[SuperSound]

Originally Posted by shaffe

BlaqWhole pretty much hit the nail on the head



While offering them at the same time might be a tough sell if 18 is last year for 350, then 19 for 500 I think its doable.

Start with the 350R, minus CF wheels and Voodoo which make up the majority of that cars cost. I would have to assume that a boosted engine will cost less than the voodoo. Also with extra power, probably wouldn't need the benefit of the CF wheels. Even if you went at Base 350 wich is a 57K car, Ford should be able to offer a boosted Mustang for mid 60s.

GM was able to offer the 5th Gen ZL1 and Z/28 at the same time with the ZL1 holding performance advantages in certain areas for less.

I know this argument will get tossed out, but GM now offers a SS 1LE that can perform at 5th Gen Z/28 levels for about 30K less just a year later after the Z was done.

The problem with that is to meet the target power range (700+), the engine will undoubtedly be beefed up internally. Not b/c the current Coyote can't handle the power but because of OEM reliability targets. While there may still be some cost savings vs the Voodoo, it would not be a huge deficit because this engine will still be a single use model.

Weight is the other big factor. The '18s had added even more weight and now you are talking about adding FI (which will be worse with a TT setup if true), removing CFs wheels, adding more suspension strength, but still keeping the level of features as the ZL1. That makes for a car that is guaranteed to weight more than a ZL1 currently.

So what you are actually getting is borderline a Hellcat. And we all know just adding power does not make up for weight/suspension/chassis on a track as the Hellcat clearly shows. The new GT500 would need a drastic reduction in weight to add upgrades to beat a ZL1 around the track. And the problem with that is the S550 chassis. It would be much easier to do it if they were doing a chassis change, and that could keep the price low. But as it is, it is asking for way to much to get all the performance and comfort features and keep the price at/under a ZL1 at this point.

Ford is undoubtedly going to have to pick and choose their fights until next gen. My guess is they take the middle road. Offer a GT500 that can beat a Hellcat straight line, but handle as good as the GT350R at a price that splits the two.

As for your last statement, well you know the answer....change of chassis with huge weight savings.