2018 Performance Pack - A big step BACKWARDS

[NoVaGT]

I think the PP is lousy value because it contains a number of useless parts:

- small, ugly wheels with the wrong ET value (so they will be tossed) - extremly poor quality P-Zero tires (utterly useless, need immediate replacement)
- useless springs (way too stiff for their ride height, poor stance in the front and only marginal stability improvement over stock, so they will be tossed as well)
- and therefore also useless shocks and struts (because new springs require different shocks and struts)

The only things that add value are the bigger radiator and the 6-piston brakes, which are cool but actually overkill on any road car. Unless you supercharge it perhaps. I would prefer to spend my money on a good coilover set and proper aftermarket wheels. Or stick with the standard suspension, which drives way more comfortable than the PP.

1. WTF is "ET value"???? The GT PP wheels look great.
2. On the GT PP suspension, the handling (from those that have owned both) is very different, and the ride quality is still great, not too stiff at all. Too soft, really.
3. No, the struts do not need to be replaced when you change springs. You can, but it's not necessary.

4. What is "stance"?

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[Dudie7]

Excuse me...? WHAT-Ride?!

Sorry...Magneride. Lol

 

[airfuel]

Not a PP guy anyway as I have no intention of tracking the car...but why is the Magnaride not a standalone item?

As was stated before, Magneride is probably tuned specifically for the settings of the PP suspension.

Ford has given us many options. Base suspension, PP suspension or the best of both, Magneride.

 

[IMSAFAN]

I've read that some buyers are getting the ss 1le for just under 40k

I ordered mine 3 days after they were available to order. My car was produced in the first week of production. I actually got mine for Employee pricing ($42.5K) thanks to a member here who wanted to trade GM and Ford discounts. (My wife works for Ford)

There is a reason for that. It is a GM product after all. Have you sat in one. The interior is for shit! My brother's Vette which is a 2013 is falling apart. Performance wise, yes very nice. Everything else, sux!!!!

Style is obviously subjective, but 10k miles of daily driving 6 AutoX's, and several spirited runs through the mountains and I have no issues with my car's interior. No squeaks or rattles or plastic parts breaking. I get that GM has a reputation, but a 2013 GM interior is not the same quality as a 2017.

I'd definitely take a 2nd look at the 1LE if I were shopping in that realm over a GT PP with the comparable options. No question. Despite the poor visibility, meh styling and odd interior, $10k is a lot of money, especially when it performs at the level of the GT350.

My first test drive was a 2016 GT PP. Wife loved the car and wanted to buy it on the spot. Being an Engineer I was more interested in function over form. I did my research and decided the SS 1LE or GT350 were the only cars for me. Ford dealer ADM's and my wallet decided that the GT350 wasn't ever going to happen, so I pocketed the extra $15k and got my Camaro. 3 days later I was chasing some coworkers through the hills in their GT350 and Cayman GT4. I'm man enough to say I think the GT350 looks better and I certainly lust after that Vodoo engine, but I think its safe to say my SS 1LE is the best bargain without sacrificing quality. All that being said, the GT PP is a lovely GT car but it wasn't in the same performance league as the cars I wanted to run with.

 

[c-rizzle]

Yike$! this car went UP!!!!!! just 4 yrs ago track pack was $1995:(

Yeah, thats the real problem.

I think 2014? it was $1,995

Then 2015-2016 it was $1,995 for Ecoboost PP
$2,495 for GT PP

Then 2017 after a month or so of production it jumped to $2,995 for GT PP.

I think 2018 is pushing it at $3,995. Maybe $3,495

The thing is you can't say "hey its inflation", as the base price of the car is already adjusted up each year for that.
And $2,995 to $3,995 is a 33% increase. Just TOO MUCH of an increase.

I'm guessing their justification is:

Michelins tires 4x100 = $400
Spoiler = $400
Additional bits = $100
Inflation = $100

TOTAL = $1,000 increase

 

[lpe403]

I ordered mine 3 days after they were available to order. My car was produced in the first week of production. I actually got mine for Employee pricing ($42.5K) thanks to a member here who wanted to trade GM and Ford discounts. (My wife works for Ford)



Style is obviously subjective, but 10k miles of daily driving 6 AutoX's, and several spirited runs through the mountains and I have no issues with my car's interior. No squeaks or rattles or plastic parts breaking. I get that GM has a reputation, but a 2013 GM interior is not the same quality as a 2017.

.

Chevy has done a great job improving the interior.

 

[Cardude99]

So I am starting to think that perhaps like others have mentioned this is meant to be a sticker shock to move out the remaining 2017 models asap. I wonder when those are gone if ford will change up the pricing to maybe a mag ride and pp package discount. I can see them applying like $800 to $1000 off if packaged together. I wonder if this is just a way to upcharge first adopters, basically a manufacure adm lol.

Now also I wonder if they will change the pp requirement for the mag ride and make it a stand alone option. If they do then my theory might hold water.

 

[Cardude99]

Yeah, thats the real problem.

I think 2014? it was $1,995

Then 2015-2016 it was $1,995 for Ecoboost PP
$2,495 for GT PP

Then 2017 after a month or so of production it jumped to $2,995 for GT PP.

I think 2018 is pushing it at $3,995. Maybe $3,495

The thing is you can't say "hey its inflation", as the base price of the car is already adjusted up each year for that.
And $2,995 to $3,995 is a 33% increase. Just TOO MUCH of an increase.

I'm guessing their justification is:

Michelins tires 4x100 = $400
Spoiler = $400
Additional bits = $100
Inflation = $100

TOTAL = $1,000 increase

I thought I read on here that the pirellies cost ford like $25 per tire, can't imagine the Michelins are $75 more. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[wireeater]

Ya, I highly doubt that. They don't need to push any gimmicky marketing tactics to sell the current Mustang. If they wanted to get rid of them it would be easier to just cut the price on the current cars. A lot of people buying a Mustang might not have any idea what the new 2018 costs anyways. It's Just Ford trying to make up for the new tech, etc that will be available with the Mustang. Everyone pretty much figured the 18 would end up around Camaro pricing. Although with incentives the Camaro would be a better bargain at this point unless the GT begins to out perform it which I doubt without a chassis change.

 

[NoVaGT]

So I am starting to think that perhaps like others have mentioned this is meant to be a sticker shock to move out the remaining 2017 models asap. I wonder when those are gone if ford will change up the pricing to maybe a mag ride and pp package discount. I can see them applying like $800 to $1000 off if packaged together. I wonder if this is just a way to upcharge first adopters, basically a manufacure adm lol.

I've never known any car manufacturer to debut a new model, and then lower the prices later.

 

[RocketGuy3]

I've never known any car manufacturer to debut a new model, and then lower the prices later.

Oh it's definitely happened:

http://blog.caranddriver.com/dodge-...00-a-dealer-says-its-already-generating-heat/

http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-car...r-gets-more-horsepower-more-tech-lower-price/

... Granted it's uncommon (and in theory the second example was a "new" model, but still). Usually, though, when prices are not in line with the market, the difference is made up for with dealer and manufacturer incentives. And you can bet that will be the case here. If customers are turned off by pricing, you'll be able to get loaded Mustang GT premiums for $10K off sticker in a few months.

 

[Cardude99]

I've never known any car manufacturer to debut a new model, and then lower the prices later.

It's just a theory. The camaro were the same way when new and a year later 20% off. I'm thinking the Mustang will be the same way.

 

[Grintch]

Time will tell. I'm leaning towards driver, track, and how the tests are conducted. A lot of wiggle room when people start to paper/bench race vs. comparing lap times on x, y, and z tracks. Very rare when people actually compare them on the same track, same day, same time, for 20 or more laps.

See Car & Driver Lightning laps.

Motor Trend or Road & Track also do a similar multicar track test. But they don't test as many cars, and don't have the several years of history to show how a C6 Z06 would compare to a new Mustang.

 

[c-rizzle]

Maybe, Ford is doing what has worked so well with F-150's. Premium price them... aka $50k for nicely loaded truck, but then always have rebates and discounts. Especially at the end of the year when you can find them for $10k off.

Speaking of, I saw some $50k 2017 GT Premium Convertibles with PP for like $43k recently.... $7k off not too bad.

 

[raidn]

I don't think it will. It's still heavier than the camaro. It will probably be similar weight to the GT350's since it has the magride and other things too now, which is heavier than a regular GT. So you're telling me a 100-150lb heavier car, with the same HP, 40 less tq, with less torque under the curve than a pushrod LT1, will be faster? At best it's the same. A8 camaros have been clocking 3.8-3.9 all day long stock 0-60. The manual who knows on the mustang. I also don't think it will handle better. The 2SS camaro I built out with magride is 4500 cheaper than an 18 mustang gt premium pp with magride. With the sales on camaros PLUS their conquest cash they're doing, it's almost 10k cheaper than what you would pay ordering an 18. It's a better deal hands down no question asked. If I'm wrong I'll eat crow, but I just don't see it. I bet the sales numbers will be reversed again with the camaro picking up steam now that the mustang is the more expensive option.

I've got to agree with you. The Camaro was the better performer, and I don't think these changes to the '18 Mustang are going to pass it. Probably so close in a straight line that it doesn't matter, but as soon as the twisties start I'd be really surprised if the Camaro doesn't walk away, and more importantly, FEEL way better composed. If anyone is doubtful, go test drive a 1LE and thow it hard into a corner and notice how flat it is. It used to be that Camaro justified its higher price with higher performance. Well Ford just gave people on the fence another reason to seriously consider the Camaro over the Mustang because there is no longer a price difference, not a meaningful one at least.

Plus that LT1 has been around for a while and they have had a few years to work out some bugs, whereas this is the first year of the new Coyote.

At this point, I'm either looking for a great deal on a 1LE Camaro or getting a used 15-17 GT PP and waiting for a new Boss/Mach1 or a used GT350.

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