AWD?

[crysalis_01]

Sorry my first post on this forum is somewhat (-) but:

I cant believe the narrow mindedness of some people claiming to be be "purists" of the Mustang culture. I have owned Mustangs non stop for 20 straight years now. Why are people are so repulsed by the idea they won't even consider an optional version? Not saying every Mustang should be equipped with AWD. Better driving experience with 2WD? No, this is purely subjective. Most RWD sports cars are struggling to get 0-60 times in the high 3 second range these days. Good quarter mile performance of any of these ultra performance RWD cars requires a "hero" run to save face and not be embarrassed at the track. I can tell you from experience it sucks to have your performance be limited by traction. Buy a set of slick when I want performance in a straight line? Buy a set of studded snow tires for the snow? Buy a full suspension package to get my car to transfer weight, and not wheel hop. How about an all around solution like AWD, wow such a horrible concept. Meanwhile the real sports cars of today are reaching unprecedented performance gains with the use of AWD. I can't even imagine how nuts a 662 HP AWD mustang would be as a daily driver. Absolutely it would be a good option for some people but not everyone. More people would come around after they got spanked a couple of times. :-) Build it and they will come... around... eventually... Done ranting.

I present as counterpoint:

1) Ferrari 458 (RWD)
2) McLaren MP4-12c (RWD)
3) Lamborghini Balboni (RWD)
4) Ferrari LA Ferrari (RWD)
5) Aston Martin V12 Vantage (RWD)
6) Jaguar F-type (RWD)
7) Chevrolet Corvette (RWD)
8) Mercedes Benz c63 AMG (RWD)

I could go on, but I think you can see where I'm going. While awd can be a great addition to a sports car, it is by no means necessary. Even for the "real" sports cars.

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[Overboost]

There's nothing "narrow-minded" about not wanting AWD on a Mustang. The traits established back in the 60's during it's inception have led to fifty years of the same basic layout.

 

[sknapp302]

I present as counterpoint:

1) Ferrari 458 (RWD)
2) McLaren MP4-12c (RWD)
3) Lamborghini Balboni (RWD)
4) Ferrari LA Ferrari (RWD)
5) Aston Martin V12 Vantage (RWD)
6) Jaguar F-type (RWD)
7) Chevrolet Corvette (RWD)
8) Mercedes Benz c63 AMG (RWD)

I could go on, but I think you can see where I'm going. While awd can be a great addition to a sports car, it is by no means necessary. Even for the "real" sports cars.

AWD is not a necessity, but I like options. The thing I keep coming back to is that we have all these amazing cars being fitted with engines that make insane levels of HP but can't seem to put the power to the ground. The ZL1 and the GT500 are two examples of cars that really are under achievers given their HP levels and lack of traction.

I should not have used the term "real sports cars" to try to get to my point. All the cars you listed are absolutely incredible performers. Looking at the front engine RWD platforms, I am most impressed by the Corvette (ZR1) going zero to sixty in 3.2 sec using smart gearing, and Michelin 335 PS2s. Can this performance level be maintained on the street consistently? What happens when you don't have the best road surface or the slightest bit of moisture?

I hate to use the Nissan GTR as an example, but it is an example of a car that does way more than it should with less. It could not achieve this feat without AWD. I like the concept of taking an ordinary sports car and making it extraordinary with technology. I personally think that AWD is the best solution to reach the next level of performance because the HP in these cars is well beyond the available friction at the rear tires for their given platform, at least in 1st and 2nd gear.

I am well aware of the Mustang heritage and inherent traits that come with the vehicle. However, the 65 Mustang did not come with an independent rear suspension, stability control, abs, computerized dash boards, electronic fuel injection, etc. either. The Mustang has and will continue to evolve with performance, safety, and affordability in mind. What I don't understand, and consider to be narrow minded is the fact the AWD is frowned upon as an option or even as a topic of discussion.

Am I the only one that wants an AWD V8 coupe with the style, power, and comfort of a car like a Mustang, Camaro, or Challenger? :shrug:

 

[crysalis_01]

AWD is not a necessity, but I like options. The thing I keep coming back to is that we have all these amazing cars being fitted with engines that make insane levels of HP but can't seem to put the power to the ground. The ZL1 and the GT500 are two examples of cars that really are under achievers given their HP levels and lack of traction.

I should not have used the term "real sports cars" to try to get to my point. All the cars you listed are absolutely incredible performers. Looking at the front engine RWD platforms, I am most impressed by the Corvette (ZR1) going zero to sixty in 3.2 sec using smart gearing, and Michelin 335 PS2s. Can this performance level be maintained on the street consistently? What happens when you don't have the best road surface or the slightest bit of moisture?

I hate to use the Nissan GTR as an example, but it is an example of a car that does way more than it should with less. It could not achieve this feat without AWD. I like the concept of taking an ordinary sports car and making it extraordinary with technology. I personally think that AWD is the best solution to reach the next level of performance because the HP in these cars is well beyond the available friction at the rear tires for their given platform, at least in 1st and 2nd gear.

I am well aware of the Mustang heritage and inherent traits that come with the vehicle. However, the 65 Mustang did not come with an independent rear suspension, stability control, abs, computerized dash boards, electronic fuel injection, etc. either. The Mustang has and will continue to evolve with performance, safety, and affordability in mind. What I don't understand, and consider to be narrow minded is the fact the AWD is frowned upon as an option or even as a topic of discussion.

Am I the only one that wants an AWD V8 coupe with the style, power, and comfort of a car like a Mustang, Camaro, or Challenger? :shrug:

To be honest I DO agree with you on to a point. I simply like to play Devil's Advocate where there is a glaring chance to do so. I honestly wouldn't mind the option of an (rwd bias) AWD system in Mustang. However, I wouldn't offer it in anything but a V6 or I4T model. The reasoning? Those cars draw a different audience of buyer than their V8 driven brethren. In terms of both daily driving and performance driving habits, of said buyers. With the much better weight distribution of the "lesser" model of today, one could argue it could make a more enjoyable track day car. So that is the place is have the option.

On a more realistic side I also recognize that the development of such a system would cause the entire line up to have to be changed. One does not simply "swap in" an AWD system. The car would require that it be planned for from its inception. This is where I'm much more willing to let Mustang continue on in its current RWD configuration. I'll gladly leave the team over at Lincoln take S550 and make it their own.

Lincoln is already a company that runs FWD and AWD (front bias) in their cars. So the addition of a RWD bias AWD system could fit their buisness model very well. It would add sporty appeal while not getting away from the overall direction of the company. So I say let them take S550 and do what they will with it. Honestly I would suspect that with the changes necessary to apapt AWD we would see the platform called something else. Would such a vehicle sold under Lincoln be more expensive? Yes. You must also remember that the R&D that would go into this car would make it more expensive even if it were wearing a Ford badge.

I must digress, as I'm just rambling now. I do however hope you see the few points I'm trying to make.

 

[sknapp302]

Best argument I have heard so far. I would actually consider buying an ecoboost V6 if it had AWD, but I would not want the entire Mustang lineup to suffer to make this option avialable. If it only affected the K-member on AWD models I think it would be a win-win.

 

[Stanger]

Best argument I have heard so far. I would actually consider buying an ecoboost V6 if it had AWD, but I would not want the entire Mustang lineup to suffer to make this option avialable. If it only affected the K-member on AWD models I think it would be a win-win.

This is most logical, and where I see the future headed.

 

[design1stcode2nd]

The Germans don't seem to mind putting V8 or TT V8's in AWD cars, hell they'll even do it in a wagon but you have to special order it. I believe all new AMG's are going to be AWD perhaps the c63 as an exclusion.

Just take a look at what an Audi S6 (not the balls out RS6) can do 0-60 or in the quarter. And that's a mid/large sized luxury sedan.

420-450hp in an AWD, 3,600lb car that is actually affordable? Sign me up.

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