Taking a page out of the Foxbody Playbook isn't a bad idea. Its a car that has converted the most die hard chevy guys to race a ford. That and they couldnt beat em.... But it just goes to show how good and how affordable the Foxbody was/is.
Sounds like the hope of a smaller Mustang isn't happening if its sharing a platform with the exploder. Maybe they can still cut decent weight though if its aluminum.
Looks pretty sharp. I think the front area and headlights need a little tweeking but the shape is very sleek. Is that one of your renderings?
All the exaggeration is to show the design language. In sports car design the elements that relate to performance and emphasized. Long hoods, wide...
Maybe a offering a hybrid IS the way to keep the V8. Perhaps its a way to push up the overall average MPG and meet regulations. Just a thought cause I dont really know how that stuff works.
As for the weight, all the enthusiasts want a lighter Mustang for performance, and it will help MPG, but...
I'm thinking the S650 chassis will just be a revised S550. If Ford would drop a few hundred pounds all the performance numbers will fall right in place. Maybe make a Lincoln coupe off the platform to handle the grand touring sales and keep the mustang lean. But then again the Mustang has managed...