2013 Ford Mustang gallops up to 200 mph (650hp)

Yahoo News ^ | 11/15/2011

[Scythian]

Yet another argument for the contention that we’re living in a golden era for American muscle cars arrives with the 2013 Ford Mustang, which will sport a brace of tech and styling updates across its line — including the most powerful V8 engine sold by any automaker in the world. How much trouble could you get in with a 200-mph ‘Stang?

The original pony car has survived 46 years only through annual tweaking between major redesigns, and offering a broad enough model range to lure in everyone from high-schoolers to professional drag racers. Thanks to the competition with the revived Chevrolet Camaro, there’s more muscle in muscle cars than ever before; today’s base V6 Mustang has more grunt than the V8 flashed seven years ago.

[al_c]

Nice! If I ever get another Triumph, it’ll be the TR6. Or maybe a GT6/Spit combination.

[aruanan]

Rear quarter panels remind me of the Dodge Charger. It’s a little too smooth, and barely looks like a Mustang.

Yep. At least the Dodge Challenger still looks distinctive, especially if it's red or yellow. But it looks as though the 2013 version adds way too much below the grill, making it look like an automotive goiter.

[OldMissileer]

...and it will probably protect you quite well in most crashes up to ‘ludicrous speed’.

[Joe 6-pack]

"I had a 92 Miata...It certainly reminded me of my first car, a 69 Triumph TR6..."

I went through a similar evolution, owning first, a '66 MGB, then stepping up to the MX-5.

It was nice to have a roof that didn't leak, enough BTUs so you didn't have to decide between defrosting the windshield or heating the interior, and no oil stains in the driveway :-)

I put a set of really soft, gummy Pirellis on that car, loved taking it to some twisty backroads in the hills of Pennsylvania...

[RoadieFan]

Agreed. The very FIRST TRUE Mustang was the 1967. And in my book, still one of the most beautiful.

But I would LOVE to own a new Boss 302

[Kenny Bunk]

Yabut the on the 'stang, the car NEVER demonstrated the back-end swing in front of the front-end, and then swing back

Ask an insurance agent. V-8 Mustangs killed more young people than the plague. Wet weather, ice, fuggedaboutit until very very recently.

Bad idea. Get the Caddy. At least you'll see whatever you hit.

[Betis70]

I always liked the GT6. I just had a tough time contorting myself into one, but that front-end made engine work look like a dream.

I still have my TR. In pieces though, but it is there.

[Scythian]

Just for comparison, the 1967 Shelby Cobra. My dad had one of these, I'd love to have the money to buy him one for his upcoming 70th birthday, just damn ...

[Kenny Bunk]

If you do not still have an MG (pre 1974, of course), you are traitor to the Queen. The MGB was the finest car ever produced. It inspired poetry.

Drive an MGB
Drive the absolute best.
Drive 'bout a mile.
Walk the rest.

The myths about MGB unreliability are just that: myths! I have owned several MGBs that went literally hundreds of carefree miles between total overhauls. Miata? That's jap-lingo for "Pansy."

[ltc8k6]

[bgill]

What’s the point of paying for more power when the speed limit is half that? Most people need to put those dollars to better use, such as saving the family home and feeding their children.

[Joe 6-pack]

"I have owned several MGBs that went literally hundreds of carefree miles between total overhauls. Miata? That's jap-lingo for "Pansy."

I loved my little "B". I bought it while I was stationed at Ft. Riley after it had just been completely restored by some folks at Victoria British over in Lenexa. I remember driving back home on I-70 on a warm, clear, spring night with the top down, and just marveling at the bowl of stars overhead that stretched across the flat Kansas horizon. 'Twas nights like those, which made those leaky roofs and gaskets worth it :-)

[AAABEST]

Uuuungh. I really don’t need any temptation come spring time.

ENGINE/DRIVE TRAIN
Race-spec camshaft and bearings
Twin, independent variable camshaft timing
Torsen 3.73 limited slip differential
Beefed up clutch
Short-shift gear box
CNC machined intake, exhaust ports and combustion chamber
High strength aluminum, CNC ported (exhaust and intake) heads
Forged pistons, rods and crankshaft
Heavy-duty valve springs
Sodium filled exhaust valves
Lightened valve components to withstand higher RPMs
Daytona type intake manifold
Quad exhaust
Improved oil delivery to include cooling system and baffling (8 quarts synthetic)
Larger radiator with improved internals


SUSPENSION/STEERING/CHASIS
Five position, driver adjustable shocks and struts
Improved larger front and rear stabilizers
Performance rated coil springs
Improved, stiffer suspension bushings
Re-tuned speed-sensitive electric steering system – three adjustable settings
Four piston Brembo braking system with performance pads, vented brake shields and reinforced brake-lines
Aerodynamic racing splitter
Lower ride height (11mm front, 1mm rear)
19" lightweight painted aluminum wheels w/ Pirelli P-Zeros (staggered - 9" front/10" rear)
Track key: automatically adjusts hundreds of engine parameters to racetrack calibration

I'm picking one up (Kona Blue) in December.

[Joe 6-pack]

"What’s the point of paying for more power when the speed limit is half that?"

Getting to the speed limit faster than the next car is half the fun.

"Most people need to put those dollars to better use, such as saving the family home and feeding their children."

That would include the people who build, sell and service these vehicles.

[A Navy Vet]

Actually, I think the original “muscle car” was either the Chevy Bel Air SS or Impala SS 409ci or the Ford Galaxie 390ci. Can’t remember which, but the Beach Boys song immortalized the 409, even though the 390 was available first. It was around 1961 that the “muscle car” era began.

However, those were full size performance cars and some consider the definition of “muscle car” as being the intermediate size that came out around 1964. So, pick your definition.

[Glenn]

What’s the point of paying for more power when the speed limit is half that?

The fact you are asking that question tells me you wouldn't understand.

[sten]

I want

all black please. extra fat tires too.

yes please

[AAABEST]

What’s the point of paying for more power when the speed limit is half that? Most people need to put those dollars to better use, such as saving the family home and feeding their children.

[brownsfan]

“Actually, I think the original “muscle car” was either the Chevy Bel Air SS or Impala SS 409ci or the Ford Galaxie 390ci. “

I think the first car intended to be a muscle car was the GTO. The history channel did something on muscle cars that was pretty good, they picked the GTO because it was the first car to be full sized, but lightened, with a big motor.

You could debate the point though, history channel isn’t the ultimate authority.

[21twelve]

I read some mag that ran the Honda Odyssey Van against a Porsche 911 from the sixties. The Honda beat the Porsche in handling, braking, speed in the corners, etc. Not sure about top speed though.

Anyone want to trade me my wife’s Honda Odyssey for their old Porsche?

On the overhauling shows they always upgrade the brakes and suspension on those old beasts. They sure look great though - having an old muscle car was always one of my dreams.