[The Automotive Enthusiast]

According to a blog entry from Ford tuner Steeda, the all-new Stang is heavier than the outgoing model by 200 to 300 pounds on average. Official specs of the 2015 Ford Mustang haven't been released yet, therefore this kind of info should be treated as a rumor.

Founded in 1988, Steeda Autosports is a tuning company specialized in manufacturing American made performance and appearance components for Ford models such as the Mustang, Fusion, Focus, Fiesta, Edge and F-Series.

Headquartered in Pompano Beach, Florida, Steeda is currently engaged in developing go-faster and visual enhancing products for the heavily anticipated 2015 Ford Mustang. The Blue Oval offered the tuner 4 pony cars to be extensively used for product development.

In its most recent blog post, the company declared that "the 2015 Mustang ended up gaining 200-300 pounds in this remake – and with weight being the 'enemy of performance', there are plenty of challenges needed to ensure that the 2015 iteration of America’s favorite pony car isn’t left at the starting line spinning its wheels against the competition."

Spinning its wheels against the competition isn't really a problem for the all-new model. In case you missed that bit of news, we remind you that both the manual and automatic Mustang GT models get an electronic line-lock system and launch control as standard. As for the 200 to 300-pound (90 – 136 kg) weight gain, we can't really put our finger on that kind of info unless the Blue Oval releases all the official stats of the new pony.

Maybe the Mustang is a little bit heavier than before, but this gain is justifiable if you take into account the more complex rear independent suspension system. Or maybe engineers worked their way around these new, heavier components by shedding weight in other places, who knows?

Wouldn't it be a bummer for the 2015 Ford Mustang to actually weigh almost 4,000 pounds (1,814 kilograms)?

http://www.autoevolution.com/news/20...del-81950.html

[Year's_End]

There's a 15+ page thread on Mustang6G.com. To summarize:

1) Ford has not released any official specs for weight or power output.

2) There was an interview back in 2010 where a Ford engineer was hoping to shave close to 90kg from the outgoing S197, but that was back in 2010. Coupled with completely misleading rumors from the likes of publications such as [the now defunct] Edmund's Insideline that the S550 platform would be about 1.5ft shorter in length, the community has assumed that there would be a 200-300 pound reduction in curb weight. The S550 is actually very close dimensionally compared to the S197; lower, similar length, and wider in the rear.

3) IRS does NOT add 200-300 pounds, contrary to what a bunch of ignorant people tend to post. For some reason, there is frequent referencing of the '03 Cobra's switch from a solid rear axle to IRS as the reason why it weighed an extra few hundred pounds more than the vanilla GT. What people don't take into account is that it had beefed up running gear and things like a supercharger, which will add significant weight. The IRS in the 2015 is an integral link type, unlike the "control blade" suspension in the Cobra. It's also much more aluminum-intensive, and should realistically add no more than ~100 pounds from the outgoing SRA.

4) What does need to be taken into consideration are the updated regulations that the S550 has to meet; particularly the safety standards for both US and EU markets. Structural reinforcement and the four additional airbags is not something that's easily overcome, despite heavy use of aluminum in the hood, front fenders, and (I think) trunk lid.

5) Steeda didn't give us specific weight figures, nor did they strap it to a dyno and give us WHP/TQ numbers, which should be as easy as 1-2-3 for them. Why be vague with something as important as this if they know the answer? If anything they have pre-production models. Not that weight should change significantly with a greenlit production model, but still.

6) Some have made good points coming up with ideas as to why Steeda would do something like this, which would throw out any likely NDAs. Maybe they're anchoring the weight at something that's initially shocking, so that Ford can come out and announce a marginal weight gain. This way it makes a much softer blow and doesn't completely disappoint the large crowd that was expecting a weight loss.

7) There has been a clear statement from a Ford rep that the S550 GT with a PP outrunning a Boss 302. That could mean anything, but what we can infer is that such a weight gain like this rumor would make it extremely difficult to meet that initial claim. Food for thought.

8) The C7 is 100 pounds heavier but far better in (I think) every parameter compared to the C6. Chassis stiffness/rigidity and powertrain tech is extremely important nowadays. If weight has gone up, is it in the right areas? How about unsprung weight?

There's a lot to think about with these latest batch of rumors. We should just wait for Ford to release the full sheet of numbers, and, most importantly, wait for real world testing and eval.

[quagmire]

This will be interesting if true once the Camaro switches to Alpha. Though wonder where GM is cutting costs to cheapen the platform for the Camaro....

I'm also not sure on if the 6th gen Camaro is Alpha (ATS) or Alpha+ (CTS) based.

[ragingclue]

The rumors were dumb to believe. Brains are good for using, a weight loss like that would require extensive exotic materials. Then it's pushed upmarket and loses all its bang for the buck credibility. That would be pretty asinine.

[Sered]

This was a rumor. Confirmed an 'estimate' by morons at Steeda.

And the GM Alpha platform is still very heavy. (the base 4cyl ATS is still around 3500lbs)

[quagmire]

Originally Posted by Sered

And the GM Alpha platform is still very heavy. (the base 4cyl ATS is still around 3500lbs)

ATS 2.5= 3315 lb.

ATS 2.0L= 3373 lb.

ATS 3.6 V6= 3461 lb.

320i= 3295 lb.

328i=3410 lb.

335i=3555 lb.

Only the 320i is lighter than the ATS equivalent. The weights listed are with the automatic transmission since GM doesn't state what the ATS 2.0T weighs with the optional stick.

[CirrusSR22]

Originally Posted by Sered

This was a rumor. Confirmed an 'estimate' by morons at Steeda.

And the GM Alpha platform is still very heavy. (the base 4cyl ATS is still around 3500lbs)

"Heavy" is all relative. The Alpha CTS is lighter than the equivalent 5 series, E class and A6.

[BMW269]

Too much of "German Engineering" Marketing. Cars cannot be light, if they have to fulfil all the customers "need" so as the regulations, which are for our safety (in most cases). The M3/M4 (F8X) has a weight loss compare to previous generation, but nowhere near as "advertised". The C Class (W205) lost weight, but a lot is tricky, like was the Cayman R (987). The 458 is way heavier than the given dry weight of 1380 kg. The Huracàn has a far better chassis than the outgoing Gallardo, a lot of use of exotic materials, yet is heavier than the Gallardo. Want a light car? Alfa Romeo 4C. But that car has nothing, so not a deal either for most. 100 kg more or less don't change a lot, for most.

Performance is more important than weight, but given the same performance, sure we'd all prefer the lighter car.

[happos2]

Maybe they weighed it with someone in it??

[Sered]

Originally Posted by quagmire

ATS 2.5= 3315 lb.

ATS 2.0L= 3373 lb.

ATS 3.6 V6= 3461 lb.

320i= 3295 lb.

328i=3410 lb.

335i=3555 lb.

Only the 320i is lighter than the ATS equivalent. The weights listed are with the automatic transmission since GM doesn't state what the ATS 2.0T weighs with the optional stick.

Uh no.

I know for a fact that the 335i doesn't weigh that much (mine was 3390ish on the scales with a 1/4 tank of gas). Get your numbers from someplace else. The turbo 4banger ATS (the only one that actually matters in this discussion) weighs almost 3500lbs, I can see a completely stripped down version dipping under 3400, but it'd be a loud rattletrap. The V6 engine in the ATS probably weighs more than a LS3/LT1.

Originally Posted by CirrusSR22

"Heavy" is all relative. The Alpha CTS is lighter than the equivalent 5 series, E class and A6.

That's great. It's also a smaller car. My S2000 weighed less than a 5-series too

[son_of_siggy]

Originally Posted by Sered

Uh no.

I know for a fact that the 335i doesn't weigh that much (mine was 3390ish on the scales with a 1/4 tank of gas). Get your numbers from someplace else. The turbo 4banger ATS (the only one that actually matters in this discussion) weighs almost 3500lbs, I can see a completely stripped down version dipping under 3400, but it'd be a loud rattletrap. The V6 engine in the ATS probably weighs more than a LS3/LT1.



That's great. It's also a smaller car. My S2000 weighed less than a 5-series too

Curb weights assume a full tank of gas as well as all other operating components/fluids in the car. With 1/4 tank you were holding ~ 25 lbs of fuel, so add another 75-80 lbs for a full tank. Not saying one of you is completely wrong or right, just stating that your particular weight session was not indicative of whether a given curb weight was right or wrong, as your vehicle wasn't using the same parameters. Were you IN the car when it weighted in at 3390. If so, that would be surprising.

[quagmire]

Originally Posted by Sered

Uh no.

I know for a fact that the 335i doesn't weigh that much (mine was 3390ish on the scales with a 1/4 tank of gas). Get your numbers from someplace else. The turbo 4banger ATS (the only one that actually matters in this discussion) weighs almost 3500lbs, I can see a completely stripped down version dipping under 3400, but it'd be a loud rattletrap. The V6 engine in the ATS probably weighs more than a LS3/LT1.

Those numbers are directly from Cadillac.com and bmwusa.com. That is the only objective numbers. Have an issue with them, complain to BMW and GM.

That's great. It's also a smaller car. My S2000 weighed less than a 5-series too

Warning: More numbers coming directly from the manufacture.

5 series:

Overall length: 193.1"
Width: 73.2"
Wheelbase: 116.9"


CTS:

Overall length: 195.5"
Width: 72.2"
Wheelbase: 114.6"

Are you going to call BS to those numbers and that you took a ruler to the 5 series and CTS?

Originally Posted by son_of_siggy

Curb weights assume a full tank of gas as well as all other operating components/fluids in the car. With 1/4 tank you were holding ~ 25 lbs of fuel, so add another 75-80 lbs for a full tank. Not saying one of you is completely wrong or right, just stating that your particular weight session was not indicative of whether a given curb weight was right or wrong, as your vehicle wasn't using the same parameters. Were you IN the car when it weighted in at 3390. If so, that would be surprising.

Not sure about GM because the website says curb weight, but BMW's website states unladen weight which does not include the weight of fuel.

[son_of_siggy]

Originally Posted by quagmire

Not sure about GM because the website says curb weight, but BMW's website states unladen weight which does not include the weight of fuel.

European Unladen weight is the same as US curb weight, except it's 90% fuel capacity but also factors in the weight of the driver (68kg) and minor cargo (7kg).

[quagmire]

Originally Posted by son_of_siggy

European Unladen weight is the same as US curb weight, except it's 90% fuel capacity but also factors in the weight of the driver (68kg) and minor cargo (7kg).

Though must be different in the UK as it is defined as no fuel, etc.

Unladen weight
The unladen weight of any vehicle is the weight of the vehicle when it’s not carrying any passengers, goods or other items.

It includes the body and all parts normally used with the vehicle or trailer when it’s used on a road.

It doesn’t include the weight of the fuel or, if it’s an electric vehicle, the batteries.

https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-weights-explained

[See5]

Originally Posted by Sered

And the GM Alpha platform is still very heavy. (the base 4cyl ATS is still around 3500lbs)

That's the first time I've ever heard the Alpha platform described as heavy. Both the ATS and CTS are about the lightest in class.

See here...

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...e-specs-page-6

And here...

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...e-specs-page-5

[Efthreeoh]

Who gives a crap about weight. Most all reviews of the ATS and new CTS indicate the Cadillacs have superior chassis as compared to their BMW counterparts. I can personally vouch for the ATS.

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

The scandal known as "2015 Ford Mustang Weightgate" is over. Thanks to a Ford dealer in Florida who exclusively supplied Jalopnik with the 2015 Mustang's Dealer Source Book, we know the actual weight of every model of the new 'Stang.



The other day we reported on a rumor from Ford tuner Steeda, which said that the 2015 Ford Mustang…

The information comes to us from dealer and longtime reader Joe Zahradnik, aka "Joe Z", of Wayne Akers Ford in West Palm Beach. We have emails in to Ford to confirm this info, but based on the Source Book it all appears legit. (Joe can be reached here if you want to buy a Mustang from him.)

Clearly, the Mustang's weight gain is pretty minimal compared to the old car, only about 20 to 80 pounds or so depending on the model. And with the addition of an independent rear suspension it's also more than likely going to be the superior handler

The good news is that it's gained a lot less weight than we thought it would based on the claims made by tuner Steeda, who may or may not have actually weighed the car — less than 100 pounds across the board.

http://jalopnik.com/the-2015-mustang...nds-1590194961

[Petros]

still somewhat heavy though

[-Wingman-]

Gained 300 lbs? Suddenly lost interest in this car. That is a significant increase in weight. They must be using the same materials Jag used to build the F-type....

[DieGrüneHölle]

The fact that they are not advertising or touting weight loss, is sign the car has probably gained weight.

How much? Has yet to be seen.

So much for the rumors from a year or two ago, that it was shrinking drastically in size and losing major lbs.

[swanson]

Originally Posted by -Wingman-

Gained 300 lbs? Suddenly lost interest in this car. That is a significant increase in weight. They must be using the same materials Jag used to build the F-type....

http://jalopnik.com/the-2015-mustang...nds-1590194961