I did some reading after this thread, and saw statements by Ford engineers to the effect that they could only please one of two groups, and they went with the 1/4 mile dragsters who had a strong preference for the live axle. Having proven what they could accomplish with the live axle (reference the track times) they will go to an IRS for the next generation. We'll see.

Interesting. That's an arguable position on the behalf of Ford. However, if they tried hard I'm sure they could make an IRS perform on the 1/4 mile but I guess it may be harder to convince the luddites of the benefits of IRS.

The IRS that they put in the Mustang a few years back was similar to the one used in the T Bird. It broke halfshafts at the drag strip, apparently. It wasn't a brilliant IRS, it cost more, and it was heavier.

The thing is, the Mustang isn't seen as a sports car by most of the people buying them. Repeat Mustang buyers apparently want Shelby references, live axles, V8 engines, and retro styling. The formula seems to be working for Ford, though, as they are coming up to 50 years with this model.

Ford's main SUV for years had an IRS, interestingly. OK, the Explorer wasn't exactly a Land Rover, but they can build an IRS if they want to.

As we all know marketing will, unfortunately, trump engineering every time. I just personally hate live axles on a road vehicle given the driving environment in country Australia is fast but bumpy roads, and live axles just don't cut the mustard. Conversely, if you want off road, live axles are the way to go.

I wonder how much the rat bastard Ford dealerships will be marking up the Boss Mustangs. When I tried to buy a GT500 3 years ago, they were acting like they had an F430 sitting in their showroom. Anything under 40k is a great deal for this car.

The live rear axle wouldn't be a total deal breaker for me. Especially because Ford has done so much with it and the fact that the roads around metro Atlanta are typically asphalt that is smooth as glass. If I had a choice, I would prefer them to switch to a good IRS setup. Then again, I am not their typical buyer.

I agree with JCL on the key comments. Ford should be proud of developing such a performance oriented vehicle. I think BMW can sometimes place too much emphasis on luxury based items. Most M3's are packed with goodies that I really don't care much about. It would be nice to see them focus a little attention to performance oriented versions without the typical luxuries. I know BMW makes the e92 M3 GTS now, but that car is like $170,000 or something crazy, so I don't really count that one. I may be replacing my daily driver soon, so I have been looking around for e46 M3's. I am most interested in the models with cloth interior, no GPS and the sunroof delete. Do you know how hard it is to find them? Nearly impossible.

Kloogy, you are right about dealers marking these cars up. Especially as Ford is saying they are limited editions. I bet they are going to rape the most eager buyers in the beginning. I also agree with you that for around $40k, this car is a great deal. I would actually rather have this model than a more expensive GT500, personally. The current GT500 is just way to heavy. Especially over the front axles.

This is a short video from the U.S. Top Gear. I know these guys are a little hard to watch, but he does start the car at the end of the clip. It sounds pretty mean.

That does sound really good. The exhaust set up is pretty unique on the Boss.

Yeah, besides sounding beastly, the turn downs look pretty cool from underneath.

I guess most people think base prices will be around $40,000, not $35,000 as I stated earlier. I wonder how bad the markups will be though and how hard these will be to actually purchase?

I am hoping to get a new (or newer) car in the next 6 months or so and I have had my mind on an e46 M3 as it has been a personal favorite of mine since it was introduced, but this Boss 302 is becomming more and more intriguing. I figure I would have to spend $22,000 to $25,000 to get an M3 in the condition I want, plus maintenance in the first 5 years I had the car would have to be about $5,000 to $10,000, if not more. If I can find a Boss for about $40,000 the choice becomes a little harder. I would personally rather have the e46 M3 than an everyday GT, but this Boss is something special, imo.

On a side note, a one of a kind Grabber Blue Boss 302 sells for $450,000 at Barrett-Jackson!:wow:

Barrett-Jackson 2011: Grab your wallet for a Grabber Blue Boss 302 *Update — Autoblog