AV Weight - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

IPhido · 02-15-2002, 18:26

Okay we can be pretty sure the AV is gunna have loads of power, with the revised 4.0, the turbo, the new V8 etc. And everything else sounds and looks good.

But now the question is one of weight. Reports are AV is gunna be a heavy car. The question is how heavy, and how this will impact on dynamics...

Where will the weight mainly come from? Suspension, sound proofing, equipment...

How heavy is heavy? Falcons already are pretty weighty things as are VT+ commodores. Will fully loaded LWB models approach a full 2 tons? Suddenly 240Kw doesn't sound like all that much.

Will future AV revisions aim at lightening the car with out much in the way of crompomising it. Brakes are mentioned to be upgraded. To what? 330mm 4 spots vented all round :s6:

Does anyone see a market for providing aluminium bonnets, lighter AV componentry? has this got something to do with the Magnesium mining?

SnaggS · 02-15-2002, 18:58

I think lightweight bodies would be a great way to differentiate and justify the cost of the FTE model fords.

As for extra weight, I'd love the fords to have the same build quality as the European cars. If you've ever had a drive of a newish VW Golf, you'll know how much of a difference build quality can make to a otherwise drab car (SOHC, live rear end).

FM · 02-15-2002, 19:00

Quote:

Originally posted by IPhido
Where will the weight mainly come from? Suspension, sound proofing, equipment...

The new lightweight IRS is rumourd to have added weight to the car.. Go figure?
Bear in mind, Barra chassis would've been refined to allow Raptor to be born as well. I think this is one of the reasons why internal weight targets have been missed..

Quote:

Originally posted by IPhido
...lighter AV componentry? has this got something to do with the Magnesium mining?

You'd reckon it's a fair bet..

Cobra · 02-16-2002, 03:35

How heavy is too heavy? would you say 100kg more for the standard model is? I would say so, and im NOT hinting anything!
I really hope they make an attempt to reduce the weight of the Tickford cars.
The last thing we would want is a GTHO weight 1800kg

XR_Strider_GuY · 02-16-2002, 04:35

Well if it goes up by say 40kg i'm not too fussed if theres refinement. Thats why i say that the base Inline 6 needs to have a decent upgrade in power, like 165+kw.

RATT · 02-16-2002, 05:36

40kg up is what I've heard as well. If it adds to refinement and makes it a better car, then so be it. When VT was released the weight over VS went up substantially but the buying public did not seem to care as we all know.

FM, the lighter IRS is lighter than the current IRS but it's heavier than the live axl.

Jesmol · 02-16-2002, 15:17

Guys, I thought the article said that the Barra had not met internal weight targets. That does not mean it will be a heavy car. The AU didn't meet the original target for weight, but still came in lighter than the EL.
The target Ford would have set would have been a reduction on the AU's weight, so maybe the car will weigh as much as an AU, maybe less. Who knows ??? .... just seems like a long time to wait for the final answers.

FM · 02-16-2002, 17:40

Quote:

Originally posted by RATT
FM, the lighter IRS is lighter than the current IRS but it's heavier than the live axl.

Ahhh gotchya..

02-16-2002, 23:10

I heard that the V8 SUpercar teams are having some problems with the weight of the new car. even with the AU they had trouble keeping the weight down. Holden cars had to add weights i think

laminge · 02-17-2002, 00:57

Does weight really mater.

I look at this way., so im 21 stone, am I gonna disadvatage the car cause I am driving it???