It's cool that more of them are blown out of the factory, but they're weak. I rather have an N/A engine with that power. I love the American V8s etc. Dodge got their little SRT-4, those STi are cool, the Evos are doing their own thing. To me the best sports cars anymore for the money seem like Mustang GTs, Cobras, and Camaros.
I agree, way too much research on "forced induction" lately and not enough research on new engine designs. I suppose most industry reps could challenge that remark but it sure seems that way. It is alot easier just to bolt on a blower of somekind (and cheaper) than to design a new engine from the ground up. Things go in cycles. Soon a whole new laundry list of engines will start to be released by all the major players. Trouble is, with the fuel prices as high as they have been, look for more econo boxes than speed demons.
Big trend is hybrids at the moment which is good and bad. Good from an environmental aspect but not too good, basically, for power. Much attention given to this part of the industry right now. Honda found one interesting thing.....if they combined the right combination of gas powered engine with a high powered electric engine, their 0-60 times actually went down. It is the combo of gas with electric together that accomplishes that little feat. Most hybrids tested today are a waste as technology isn't really up to snuff yet. Consumer Reports could not even approach any of the posted EPA mileage numbers the manufacturers put on the car's stickers. Plus they are heavy, expensive and require much more long term maintenance.
Big advantage the Mustang has over the Pony Car class is they don't fall apart. Cameros & Firebirds do not have even one listing in Consumers that is not in the black. Most people stopped buying them for that reason. Terribly troublesome cars. Besides, over the 5.0L designation in engines and the insurance boogyman starts to really rear its ugly head.
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'98 Mustang GT- Triple Black Convertible Gold Pony Graphics w/Gold Nose Pony Steeda Sport Springs, 3.73 Gears Tokico Struts & Shocks w/KYB Quads Magnaflow Catback, March Under Pulleys AF Plenum w/FR 70mm TB, BBK CAI EBC Rotors & Green "Snot
part of the reason they are going force induction is because turbo's help on gas milage and some cars they give alot more horsepower without taking any from the engine like superchargers. the only thing about turbos is they do lack on the torque side.
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Seems like I do not like the future of sports cars - 
