OHV 16V

Hey, speaking of that subject and these SUVs from GM, maybe the bastards can use another Honda V-6 again!!! :hysterical:

I have kinda thought that the 2.5-liter, if it were possible, woulda made a better base engine in the Fusion than the D23. Having both more cylinders and a slightly larger displacement, the fuel economy trade-off I wouldn't think would have been that horrendous for the little bit of extra juice. Obviously, the upcoming D25 will have rendered it unnecessary, but still it would have helped in the meantime. All that being said, I'll admit right away to ignorance on whether the 2.5 would still be emissions-friendly or, now that I think about it, whether or not they're even still using that motor across The Pond.

I agree with what's been discussed many times on these forums already, and it's quite simple: Ford may not necessarily need to have the most powerful motor of the 3 new muscle cars, but if the engineers are smart, they put the pony on a diet and that should make the Stang the quickest of the three easily. Lutz said it won't be that heavy, but then he immediately starts on weight distribution, which, while in the same ballpark discussion as OVERALL weight, is still a different matter altogether. Nice attempt on his part to steer that conversation in a different direction. While I do like the G8, I'm having trouble believing that the Camaro will show up being THAT MUCH lighter. Just my $0.02 for anyone that cares...

I agree.

Whaddup wescoent? Just figured I'd add that I've read in several places that the XLR won't be making a return appearance after 2010 either...

As for why diesel is as expensive as it is, there's a decent explanation done by Csaba Csere, Car & Driver's head honcho in his column this month. The article is still too new to have been posted on their website, so I don't have a link, but check it out next time you're walking by a mag stand.

I agree. You'd think that it would be something they maybe would want to do to generate some much-needed good press, and get the enthusiasts (besides us) chattering. Even if they don't release any actual details, just at least stir the pot a little by acknowledging that they exist, and that they're coming soon...

Hell yeah brother, that should look pretty sweet! I like the Euro Focus styling, I wish ours had copied it even though we couldn't get the actual car just yet. You do bring up a good point though, and that's the fact with Ford building a lot more "global" vehicles, the part-swapping will be both more plentiful and that much easier. One of my friends is currently curious about swapping the U.K. Ranger's grille for his own, and he's looking into what's all involved buying the piece and gettin' it done...

Hi Blueblood! Same cars? Yes. Same front and rear fascias? No. I think the Euro version looks a lot sportier with it's different grille, taillights, and slightly different headlamp treatment. They are subtle differences, but to my personal tastes, it makes a BIG difference. Just my personal preference. Styling is always, of course, subjective.

Here's a first look at the U.S. version of the new Mazda 6. I loved the look of the European version that just came out, but I must say I find the U.S. version rather ugly next to it. I'm very disappointed.... http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...1023/LATESTNEWS

I'm with NickF1011, I think a Lightning would be a much safer bet. Consider that there's already an established buyer-base that's been clamoring for a new truck since the last Lightning's demise. The Raptor would be something unique and cool, but I really hope it's being done in addition to, not in place of, a next-gen Lightning. And I mean an actual Lightning based on the F-150, not the Sport Trac Adrenaline. They need only update the 2004 Concept to the upcoming truck's body and underpinnings, and there you go. No extended cab, no 4WD, just a shortbed and (my personal preference) offer a version like that concept with a 6-speed manual.

In fact, now that I think about it, seeing that it might have to be slightly de-tuned for U.S. emissions, the base 4.0-liter I6 would still have been alot better base motor than the 3.8L or even the 4.0L V6s. I guess the question there would be whether the last and current gen Stangs could have fit it under the hood with it's length...

I agree 100%. A lot of folks wondered why the 2000 Cobra R's 5.4-liter never became a regular option, and everything I always researched basically told me the same thing: cost. So, I thought, how different were the Australian versions? Why not use them? Cost wouldn't have been as much of a factor because these were already being produced in larger numbers...

I've been in favor of the Falcon making its way over here in the states for a few years now. I often wondered just how different things would have been for Ford if back when the current generation was created they would have went ahead and gotten them certified (both crash and emissions) for sale in the U.S. Back then, it would have been a great, sporting Crown Vic replacement. And back then, gas wasn't as expensive on average as now. IMO, that would have set the standard so high that the Charger would have been relegated to also-ran status. But, at least we'll finally be getting a piece of some of that great Australian pie. I've got one fantastically special "Australian Kiss" waiting for the first hottie that I see driving one...

Ford of Australia uses several versions of the 5.4-liter MOD motor. As MN12Fan stated, they're used in both the Falcon and Fairlane. If the engine is a SOHC variant, it is designated a "Barra", if it's a DOHC variant, it's called "BOSS". Here's the complete list: Ford of Australia 5.4 L engines include: Barra 220 3-valve SOHC 5.4 L V8, 295 hp @ 4750 rpm, 347 lb·ft @ 3250 rpm Barra 230 3-valve SOHC 5.4 L V8, 309 hp @ 5350 rpm, 369 lb·ft @ 3500 rpm Boss 260 4-valve DOHC 5.4 L V8, 349 hp @ 5250 rpm, 369 lb·ft @ 4000 rpm Boss 290 4-valve DOHC 5.4 L V8, 389 hp @ 5500 rpm, 384 lb·ft @ 4500 rpm Boss 302 4-valve DOHC 5.4 L V8, 405 hp @ 6000 rpm, 398 lb·ft @ 4800 rpm

Oh trust me brother, I wasn't even halfway serious about that last statement. I know better...

I agree. AWD would be OK for those that would like it, but as wescoent said, offer it as an option only. 425 hp? Hmm.... Isn't that the rating that the 6.2-liter BOSS was putting out in testing? A naturally-aspirated 6.2L SOHC V8 with a stick sounds simply awesome...(Wishful thinking only, I know...I know...damn fuel regulations...)

I hear ya man, that's why I included the last part to my statement. :beerchug:

I hope you're right brother, I really do... Preferably a version of the Boss engine (5.8-liter?). But I won't get too picky, as I'd be grateful to even get a V8 at all. As for the 6-speed, I'd hope they would finally get this one done, as it's long overdue. I realize it adds to manufacturing costs, but it would help out in the fuel economy department as well, something I'd think would be a good compromise on their part.

Oh my friends and I certainly believe there will be an 8-cylinder in the mix for sure, we're just hoping that the only way to obtain it won't be to have to...uh..."pony up" for the Shelby. I was hoping to hear from Blue II, as he definitely knows his stuff. I figure if it does indeed exist, he's probably had his hands on it at some point. Perhaps even Igor may know something.(?)

While I'm thinking about it, before anyone thinks this is some 50 or 60 yr.-old guy acting twice his age, I'm 30. And my crew ranges in age from 24 to 32. I say "acting twice his age" cause my dad (and many I've met like him) are still pretty cool at 50 or 60, able to summon up the immaturity should the occasion call for it... :P

1st-off: Hello all... I have been an actual member since 1/07, but have been an avid reader of these forums for a few years. I just am not one to post much. That being said... I've been researching the great info posted on here by people in the know, and one thing I haven't found (and if I just missed it forgive me...) is whether or not there will be a "traditional" Mustang when the model gets its revision for 2010. That is, will there be a Mustang in the current GT's price range, with a naturally-aspirated V8 and a 5 or 6-speed(PLEASE!) manual? My friends and I have driven Mustangs since we were 16 or 17, and that's the type that we have always had. Call us purists, old-skool, or whatever, but that's the car the attracts us. No superchargers or turbos, just a great V8 mixed with RWD and a manual trans. While we generally admire the technological achievement of Ecoboost, it just doesn't appeal to us. Not hearing a V8's noises out back would kill me. If the only way to get 8-cylinders is to get the next-gen Shelby, which none of my friends could nor would pay for, then that's sad indeed. Anyway, I'd appreciate any info that can be provided, as it'll help a couple of us in deciding if we'll be adding the new pony to the stable. Thank You for your time....