I hate to tell you but the Bird still doesnt have much of a chance with the GTO around.

 

Oh I know, just for conversations sake i'd like to talk about what people would want one to look like if, by some miracle, it does return.

Couldn't hurt anything to talk about it right?

 

I like your ideas. And wow, I never thought there would be much fighting over who gets top billing? Now, without starting a flame fest, GM has designated that all high performance versions of a car get the SS badge(cobalt, silvarado, monte, impy) but I understand the Z28 argument.

What I keep hearing is this idea of having the Z28 get the 5.3. I dont think thats a great idea, not for a Z28. The way I see it(which please dont argue with me about, its just for an expample) That there should be a standard Sports coupe getting a 3.9 V6 making 250hp. RS model gets either a supercharged 3.9 making 300hp, or a 300hp 5.3. I kinda like the supercharged 3.9, as it gives a really cool spin to affordable performance. And this puts the 2nd level Camaro at the level of the Mustang... what an insult right? Then the Z28 would get the LS2 at 380hp(weaker cam) as I am going on the strong assumption that teh LS2 will get a real reading of 420hp. Now the SS model will get higher end stuff and more performance options as its the top model for the Camaro. 400hp from a LS2 from the corvette, and make up some lie about exhaust manifolds not flowing as well or whatever. I think the idea of a mid level model like the RS will attract a lot of buyers wanting more from there base 6cyl camaro, but dont wana spend the bucks for a big V8 or want that much power. A 300hp Camaro would be a great mid level car and get some serious attention from perhaps gen Y'ers looking for performance for cheap. RS modes would go no higher then 24k fully loaded. As for appearance, have the Z28 more slimmer and streemlined where the SS might have larger and bulgier look to it. I think that the Z28 will be much more popular then the SS as the SS will be a limited model. Sorry for all Z28 supporters, this is just based on what GM is doing now with there models.

I dont see the use of chasing the Mustang into the 500hp range. Most people that get 500hp cars dont want Mustangs. They want Vettes, Vipers, exotics. I dont see the Cobra getting that high in hp without massive increase in price. You cant just slap a 500hp motor in there and expect everything to be golden. Chassis strengthing, bigger brakes, suspension, trans, tires, drivetrain parts, exhaust... just a lot of money, and a 200hp jump from the standard GT. The Cobra might kick the Camaro's **** with 500hp, but I think people will look at it as a joke almost. If a 390hp Cobra build on a 25 year old chassis using parts bin parts and have crappy quality can cost 35k... Imagine what a well put together, 500hp, new chassis mustang will cost? Easily over 40k. And over 40k for a mustang? Lets be real. Ford doesnt have the money to pump into massive R&D for a 500hp mustang. They will use an upgraded version of the 03's DOHC supercharged engine making 430-450hp tops. If that is the case, GM could make an attempt at breaking the golden rule of the Vette, and borrow a detuned or supercharged version of the LS2. Lower the compression to 8.7 to 1, forged engine, and let it go head to head with the Cobra. But for a 500hp mustang.... leave it up to the Vette........or GTO?

 

You definitely haven't been keeping up with current events at Ford. First off, it will NOT be an upgraded 03 DOHC motor. Coletti himself said that he hoped people didn't think the Ford GT motor was only going to be in one car, ding ding ding! That should give you one clue right there. 5.4L supercharged baby! Second, the 2005 Mustang D2C frame is MUCH STRONGER than the current Cobra's Fox frame. It will handle 500 HP without a problem. Third, a price has not been determined yet. While it could cost $50,000, that's still $35,000 short of what a Viper costs and will be a tad cheaper than the Z06 (which only has two seats like the Viper). Fourth, 03/04 Cobras are a bargain at $35,000. They have decent quality (better than the last gen Camaros), great SVT service, the motors are hand built, underrated 390 HP, leather interior and IRS with good handling. I didn't even list all the options. Where else are you going to get all that for $35,000? GTO is nice, but it's no Cobra. Now, I'd love to see a 450 HP GTO, that would be sweet. Finally, if a $50,000 Mustang comes out, it will be in limited quantities and they will sell. Ford currently sells over 13,000 Cobras a year. BTW, if a 500 HP Cobra pulls up next to you at a stop light, you won't be laughing at that joke anymore, lol. This isn't a flame, it's just a FYI

 

-Which models?

-What relationship do they have with Z/28?