Whatever Happened to "Sporty Coupes"?
Lexus Fanatic
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From: tech capital
But back to the original topic, what happened to the sporty coupes...
Toyota and Honda used to be so good at this fickle segment.
Maybe Lexus could do well here. At least a ISx50 coupe to compete with BMW, although I know that's a jump up in price segment over the sporty coupes of the 90's even when adjusted for inflation.
Toyota and Honda used to be so good at this fickle segment.
Maybe Lexus could do well here. At least a ISx50 coupe to compete with BMW, although I know that's a jump up in price segment over the sporty coupes of the 90's even when adjusted for inflation.
Lexus Fanatic
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
But the Camaro and Challenger engineers actually engineered a better solution.
I like Mustang's, as long as gas stays below $3/gallon.
Who care about "junior impressing his girlfriend with burnouts" (that's a fun image right there), he bought the car used and is out of warranty anyway. 
And I, myself, live next door to a high school, and I can guarantee you that burnouts are part of the game, not just a simple stereotype.
The potentially sweet car coming out soon will be the 300hp direct injection V6 Camaro.
Last edited by mmarshall; Feb 28, 2009 at 04:47 PM.
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From: tech capital
Yes, I'm looking forward to driving the new Camaro. Maybe that is the answer as to "what happened to the sporty coupes". Maybe they will bring this segment back. Because it might be right-sized and fuel-efficient enough to be relavent even into the future, we can only hope.
Maybe that is the answer as to "what happened to the sporty coupes". Maybe they will bring this segment back. Because it might be right-sized and fuel-efficient enough to be relavent even into the future, we can only hope.
Lexus Fanatic
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From: tech capital
Maybe increasingly sporty 4 doors have absorbed much of that sport coupe demand.
Lexus Fanatic
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From: tech capital
Let me try some responses:
Obviously I need to improve my editing skills for line item responses. Please forgive my sloppiness.
Maybe so, but a slick Mustang PR campaign doesn't explain why live axles are used in heavy-duty vehicles that are built for heavy loads.
You are correct, the Mustang PR campaign made no mention of its trucks at all. Nor did they discuss the use of the cheap solid rear axle in the gutless V6 version.
Maybe, maybe not. We'll see how those cars hold up with use. Not many Challengers have been sold, yet, and we're still waiting for the new Camaro. We may not get a Camaro SS at first, with its powerful V8 to test that IRS.....GM may have a hold, right now, on high-performance V8's.
GM has done a fine job with IRS in the high power V8 Corvette. SRT Hemi's (Chargers/300's) have already done well with the same rear end used in the Challenger. Maybe Ford needs to get with the program too.
Gas prices, right now, look fairly stable in the short run. But in the long run, however, especially as the economy improves, demand will go up, more miles will be driven, and prices will rise. (Some increase in demand will come anyway, this spring and summer, with warmer temperatures and better driving weather)
I can buy into that generic description of the future of gas prices.
Well, yes, the car may be out of warranty. But Ford's drivetain warranty, now, is 5/60.....it went up from 3/36 a few years ago. When you were driving your Mustang it was probably still 3/36.
Like most skeptical buyers of Fords I opted for extending the factory-backed transferable warranty to 60K miles at point of sale (Z-plan).
And I, myself, live next door to a high school, and I can guarantee you that burnouts are part of the game, not just a simple stereotype.
Maybe they are filming another Fast and Furious in front of your house, that's exciting/dangerous. But I know most high school kids are driving lowered front wheel drive Japanese machinery. Hopefully they don't pop any CV joints.
You are correct, the Mustang PR campaign made no mention of its trucks at all. Nor did they discuss the use of the cheap solid rear axle in the gutless V6 version.Maybe, maybe not. We'll see how those cars hold up with use. Not many Challengers have been sold, yet, and we're still waiting for the new Camaro. We may not get a Camaro SS at first, with its powerful V8 to test that IRS.....GM may have a hold, right now, on high-performance V8's.
GM has done a fine job with IRS in the high power V8 Corvette. SRT Hemi's (Chargers/300's) have already done well with the same rear end used in the Challenger. Maybe Ford needs to get with the program too.Gas prices, right now, look fairly stable in the short run. But in the long run, however, especially as the economy improves, demand will go up, more miles will be driven, and prices will rise. (Some increase in demand will come anyway, this spring and summer, with warmer temperatures and better driving weather)
I can buy into that generic description of the future of gas prices. Well, yes, the car may be out of warranty. But Ford's drivetain warranty, now, is 5/60.....it went up from 3/36 a few years ago. When you were driving your Mustang it was probably still 3/36.
Like most skeptical buyers of Fords I opted for extending the factory-backed transferable warranty to 60K miles at point of sale (Z-plan). And I, myself, live next door to a high school, and I can guarantee you that burnouts are part of the game, not just a simple stereotype.
Maybe they are filming another Fast and Furious in front of your house, that's exciting/dangerous. But I know most high school kids are driving lowered front wheel drive Japanese machinery. Hopefully they don't pop any CV joints. Please forgive my sloppiness.
Lexus Fanatic
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Posts: 94,460
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Originally Posted by IS-SV
You are correct, the Mustang PR campaign made no mention of its trucks at all. Nor did they discuss the use of the cheap solid rear axle in the gutless V6 version.
Maybe they are filming another Fast and Furious in front of your house, that's exciting/dangerous. But I know most high school kids are driving lowered front wheel drive Japanese machinery. Hopefully they don't pop any CV joints.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 14,100
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From: tech capital
The point I was making, irregardless of the Mustang, is that the near-universal-use of live axles on trucks and many truck-based SUVs proves its durability. The Honda Ridgeline is the only pickup I know with IRS, and it has greatly restricted towing/hauling capability.
Got your point on trucks, agree 100%. Yes for heavy load hauling and trailer towing nothing beats a solid rear axle. Also another thing that truck manufacturers consider is the use of coil vs. leaf springs. Obviously coils are preferred, but leaf springs are less likely to be damaged when the customer "overloads" the vehicle.
In my neighborhood, they drive both traditional high-performance cars and hopped-up Civics.
Got your point on trucks, agree 100%. Yes for heavy load hauling and trailer towing nothing beats a solid rear axle. Also another thing that truck manufacturers consider is the use of coil vs. leaf springs. Obviously coils are preferred, but leaf springs are less likely to be damaged when the customer "overloads" the vehicle.
In my neighborhood, they drive both traditional high-performance cars and hopped-up Civics.
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