Stacy94PGT

Ford plans to enhance new Mustang's ride; move to IRS not ruled out

AMY WILSON | Automotive News

LOS ANGELES -- Ford Motor Co. is planning upgrades to its new Mustang after just a few months on the market.

Ford product development chief Phil Martens wouldn't provide details of the changes. But he said the upgrades would improve ride and decrease noise, vibration and harshness.

"We're very aware of the shelf life of products," Martens said. "We've pulled it ahead."

He wouldn't detail the timing of any changes.

Barb Samardzich, Ford product development executive director overseeing the Mustang program, characterized the upgrades as the kind of continuous improvement that engineering teams tackle once a vehicle launch is out of the way.

Ford began selling the redesigned 2005 Mustang coupe in October. The 2005 Mustang convertible, which debuted at the Los Angeles auto show last week, goes on sale this spring.

Though he said he's pleased with the front and rear suspension on the redesigned Mustang, Martens also touted the value of independent rear suspension. The Mustang platform has a solid rear axle but was designed to accommodate an independent rear suspension module. Ford has typically used an independent rear suspension for the high-performance Mustang Cobra SVT.

He didn't rule out an eventual move to independent rear suspension for the Mustang platform.

Said Martens: "It is undecided."

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Stacy94PGT
My first car was a 67 Mustang Coupe, 2nd one was a 67 Cougar XR-7, 3rd one was a 66 Mustang Coupe. Why did I get rid of these cars for ? I know why, because I'm stupid, stupid, stupid.

My next Ford.....

ricthewheelie

should use the control blade from the BA Falcon

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BA Falcon SR, Pearl Blue, with ALL the fruit. Apline V12 amp Kenwood servo subwoofer Amp. Headers and Exhaust.

Old car = AU Futura, Galaxy blue, IRS, 16" mags, DBA Slotted rotors. Pity to see it go, very good, under- rated car, RIP

DRU842

WOuld this make it a Probe...? Only stirin'!

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1997 Alpine Green Probe, 18mm Swaybar, Custom Yellow & Black Italian Leather Interior, CD Stacker, Yellow Wiper Blades, Ford Australia 75th Anniversary Sticker & Badge, PRD Wires & Sills
2008 Blue Ambition Mondeo XR5, Bluetooth for work

ricthewheelie

nah, besides it originally comes from the Focus

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BA Falcon SR, Pearl Blue, with ALL the fruit. Apline V12 amp Kenwood servo subwoofer Amp. Headers and Exhaust.

Old car = AU Futura, Galaxy blue, IRS, 16" mags, DBA Slotted rotors. Pity to see it go, very good, under- rated car, RIP

LunaticSVT

Rumor has it that the svt version will come with your choice of either IRS or Live rear.