My Gt and a few thoughts about Ford

[S592R]

Over the last few weeks I have had the pleasure to drive my GT over 1500 miles and while cruising down the road it hit me how wonderful a car the GT is.
Cruising along around 90 mph rather effortlessly, smoothly taking turns without the need for braking, with a nice pleasant grin plastered across my face. Then my mind began to wonder to all the "what ifs" which quickly turned to one large "why?".

Why doesn't Ford take all the great people that helped build this car fold them into SVT and then make SVT a boutique car manufacturer to build all the wonderful cars that these talented people conjure up. You know like the GR-1. It helps Ford get around the corporate CAFE regulations and gives them the ability to compete against the marquee lines like Ferrari, McLaren, Lamborghini, and the rest.

Ford if you are listening there are a ton of people here that will buy those cars. Loyal owners that buy trucks, vans, and fleet cars for their business(s). Loyal owners that bought the GT and now are hording them due to their love of the car and its quality ... not from its lineage... that was just a hook ... but the car's personality won us over.

The question for Ford is this ... how many cars if you pre-sold would it take to make a boutique production run.. 500? ... 1000? Give us a number ... test the market. You unloaded Aston Martin, Now Jaguar and Land Rover ....where else do we go to know for our luxury and exotic brand fix?

The question I ask all the owners here is this. If Ford built the GR-1 or similar would you buy it? If so please post a +1.

Oh yeah Ford, I'd buy one and have heard from three others that aren't on this forum that will also so lets start this unofficial ... unaffiliated count at FOUR.

 

[STORMCAT]

Over the last few weeks I have had the pleasure to drive my GT over 1500 miles and while cruising down the road it hit me how wonderful a car the GT is.
Cruising along around 90 mph rather effortlessly, smoothly taking turns without the need for braking, with a nice pleasant grin plastered across my face. Then my mind began to wonder to all the "what ifs" which quickly turned to one large "why?".

Why doesn't Ford take all the great people that helped build this car fold them into SVT and then make SVT a boutique car manufacturer to build all the wonderful cars that these talented people conjure up. You know like the GR-1. It helps Ford get around the corporate CAFE regulations and gives them the ability to compete against the marquee lines like Ferrari, McLaren, Lamborghini, and the rest.

Ford if you are listening there are a ton of people here that will buy those cars. Loyal owners that buy trucks, vans, and fleet cars for their business(s). Loyal owners that bought the GT and now are hording them due to their love of the car and its quality ... not from its lineage... that was just a hook ... but the car's personality won us over.

The question for Ford is this ... how many cars if you pre-sold would it take to make a boutique production run.. 500? ... 1000? Give us a number ... test the market. You unloaded Aston Martin, Now Jaguar and Land Rover ....where else do we go to know for our luxury and exotic brand fix?

The question I ask all the owners here is this. If Ford built the GR-1 or similar would you buy it? If so please post a +1.

Oh yeah Ford, I'd buy one and have heard from three others that aren't on this forum that will also so lets start this unofficial ... unaffiliated count at FOUR.

I like this Idea.. But forget the GR-1 I would like to see another version of the GT. Rear / mid engine cars cannot be beat for traction, handling and braking. They spent a lot of money to develop the GT. I would prefer to see another car based on it's under pinning. The hard work has been done. Ford should recapture this investment.. A new body, interior and some gull wing doors and your good to go !!

 

[dbk]

Not happenin. I regret to say that this kind of stuff means absolutely nothing to Ford. Been there many times. Actually, probably slightly less than nothing. Are there people on board with building another halo car? Sure. Several, and they are influential. Is there anyone ready to say "here's $200 million to do it"? No. It wouldn't matter if you walked in and said "Here's a letter with 1000 signatures and a check for ten million", it's just not happening at this time. Core business is being fixed. The resource pull required for a vehicle on the periphery is too great right now. We'll try again in 2 years.

SVT's role is already being transformed so what's mentioned above is definitely not happenin. SVT is going to continue to design, engineer and produce high performance vehicles, but don't expect it to be as heavily "branded" as in the past. They've got several vehicles currently in the works they are very busy with, but nothing GT level. SVT's website also just kicked the bucket, which some people will freak out about as proof it is dead, but that's not what it means. SVT is alive and well, it just won't be used in the same sense an SRT or AMG organization is.

 

[ChipBeck]

Making brownies while the house is on fire.

A while back DBK started a thread entitled "Can We Get This Built Please" or something like that. I would love to own a GR-1 and it holds more allure for me than any other supercar I have seen. The Ford Motor Company has more than enough talent and production facilities to build whatever it wants. The problem right now is money. I'm not sure but I think Ford spent over 200 million on the GT program (about $50,000 per car produced) on design, engineering, and other expenses before the start of production. That's a lot of money and talent expended on just 4000 cars. Alan Mullally is the right man to be at the helm of Ford right now and I'm sure he's spending resources in areas that will bring them the best possible return. Unfortunately for me, that area is certainly not the GR-1.

If the day ever comes when they do build it, I will buy it.

Chip

 

[tiger 6]

Not happenin. I regret to say that this kind of stuff means absolutely nothing to Ford. Been there many times. Actually, probably slightly less than nothing. Are there people on board with building another halo car? Sure. Several, and they are influential. Is there anyone ready to say "here's $200 million to do it"? No. It wouldn't matter if you walked in and said "Here's a letter with 1000 signatures and a check for ten million", it's just not happening at this time. Core business is being fixed. The resource pull required for a vehicle on the periphery is too great right now. We'll try again in 2 years.

SVT's role is already being transformed so what's mentioned above is definitely not happenin. SVT is going to continue to design, engineer and produce high performance vehicles, but don't expect it to be as heavily "branded" as in the past. They've got several vehicles currently in the works they are very busy with, but nothing GT level. SVT's website also just kicked the bucket, which some people will freak out about as proof it is dead, but that's not what it means. SVT is alive and well, it just won't be used in the same sense an SRT or AMG organization is.

Agree 100%.

 

[Neilda]

I can see both sides of the argument - customers who would buy and Ford's bottom line which prevents the car being made. The current economic climate is not overly picturesque either.

 

[S592R]

Well .... I guess it all means that we should all buy a second (third, fourth .. whatever) to savor for years to come. I guess the only car on the horizon that even intrigues me is the Audi R8 TDI. although the 2009 Lambo is interesting in photos.

(we need a sigh emoticon)

 

[Empty Pockets]

Well .... I guess it all means that we should all buy a second (third, fourth .. whatever) to savor for years to come. I guess the only car on the horizon that even intrigues me is the Audi R8 TDI. although the 2009 Lambo is interesting in photos.

(we need a sigh emoticon)

We also need a hurl icon - BUT I WON'T BRING THAT UP AGAIN.

I like the '09 Gallardos. 'Stole juuuuuuuuuuust enough off the Rev. from just the right places to make it real sharp looking. EG: the nose treatment is "way kool".

 

[silver1331]

Well .... I guess it all means that we should all buy a second (third, fourth .. whatever) to savor for years to come.

I agree! I also think its extremely unlikely Ford will put money into developing a new GT or supercar...even though you can make a good case for how much free advertising they get from it!

Mulally has a ton of other issues right now at Ford including - US recession, union buyouts, developing product that will actually sell in volume, and closing hte Jag/LR sale. Not to mention the financial market that are hitting Ford motor credit.

When ford was on the brink in the 80s it was the taurus that saved them, i the 90s it was the explorer...to get out of this they need to spend $ on a high volume platform, which (obviously) a GT or similar car will never be.

 

[Silverbullitt]

I think Steve has an excellent idea. If not SVT look at the new Saleen supercar concept. That would keep everything an arms length away from Ford. The GR-1 is the only car I have ever seen that would make me part with the GT.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/autoshows/newyork/2008/saleens5sraptornews.html

 

[Fubar]

I think Steve has an excellent idea. If not SVT look at the new Saleen supercar concept. That would keep everything an arms length away from Ford. The GR-1 is the only car I have ever seen that would make me part with the GT.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/autoshows/newyork/2008/saleens5sraptornews.html

+1

Saleen is Fords boutique car company.

 

[S592R]

but not owned by them .... I think the parts source is mostly Ford. (at least for now ....)

Watch out and keep an eye on Dodge's actions with the viper post their final model.

 

[dbk]

+1

Saleen is Fords boutique car company.

Saleen and Ford have very little relationship anymore. In fact, Saleen is painting Vipers now, which is one more OEM product than they touch for Ford. :lol

Ford is really entrenched with Roush. Roush does all kinds of development for Ford, including engine development. If you go to the SVT offices, you can hardly tell who works for Ford/SVT and who works for Roush. Our very own GT Guys were an example.

 

[usmcfred]

Over the last few weeks I have had the pleasure to drive my GT over 1500 miles and while cruising down the road it hit me how wonderful a car the GT is.
Cruising along around 90 mph rather effortlessly, smoothly taking turns without the need for braking, with a nice pleasant grin plastered across my face. Then my mind began to wonder to all the "what ifs" which quickly turned to one large "why?".

Why doesn't Ford take all the great people that helped build this car fold them into SVT and then make SVT a boutique car manufacturer to build all the wonderful cars that these talented people conjure up. You know like the GR-1. It helps Ford get around the corporate CAFE regulations and gives them the ability to compete against the marquee lines like Ferrari, McLaren, Lamborghini, and the rest.

Ford if you are listening there are a ton of people here that will buy those cars. Loyal owners that buy trucks, vans, and fleet cars for their business(s). Loyal owners that bought the GT and now are hording them due to their love of the car and its quality ... not from its lineage... that was just a hook ... but the car's personality won us over.

The question for Ford is this ... how many cars if you pre-sold would it take to make a boutique production run.. 500? ... 1000? Give us a number ... test the market. You unloaded Aston Martin, Now Jaguar and Land Rover ....where else do we go to know for our luxury and exotic brand fix?

The question I ask all the owners here is this. If Ford built the GR-1 or similar would you buy it? If so please post a +1.

Oh yeah Ford, I'd buy one and have heard from three others that aren't on this forum that will also so lets start this unofficial ... unaffiliated count at FOUR.

Look guys, we all love our FGT's but if anyone thinks the answer to Ford's incredibly complicated global problems can even remotely be fixed by building limited production supercars that sell for 6 figures, your dreaming. Ford has taken many positive steps in the last year. It's mass produced products, like the Edge, look great, are quality vehicles priced competitively and are selling ... even in this lousy economy. These and light trucks are the type of products that will lead Ford out of the wilderness and back to profitability, not more sexy two seat "Halo" cars like the GT or GR-1.

To survive and return to profitability, Ford has to beat Toyota, Nissan, Honda and GM, not Ferrari and Lamborghini. We are all fortunate that Bill Ford wanted something very special to mark Ford's 100th anniversary ... now it's back to reality and building great cars in high volume to beat the Camry's, Accord's and Silverado's .

usmcfred

 

[S592R]

Look guys, we all love our FGT's but if anyone thinks the answer to Ford's incredibly complicated global problems can even remotely be fixed by building limited production supercars that sell for 6 figures, your dreaming. Ford has taken many positive steps in the last year. It's mass produced products, like the Edge, look great, are quality vehicles priced competitively and are selling ... even in this lousy economy. These and light trucks are the type of products that will lead Ford out of the wilderness and back to profitability, not more sexy two seat "Halo" cars like the GT or GR-1.

To survive and return to profitability, Ford has to beat Toyota, Nissan, Honda and GM, not Ferrari and Lamborghini. We are all fortunate that Bill Ford wanted something very special to mark Ford's 100th anniversary ... now it's back to reality and building great cars in high volume to beat the Camry's, Accord's and Silverado's .

usmcfred

Fred ... glad you are back some of us where wondering where you went.

I'm not having an illusion about Ford making the corporate bottom line on one halo car. But just simply rambling that would it not be nice if some corporate wiggle could occur and this talented team be split to a newco similar in structure to saleen in order to produce these fantasy cars.

I agree that Ford needs some winners to be back into profitability. But as I mentioned in September they already have a car in Europe that would sell like gangbusters in the USA (IMHO). They juse refuse to allow it to be sold in the us as its not an "american market" winner. Personally, over the last few months I wished I had that S-max on more than one trip to the pump while driving my Land Cruiser.

Ford, Chrysler and GM need to have a line of fuel efficient cars for the US market NOW if they are going to be profitable. With fuel at $4 a gallon the us buyers are flocking to trade cars based upon fuel mileage .... just like in the last gas crisis. But to be honest most of us here are less concerned about mileage than the average american .... but remember that every time we sit down in to one of our GT's we are living someone else's dream. That is something that I never forget ... and will never. Its the reason that I politely answer every question I am asked about the car when I am out in public with a smile on my face. Being thankful to be the guy behind the wheel instead of the one wishing I was and my earlier post was just that a wish for a way to fulfill one of my dreams.

 

[dbk]

I'm not having an illusion about Ford making the corporate bottom line on one halo car. But just simply rambling that would it not be nice if some corporate wiggle could occur and this talented team be split to a newco similar in structure to saleen in order to produce these fantasy cars.

I agree that Ford needs some winners to be back into profitability. But as I mentioned in September they already have a car in Europe that would sell like gangbusters in the USA (IMHO). They juse refuse to allow it to be sold in the us as its not an "american market" winner. Personally, over the last few months I wished I had that S-max on more than one trip to the pump while driving my Land Cruiser.

The talent migration from one area to another is really, in my estimation, the only thing keeping them from doing it. A guy like Tom Reichenbach who was a chief architect of the way the Ford GT drives is busy on stuff like the EcoBoost and MKS programs. The SVT guys have other new products *cough cough* that will be arriving in the next 3-4 years keeping them busy. Hanneman is gone. Ressler is gone. Etc etc. You don't want to yank the talent from the core stuff, but you're not putting the B players on the halo product.

On the second point, you won't be waiting long. One World Ford is coming, and it's coming quick. Thank God. C1 platform Focus will be here in under 2 years. That means (should mean) Focus ST and Focus RS. Transit is about to become a U.S commercial utility vehicle. I can't speak for S-Max but it's a definite possibility. Mullaly, Farley, and Kuzak know what they are doing. And the good news is that if the rest of this turns stuff around, Farley is a real live legitimate car guy. Not a photo op bonehead, but a guy that actually owns some decent cars, likes racing, and has a handle on how to build grassroots enthusiasm for your brand (i.e the fun stuff).

 

[S592R]

The talent migration from one area to another is really, in my estimation, the only thing keeping them from doing it. A guy like Tom Reichenbach who was a chief architect of the way the Ford GT drives is busy on stuff like the EcoBoost and MKS programs. The SVT guys have other new products *cough cough* that will be arriving in the next 3-4 years keeping them busy. Hanneman is gone. Ressler is gone. Etc etc.

On the second point, you won't be waiting long. One World Ford is coming, and it's coming quick. Thank God. C1 platform Focus will be here in under 2 years. That means (should mean) Focus ST and Focus RS. Transit is about to become a U.S commercial utility vehicle. I can't speak for S-Max but it's a definite possibility. Mullaly, Farley, and Kuzak know what they are doing. And the good news is that if the rest of this turns stuff around, Farley is a real live legitimate car guy. Not a photo op bonehead, but a guy that actually owns some decent cars, likes racing, and has a handle on how to build grassroots enthusiasm for your brand (i.e the fun stuff).

Thanks for the post DBK its nice to have an "inside" look at the situation. I for one truly LOVE my GT and wish for more products of its caliber to be available for purchase. Knowing they exist but can not be purchased only frustrates when you walk into the showroom on the way to pick up that case of oil or what not for your GT and you see what frankly is an inferior product by comparison. I'm sure many of us have heard "I didn't know Ford could build something like that!" Which really is a shame. I have a 94 Ford Pickup that I refuse to let go since its perfect for the job it does and that nothing on the market could even come close to it right now. It carries more than I could ever need to, pulls a 24 foot trailer quite well, gets better mileage than anything on the market now, does exactly what I ask it to do and best of all always works. Funny but this weekend someone asked me why I didn't buy a Ferrari instead ... my answer.... "I know that it will always work, that I can work on it, its american, its an incredibly beautiful car that is classic rather than trendy and best of all ..... its truly the best bang for the buck in a supercar." reliability and value are what most americans want in a daily driver car. But I digress.

Thank you for your note ... I'm glad that the talent is still there and will continue to dream about "one day"

I've raved about the Smax ... so here's a link to fifth gear. take a look. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-703NrUEnM&feature=related

 

[ChipBeck]

A quality long-term relationship.

Knowing they exist but can not be purchased only frustrates when you walk into the showroom on the way to pick up that case of oil or what not for your GT and you see what frankly is an inferior product by comparison.

Gentlemen,

My daily driver is a 2004 Ford Expedition. Today, on my return home from driving Charley to school the odometer clicked over 100,000 miles. This is a milestone in my life as I have never before purchased a new vehicle and driven it 100,000 miles. I kept it because I intend to give it to Charley nine months from now when he turns 16. I believe it will be about the safest thing a 16-year-old young man could drive. My Expedition runs, sounds, and feels just like it did the day I took it off the showroom floor. The alignment is perfect, it does not have a single squeak or rattle, and every power accessory and feature on the car operates perfectly. It has been four wheeled extensively off road and has pulled a 6500 pound boat all over Arizona. I'm ordering a brand-new King Ranch Expedition to replace it. I have a one-year-old Shelby Mustang that has been flawless, not requiring a single warantee repair. My Ford GT is two years old now and with the exception of the GT guys changing the oil and adding a few accessories it has never been in the shop. I buy and drive Ford products exclusively. I love the company and I love their products. I consider the Ford Motor Company to be the Harley Davidson of American automobile manufacturers. Here's to their good health. :cheers

Chip

 

[junior]

The only way to survival is to do better in sales than Toyota and Honda, not to buuild another "halo" car. The way to do it is for Ford to hire Carlos Ghosn (Nissan' chief), he braught Nissan and Renault from the dead and made them profitable.
Right now the quality is almost there, however, the perception of Ford Quality is still below the rest.

 

[S592R]

Chip ... I meant inferior in comparison to the GT. I agree that Ford builds a good car in the US. Unfortunately, when I drive a FORD overseas ... they are all GREAT cars and I wish I could own their world cars.

sorry for not being clearer... but thank you for your input on the expedition.