2015 Mustang Weight Gain

[StangFX]

I really dont know what to believe anymore.

I'm curious where this whole idea came from in the first place? (that we are getting a smaller/possibly lighter Mustang).
It seems like we all take it as fact now that it is Ford's goal for the 6G.....was this based on any actual facts or just assumed because of future competition and fuel economy regulations?

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[let me ride]

Yes all this is true, but modified from a 4-door platform that is fundamentally heavier.

I assume you are referring to CD4?

I'm not buying it either.

This was a pretty significant goal for Ford, even if it was never specifically stated that way. A couple of years ago, I had a good 20 minute one on one conversation with Steve Ling...Global Product Marketing Strategy Manager at Ford. At THAT time, he told me that IRS was still up in air ( about a 50 - 50 chance ) because of it's weight and Ford's goal to REDUCE the weight of the Gen6 Mustang. Apparently they have resolved the weight issue in one way or another, because we know we're going to see IRS in the Gen6. I am hearing from reliable sources that it's a reduction of 300+ lbs. Also hearing that the Shelby nameplate is done, though I'm not quite sure it that means forever, the near future or just 2015. I didn't get the chance to ask for clarification on that.

Interesting. I know the last min decision to drop IRS was based on price (or so they claimed) that would add abt $100 to the cost of the car. I guess the few hundred pounds its gained since then makes this an even bigger concern.

There were a lot of pretty vocal solid axle purists using weight as a big reason they didn't want one.... if Ford cant find a way to implement IRS and keep it the same or lighter in the next Mustang, they'll never hear the end of it from those guys.

 

[aardvark]

The 13-14's are the heaviest Mustangs ever made. It's time to hit the reset button on the weight like they did after the 71-73's. These aren't muscle cars anymore, they should be shooting for more sports car size and weight.

I agree 100%.

I've been hoping for a smaller/lighter/sportier Mustang. And rumors that we're getting just that have been encouraging.

But the fact that some of the prototypes (albeit in their heavily padded state) really don't look any smaller than the current car would seem to support the counter-rumors that the car really isn't losing any weight... and might even be gaining a bit.

Like others have said, I don't know what to think at this point. Ford can obviously go in whatever direction they want, but put me in the 'deal-breaker' column if the S550 is as big as or bigger than the current car.

 

[jjw]

I wonder if this rumor is an attempt to manage expectations after the 300-400lb "report" that showed up all over the net. Realistically 3-5% may be more like it, but if everybody expects 10-12%, it sure wont seem that impressive. I have a hard time believing there will be a weight gain. If there is, I will be extremely disappointed and as much as I hate to admit it (my job is mustangs) I will be looking elsewhere.
I doubt I'll have to look elsewhere.

 

[Oblivion/2]

I would imagine weight loss is the top 1 or 2 thing on everyone's list of what they want and expect out of the S550.

If Ford doesn't realize this they will have really dropped the ball and prove they don't understand their fans IMO. For now, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.

 

[HTownStang]

I really dont know what to believe anymore.

I'm curious where this whole idea came from in the first place? (that we are getting a smaller/possibly lighter Mustang).
It seems like we all take it as fact now that it is Ford's goal for the 6G.....was this based on any actual facts or just assumed because of future competition and fuel economy regulations?

Ireally think it was all just rumor. Pill said they had a target weight goal for the whole lineup but what does that mean. 10% average of total volume? 10% of each car (no way)?

I know engineers said they were going for lighter but that is almost always one of their goals if they can help it. I guess my expectations weren't that high and I never bought the 3-400 lighter rumors so for me it's not a deal breaker if it stays the same weight. If it puts on weight, it'll really be a tough one. I'll still drive it and see how I like it.

 

[MPH]

Not buying it, if they expect to sell this in Europe the car is going to have to be smaller and lighter.

 

[5.0GT]

Ireally think it was all just rumor. Pill said they had a target weight goal for the whole lineup but what does that mean. 10% average of total volume? 10% of each car (no way)?

I know engineers said they were going for lighter but that is almost always one of their goals if they can help it. I guess my expectations weren't that high and I never bought the 3-400 lighter rumors so for me it's not a deal breaker if it stays the same weight. If it puts on weight, it'll really be a tough one. I'll still drive it and see how I like it.

4 banger and eb/6 should be a lot lighter, w/the coyote...what do you think?

 

[SStormtrooPer]

4 banger and eb/6 should be a lot lighter, w/the coyote...what do you think?

I would expect the weight savings will be seen across all trim levels -- there will be weight loss with the EB4, but it won't be a huge amount over the V6. I think the majority of the weight lost should be in the chassis.

 

[SStormtrooPer]

Am I imagining this, or did we see something that indicated the IRS was actually lighter that the solid axle -- I would assume due to the use of aluminum?

 

[crysalis_01]

Am I imagining this, or did we see something that indicated the IRS was actually lighter that the solid axle -- I would assume due to the use of aluminum?

It won't be lighter. While CBIRS setups are lighter in comparison to an equivalent sized standard multi-link system it is still heavier than a similar sized SRA. So, some weight will be gained, however it will be minimized by the use of the CBIRS design.

 

[SStormtrooPer]

It won't be lighter. While CBIRS setups are lighter in comparison to an equivalent sized standard multi-link system it is still heavier than a similar sized SRA. So, some weight will be gained, however it will be minimized by the use of the CBIRS design.

I figured as much, as that is logical -- I could swear I remember seeing an article that IRS was lighter. I may be thinking of the original IRS that was designed for the S197.

 

[Thed]

I figured as much, as that is logical -- I could swear I remember seeing an article that IRS was lighter. I may be thinking of the original IRS that was designed for the S197.

That you are.

 

[GTsquid]

There was an article from some Australia outlet that it would be aluminum version of CBIRS but it didn't specifically say lighter than SRA.

http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showthread.php?t=755

"Ford’s new performance leader will also ride on suspension developed in Australia, including a derivative of the Virtual Pivot alloy front-end engineered for the SZ Territory and FG Falcon and an aluminium version of the Control Blade independent rear suspension developed for the same vehicles."

 

[Unchained]

I would imagine weight loss is the top 1 or 2 thing on everyone's list of what they want and expect out of the S550.

If Ford doesn't realize this they will have really dropped the ball and prove they don't understand their fans IMO. For now, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.

It is #2 for me, next to design.

I think it just doesn't add up. If your gonna create a Mustang that has IRS and looks sportier, it better be lighter. Otherwise what's the point?

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