My 91 3.4 V6 is putting out 210hp and originally put out 280hp before being downtuned, so no i dont think technology has improved. In fact i dont think technology has made any jumps since the invention of fuel injection.
Example? Ok, how about the current CTS Cadillac uses the same transmission as my 91 Z34 and the engine is based on mine.
not enough? Ok, how about cars are still using disk/drum brakes, haven't those been around since the 50's? (sure they're better.. not much)
not convinced? Ok, what do they use in NASCARs? Carbureators
in drag cars? simple supercharger/carbureator set ups
Reliability? Has my 300,000km 91 car seen the shop? no. has the 2001 Expedition seen the shop? this year, o at least 5 times.
Pushrods, cams, Lifters, valves, have those changed since the 50s? nope
If you want more proof, just compare some old cars to new ones.
im too tired/lazy to continue.
everythings gone towards emissions and fuel economy, which im sorry to say wasn't the hardest thing ever achieved by man kind.
The 1948 Jeep engine im rebuilding has 88hp@3200rpm(think 79-93 mustang) and 155ft/lbs@2000rpm. this is a 4 cylinder engine, made what, 60 years ago? its got well over 200,000 miles and its being rebuilt now, in 2004.
Since most/hopefully all of you are mustang owners im sure you think that V8's are the most powerful things on the planet. (dont get me wrong, there is nothing better in the world then the sound of a V8). But a V6 and even the evil 4 cylinder engine can easily put out just as much horsepower and nearly the same torque as a V8. Now of course a V8 is CAPABLE of more power for less money, but practicallity wise its much smarter to make a 240hp V6/4 cylinder, it would be most likely cheaper and lighter, not to mention the relief on insurance costs. Of course hardcore racers aren't going to want these engines for REAL racing, unless their favorite food is rice, and thats where the big simple V8's come in, lots of power for cheap.
My point?
The BRAND NEW mustang platform isn't new, its old crap in a new combo. Once again everyone on the planet is sucked into mass media bull'Kiss Me''Kiss Me''Kiss Me''Kiss Me'.
I can't stand all the magazines/public talking about how advanced cars are, and how far they've come. First of all, all the car companies need to stop being chicken 'Kiss Me''Kiss Me''Kiss Me''Kiss Me's and try to invent a new type of engine, that runs on something other then gas, its possible we just have to discover it. A small block ford engine is nearly identical to a small block chevy/dodge/american small block. Walking through the motormech shop of ~20 engines the only two engines that can be recognized after quick glance? 1948 jeep, and a 3 cylinder Suzuki.
Sure car companies are making money and it is a risk, but its a risk worth taking. First of all, if your company invents an engine that runs on air, the only people dumb enough not to buy it dont deserve it anyways and are probably brushing their teeth with sugar. the other companies would be forced to come out with air powered engines if they wanted to stay in business. All of society benefits, and that is the first REAL technological jump since the invention of the car.