Then your whole fuel mileage argument is out the window anyway. At posted speeds and under, the change would have little impact. Once you go over 70mph, you can throw the mileage out the window because it will start to suffer in much greater increments as the speed increases. The differences will be more noticeable when you speed.
I agree that there is a big gap between the V6 convertible and the EB premium convertible, and there are probably a lot of people who want a convertible but can't or don't want to make that jump.
I'd be very happy if they keep the V6 as the entry-level Mustang. But I wonder if it's too much to have three engines offered in a low volume car?
The Challenger sells in lower volumes than the Mustang and has four engines (Pentastar V-6, 5.7 liter, 392, Hellcat).
Hmmm. I did not think of that.
The present 3.7 V6 engine, has been incrementally improved since it was first used with the introduction of the 2011 Model Year Mustang. It is "naturally aspired", reliable, and a proven fairly powerful and dependable power plant. I believe (if) this V6 Engine is eventually replaced in the next few years, they will need to replace it with a nimble yet still fairly powerful lower displacement I4 Engine that is (not) EcoBoosted/Turbo-Charged. There will always be a Market for a Base Engine that gives reasonably good Fuel Economy that isn`t necessarily Eco-Boost or Turbo-Charged. Performance buyers will go for the EB 2.3 I4 or perhaps a EB 3.5 V6 or the larger displacement V8`s but ordinary Buyers and Rental Car Fleets will demand a simple, no frills dependable Power Plant. Ford knows that segment is a large dependable chunk of their Production and I doubt they would be foolish enough to dismiss that Market Share.
Just read about the 52/48 weight distribution of the 2015 EB in another thread
Mine too.My next one will have 3 pedals...I am sure of this
Sadly, manuals are on the way out. But there are niche markets where the demand for manuals is still strong, and pony cars are one of those niches. I don't remember the exact numbers, but the take rate for manuals in Mustangs is high. I think that is because people who drive pony cars tend to be driving enthusiasts. They really enjoy driving, and tinkering with or modding, their car. They enjoy the experience of driving and want to be more connected to the car. In contrast, high-end sports cars like Porsche and Ferrari are just status symbols. They are highly desirable cars, but I think their owners (in general - there are exceptions) lack a certain passion for driving. So the demand for manuals is not there.
Manuals are not on the way out same with V8s. Someone says this every generation as early as I can recall...I remember in 2000. "Everyone will be driving a hybrid by 2010, gas engines are a niche market now" yeah nope.Sadly, manuals are on the way out. But there are niche markets where the demand for manuals is still strong, and pony cars are one of those niches. I don't remember the exact numbers, but the take rate for manuals in Mustangs is high. I think that is because people who drive pony cars tend to be driving enthusiasts. They really enjoy driving, and tinkering with or modding, their car. They enjoy the experience of driving and want to be more connected to the car. In contrast, high-end sports cars like Porsche and Ferrari are just status symbols. They are highly desirable cars, but I think their owners (in general - there are exceptions) lack a certain passion for driving. So the demand for manuals is not there.
I think that for the foreseeable future, manuals are safe in Pony cars. But I agree that eventually they will go away. If not because demand dries up, then because eventually the IC engine will be replaced by an electric motor without a transmission. Fortunately, I was not born too late.
