Drooling over the new Mustang...

[Rob Hall]

Note that the Ecoboost in the Mustang is the 4cyl turbo. As far as the Ecoboost V6, it is interesting to see that it will be the only engine in the '15 Expedition and Navigator--no more V8 for the hefty full size SUVs.

[Harry P.]

I last owned a car with a four-cylinder turbo many years ago (1984 Dodge Daytona Turbo Z). I still remember that "kick in the pants" feeling when the turbo came on... pretty cool. That was back when "turbo lag" was the way things were, so when the turbo did kick in, man, you felt it!

Assuming that today's turbo technology has advanced from where it was 30 years ago (and obviously it has), I can't wait to test drive a new eco-boost Mustang.

[Rob Hall]

I last owned a car with a four-cylinder turbo many years ago (1984 Dodge Daytona Turbo Z). I still remember that "kick in the pants" feeling when the turbo came on... pretty cool. That was back when "turbo lag" was the way things were.

Assuming that today's turbo technology has advanced from where it was 30 years ago (and obviously it has), I can't wait to test drive a new eco-boost Mustang.

I'm sure there is vast improvement in today's 4 cyl engines over the past ones..though I do wonder how it does on NVH (noise, vibration, harshness). The only 4 cyl cars I've owned were '80s Fords--a diesel Escort and a Mustang LX (which was a real turd w/ 86 hp and a 1bbl carby).

I've had a mix of straight 6, V6 and V8 cars and SUVs over the last 25 years, can't see myself going back to a 4cyl, seems like a downgrade.

Edited June 15, 2014 by Rob Hall

[Harry P.]

Rob, the proof is in the pudding. I gotta test drive one and compare it to my current V8 GT.

Plus, the '15 finally gets IRS. Not just the high end models, but all of them. About time, if you ask me. And a 6-speed, which I wish I had now. I can't tell you how many times I wished I had one more gear...

[DiscoRover007]

The 2011-12 and the 2004 mustangs are still the best looking in the modern era in my opinion.

This new model looks a hell of a lot like a lancer evo. Not really digging it.

[cobraman]

10 grand is for sure a great savings. Heck you can always pipe in the sound of a throaty V8, no ? : ) What is the HP for the V8 vrs the V6 vrs the turbo ?

[Harry P.]

10 grand is for sure a great savings. Heck you can always pipe in the sound of a throaty V8, no ? : ) What is the HP for the V8 vrs the V6 vrs the turbo ?

Four cylinder turbo-305 HP, 300 lb/ft torque.

V6- "more than" 300 HP (not sure how much more), 270 lb/ft torque

V8- 420 HP, 390 lb/ft torque.

[Rob Hall]

10 grand is for sure a great savings. Heck you can always pipe in the sound of a throaty V8, no ? : ) What is the HP for the V8 vrs the V6 vrs the turbo ?

V6 approx 300hp

4cyl approx 305hp

V8 approx 420hp

[cobraman]

It's not my car but I think I would opt for the V6 over the turbo if I didn't want to pop for the 8 but thats just me.

[Austin T]

I last owned a car with a four-cylinder turbo many years ago (1984 Dodge Daytona Turbo Z). I still remember that "kick in the pants" feeling when the turbo came on... pretty cool. That was back when "turbo lag" was the way things were, so when the turbo did kick in, man, you felt it!

Assuming that today's turbo technology has advanced from where it was 30 years ago (and obviously it has), I can't wait to test drive a new eco-boost Mustang.

I'd go with the Turbo four. Not only is it's till easy to have fun but there are so man things you can do to a four banger to make it equally as potent as a v6 or v8. Also there's just something about that spooling sound, the first time you hear it your hooked, especially if it's a twin system.

[Joe Handley]

I last owned a car with a four-cylinder turbo many years ago (1984 Dodge Daytona Turbo Z). I still remember that "kick in the pants" feeling when the turbo came on... pretty cool. That was back when "turbo lag" was the way things were, so when the turbo did kick in, man, you felt it!

Assuming that today's turbo technology has advanced from where it was 30 years ago (and obviously it has), I can't wait to test drive a new eco-boost Mustang.

I still miss my '85 Lebaron GTS because of that, they a decent sized turbo and fairly aggressive factory cam in those motors through '86 or '87. Even with the 3 speed auto, that car could scare the daylights out of people who didn't know what it was capable of

One advantage of that power in the Mustang though, don't have to worry about torque steer in a RWD chassis.

[charlie8575]

Hopefully, this will work, but this is "if I had an extra large amount of disposable income, what would I do?"

http://bp3.ford.com/2015-Ford-Mustang#/MakeItYours/Config[|Ford|Mustang|2015|1|1.|400A.P8F..J4..885.CON.443.~YZKAA.GT.PRE.13D.12A.]

I'm a bit disappointed that Ford is only offering a black top and two shades of off-black for the interior. I mean, really, is it THAT expensive to offer say, 3-5 interior color choices- and not all of them accented by black? Something like GM's tone-on-tone interiors would look really nice in this car. Seriously, I would also consider having a custom interior installed- perhaps white leather with blue accents and a white top. I'd probably find nice chrome rims for it, too. That car needs a little sparkle and I think all those graphite/black-finish wheels look absolutely dumb and down-grade. Might try to find chrome door handles, too.

I'd also add the 50th Anniversary grille bar onto it via the parts department; I couldn't get a spoiler delete with the package.

Mileage doesn't bother me (although for what it is, and talking to a few people with the Coyote engines, they're actually pretty good on gas,) and a car like this wouldn't be an everyday driver, anyway, especially from say, mid-November to mid-late April.

Wonder if Ford will start offering a built-in battery tender like Chevy is with the Corvette for seasonal use?

Charlie Larkin

Edited June 16, 2014 by charlie8575

[Harry P.]

I found out that a spare tire is now a $200 option. No run-flat tires, but a spare is optional?

I wonder how many irate phone calls Ford will get from future Mustang owners with flats who didn't realize that the car came without a spare tire (unless they paid extra for one).

[fumi]

I found out that a spare tire is now a $200 option. No run-flat tires, but a spare is optional?

I wonder how many irate phone calls Ford will get from future Mustang owners with flats who didn't realize that the car came without a spare tire (unless they paid extra for one).

I'm sure it comes with a can of goo and a electric pump as standard.

I had one of those in my last Fiesta, it actually worked well enough when I had a puncture, and the tire could still be patched afterwards. Although the guys fixing the tire weren't too impressed about it.

[Harry P.]

From the Ford Roadside Assistance sheet:

It does seem that today nobody gets a flat tire, but what if you did? Not to worry. Roadside Assistance will be there to change your tire for you. Tire change service requires the customer to have a useable spare tire.

Um, if the new Mustang doesn't come with a spare tire, how is that supposed to work?

[Dave Van]

My Smart 451 has four different tires......so like the Vette no spare or room for one!

It does have a jack, tire sealer and a air pump on board!

[Harry P.]

My Smart 451 has four different tires.....

[cobraman]

Why 4 different tires ? No spare is a bad idea IMO. You won't miss it till you need it.

[charlie8575]

I found out that a spare tire is now a $200 option. No run-flat tires, but a spare is optional?

I wonder how many irate phone calls Ford will get from future Mustang owners with flats who didn't realize that the car came without a spare tire (unless they paid extra for one).

I missed that.

One other option to order.

Another option that shouldn't be optional. Save that weight, get an extra 1/1000 MPG, appease the enviro-nazis in D.C.

How about deleting all the electronic garbage I don't want or need? I can deal with crank windows, manual locks, a simple AM/FM radio (although stereo would be nice,) and not have all that other trash. Auto, air for days it's too hot/bright to drop the top and cruise, and I'm happy.

Then again, this comes from someone who still likes typewriters because they think the same speed I do.

Charlie Larkin

[MrObsessive]

I'm sorry, but as much as one pays for a car these days-----------there shouldn't be any reason why each and every car has either NO spare, or that stupid doughnut which looks ridiculous on any car going down the road. I think that's one of the reasons people like trucks and SUV's so much............at least you get a FULL spare and not a dumb doughnut to go with it.

At least as far as I know!

[MrObsessive]

From the Ford Roadside Assistance sheet:

It does seem that today nobody gets a flat tire, but what if you did? Not to worry. Roadside Assistance will be there to change your tire for you. Tire change service requires the customer to have a useable spare tire.

Um, if the new Mustang doesn't come with a spare tire, how is that supposed to work?

Harry, maybe they'll carry Mustang spare tires with them since they know those are the only folks that don't have a spare!

[tim boyd]

Guys....I can't state the exact reason why or why not a given car no longer carries spare tires, but among other factors are:

- increased weight of the spare tire, which reduces performance, and sometimes places cars in the next-up federal government emissions test weight class, which can have negative implications for performance and fuel economy ratings, among other factors.

- increases rear overhang (distance between centerline of rear axle and edge of rear bumper), which further increases overall weight, and goes against current customer design preferences which favor shorter rear overhangs (with current rear impact and bumper standards, there has to be quite a distance of impact zone, which partially takes up space that used to be used for spare tire clearance)

- flat tires are very, very rare these days. When they do happen, many cars include an aerosol kit which is very effective at allowing temporary transportation to a place where the tire can be fixed.

- cost of the tire and the spare - one of the toughest things a car manufacturer has to deal with today is tradeoffs on cost - where does the customer get the best value for his/her very hard-earned dollar?

Cars that tend to be geared toward the average (non-enthusiast) customer may retain spare tires, but many cars these days (I think many of you would be surprised at the number) no longer contain spare tires oftentimes for the reasons stated above. Sometimes customers have the option to add a spare tire at extra cost, but in those cases, few customers exercise that option. .

Hope this adds a bit of insight - note that these comments are very generic to the auto industry as a whole, and do not necessarily apply to any one manufacturer or carline.

TIM

Edited June 16, 2014 by tim boyd

[Ace-Garageguy]

...Hope this adds a bit of insight - ...

TIM

Insight: It's a simple numbers, probability thing, like the cost of insurance. And if you happen to be the one guy in 1000 who has the sidewall ripped out of your tire and didn't read the fine-print and pony up $200, you're screwed.

[Rob Hall]

From the Ford Roadside Assistance sheet:

It does seem that today nobody gets a flat tire, but what if you did? Not to worry. Roadside Assistance will be there to change your tire for you. Tire change service requires the customer to have a useable spare tire.

Um, if the new Mustang doesn't come with a spare tire, how is that supposed to work?

True enough... I've had AAA change a tire, but they used my full size spare.

[Harry P.]

Guys....I can't state the exact reason why or why not a given car no longer carries spare tires, but among other factors are:

- increased weight of the spare tire, which reduces performance, and sometimes places cars in the next-up federal government emissions test weight class, which can have negative implications for performance and fuel economy ratings, among other factors.

- increases rear overhang (distance between centerline of rear axle and edge of rear bumper), which further increases overall weight, and goes against current customer design preferences which favor shorter rear overhangs (with current rear impact and bumper standards, there has to be quite a distance of impact zone, which partially takes up space that used to be used for spare tire clearance)

- flat tires are very, very rare these days. When they do happen, many cars include an aerosol kit which is very effective at allowing temporary transportation to a place where the tire can be fixed.

- cost of the tire and the spare - one of the toughest things a car manufacturer has to deal with today is tradeoffs on cost - where does the customer get the best value for his/her very hard-earned dollar?

Cars that tend to be geared toward the average (non-enthusiast) customer may retain spare tires, but many cars these days (I think many of you would be surprised at the number) no longer contain spare tires oftentimes for the reasons stated above. Sometimes customers have the option to add a spare tire at extra cost, but in those cases, few customers exercise that option. .

Hope this adds a bit of insight - note that these comments are very generic to the auto industry as a whole, and do not necessarily apply to any one manufacturer or carline.

TIM

I don't know if I'm just "lucky," but I've had 4-5 flats within a two-year span a few years ago. Not off-roading or anything... just normal commuting on normal suburban streets. Just bad luck, I guess.

I don't know how "rare" a flat is these days, but for me they're not rare at all. And I'm glad my car (the one previous to the one I own now) had a spare tire.