This is what Steve McQueen would drive today

[monoblanco]

http://www.passportsoccer.com/2011/a47/

[ButtJuice]

I love Steve McQueen

[Simon S]

Saw one of those new-generation Bullit edition Mustangs about a year ago.

I am not a Ford guy - but that particular model is pretty sweet. I think mostly, because there were no Ford emblems on it..

[monoblanco]

Saw one of those new-generation Bullit edition Mustangs about a year ago.

I am not a Ford guy - but that particular model is pretty sweet. I think mostly, because there were no Ford emblems on it..

Indeed there is not a lick of Ford on this car.

"The Harbinger is no ordinary Mustang. It’s purpose is to be a modern day vintage Trans-Am car. If they could have used today’s technology back in the days of the original Trans-Am series, Harbinger would be the end result. Every mechanical component of the Harbinger has been built or modified for optimal performance. AGENT 47 sells the Harbinger as a rolling chassis. With so many engine and transmission choices available for many different needs, AGENT 47 simply leaves these to be specified by the customer. AGENT 47 will produced only 250 examples of this car at a starting price of $59,500."

[Simon S]

I have to ask..

Solid rear axle?

[Simon S]

Checked the site out - that chassis does have remarkable work on it..

But if that $60K chassis has a live rear - it makes me want to throw up a little..

[Charlie]

Checked the site out - that chassis does have remarkable work on it..

But if that $60K chassis has a live rear - it makes me want to throw up a little..

Why? You ever driven a properly set up 5 link solid rear end? Does just fine.

I find it funny you'd harp on a solid axle on a forum where most people toss 800-1000 lb rear springs and a huge rear swaybar in the back of an e30 for handling.

-Charlie

[Simon S]

Yeah - you got me. Was totally jumping on the wagon there - and talking out my ass.

[Brandon12V]

well Simon does have a point. there's a reason Ford went to an independent rear-end on the Mustang. And the guys that put 800-1000lb springs on e30's is to delete the use of the rear sway, not to put a bigger one on. a solid axle can still handle well, but the advantages of using independent suspension are far outweighed by it when done correctly. My ass hurts from all the chatter.

[nando]

uhm, mustangs are still solid axle... unless you buy one of the $90k ones maybe.

[Brandon12V]

Sorry, I guess I should reiterate. The independents won't be put into production until the next generation comes out, but Ford announced they will not be producing another solid rear-axle Mustang.

[nando]

well since it doesn't actually exist yet and since the newer mustangs are as fast or faster than the newest M3 I'm not really sure what your point is. :p

[Brandon12V]

lol well, it still kind of applies. When Ford came out with the last generation, they changed the suspension's location, while still retaining the solid axle setup. The older chassis had an outdated design and proved to be pretty damn obsolete, having the shock & spring separate. The newer chassis that you speak of, that contends with the M3, has a true coilover setup, as well as changing the compression angle of the dampers. It was a hell of an improvement, but I would imagine that since they decided not to produce another mustang in this fashion they must be on to something. There's proper suspension to be had out of a solid rear axle car, but there are alot more options to run on a half shaft design. I would consider this to be the advantage I was speaking of.

[z31maniac]

IRS is significantly heavier, more complex and much more expensive. It also takes more room from the trunk if you care about that sort of thing.

And yet, isn't any faster around a similar IRS car.

So what is the advantage? Slightly improved ride comfort/handling over poorly conditioned roads/tracks?

[rThor432]

^^I agree with everything Z31Maniac stated.

I find it funny you'd harp on a solid axle on a forum where most people toss 800-1000 lb rear springs and a huge rear swaybar in the back of an e30 for handling.

Thank you for putting it that way. That is awesome.

There is really nothing wrong with solid axles guys.. Just a different approach to the same goal.