increase in performance over the GT yet still be far enough behind the SVT models to allow them to still sell in limited numbers.
This is all until Ford releases a new engine line up, prbably based on the current ZeeTec 4 cylinder line up, or a whole new concept of compact lightweight engines ultilising moder technology.