GT500 -ford's big mistake?
09-07-2006, 02:09 PM
#1
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GT500 -ford's big mistake?
I am a Ford fan through and through, but I also call 'em as I see 'em.
Over the last month I have seen several gt500's go down the 1/4 mile, and recently saw one being autox'd. If I was Ford i'd be g'danmd embarassed. Several people I have talked to about their recent gt500 purchases are upset. Most all say they expected more car. (I hardly feel sorry for the poor bastards that paid 10k+ over sticker for an early one) Most I see at the track can barely break into the 12's (if that).
Lets go back to the 04 cobra vs. 06 gt500 comparison for a sec. For about half as much $, Ford was able to produce a car that performed at a very similar level to the gt500. The only corner Ford cut on the terminator was going with a roots Eaton and not a screw. Several corners have been cut in the gt500, and it still is very pricey for what you get. To me, the terminator was a MUCH BETTER value. Yeah, maybe if you put a gt 500 in a time capsule and open it in 30 years, it might be a good value. In the gt500, Ford produced a marginally performing car for a pretty big price tag. A C6 vette is about the same price as a gt500, and the vette beats it in every category. (BTW, IMO, the C6 vette is possibly the best performance value in the world) Was Ford even attempting to compete with GM? I doubt it; I don't think they cared about anything more thhan making a few bucks. If they did care about this car's performance, they would have done a screw blower and an aluminum block. But those got scrapped because of cost, which backs up my logic.
I don't see much aftermarket following with the gt5000 compared to the terminator. Who wants a 4000 lb project drag car (or autox, for that matter). I think that this car will fizzle away pretty fast. My point is that the terminator will live on at the strip and the autox, but the gt500 will not. And that hurts Ford. The gt500 was created for 1 reason and 1 reason only; to make $, exploiting the Shelby name. That's the bottom line.
Over the last month I have seen several gt500's go down the 1/4 mile, and recently saw one being autox'd. If I was Ford i'd be g'danmd embarassed. Several people I have talked to about their recent gt500 purchases are upset. Most all say they expected more car. (I hardly feel sorry for the poor bastards that paid 10k+ over sticker for an early one) Most I see at the track can barely break into the 12's (if that).
Lets go back to the 04 cobra vs. 06 gt500 comparison for a sec. For about half as much $, Ford was able to produce a car that performed at a very similar level to the gt500. The only corner Ford cut on the terminator was going with a roots Eaton and not a screw. Several corners have been cut in the gt500, and it still is very pricey for what you get. To me, the terminator was a MUCH BETTER value. Yeah, maybe if you put a gt 500 in a time capsule and open it in 30 years, it might be a good value. In the gt500, Ford produced a marginally performing car for a pretty big price tag. A C6 vette is about the same price as a gt500, and the vette beats it in every category. (BTW, IMO, the C6 vette is possibly the best performance value in the world) Was Ford even attempting to compete with GM? I doubt it; I don't think they cared about anything more thhan making a few bucks. If they did care about this car's performance, they would have done a screw blower and an aluminum block. But those got scrapped because of cost, which backs up my logic.
I don't see much aftermarket following with the gt5000 compared to the terminator. Who wants a 4000 lb project drag car (or autox, for that matter). I think that this car will fizzle away pretty fast. My point is that the terminator will live on at the strip and the autox, but the gt500 will not. And that hurts Ford. The gt500 was created for 1 reason and 1 reason only; to make $, exploiting the Shelby name. That's the bottom line.
09-07-2006, 02:31 PM
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RE: GT500 -ford's big mistake?
It's not so much Im bashing the new Shelby, I'm bashing Ford for releasing it.
The c6 vette bases at around 44k; pretty close to the GT500's base.
It's not like the gt500's price wasn't already high-ish. Ford should have just done the aluminum block and screw blower, raised the car's price, and they would have had more satisfied customers. I just don't like Ford 'hedging' on a 'Shelby' product.
Aren't these cars $40,000? That's $15,000 less than the 'Vette.
It's not like the gt500's price wasn't already high-ish. Ford should have just done the aluminum block and screw blower, raised the car's price, and they would have had more satisfied customers. I just don't like Ford 'hedging' on a 'Shelby' product.
09-07-2006, 02:35 PM
#6
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RE: GT500 -ford's big mistake?
Even though she is a bit porky, there ain't nothing wrong with the GT500. Besides, Evan Smith ran one to a 12.23@118, so don't go blaming the car for other people not being able to drive. You could say the same thing about the Terminator when it first came out; considerably heavier than the GT or Mach and most people were having trouble running low 13s with it. Besides, that motor in it has plenty of potential. When an eventual KB set-up comes out, probably making 650rwhp with supporting mods, then you'll be glad the car weights five gazillion pounds, at least you'll get traction. Besides, there is always weight reduction...
09-07-2006, 02:45 PM
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RE: GT500 -ford's big mistake?
09-07-2006, 02:53 PM
#8
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RE: GT500 -ford's big mistake?
I think it would be one hell of a daily driver, just like how most people use a corvette. from what I hear, it's got a sh*tload of power right off idle. it's more versatile than any corvette, extra seats and a decent trunk (I assume the trunk space is the same as a v6 or gt). so basically, it seems like I'd buy a vette if I wanted a 2 seat coupe, or a gt500 if I wanted more space.
09-07-2006, 02:57 PM
#9
RE: GT500 -ford's big mistake?
ORIGINAL: Birdieman4
It's not so much Im bashing the new Shelby, I'm bashing Ford for releasing it.
The c6 vette bases at around 44k; pretty close to the GT500's base.
It's not like the gt500's price wasn't already high-ish. Ford should have just done the aluminum block and screw blower, raised the car's price, and they would have had more satisfied customers. I just don't like Ford 'hedging' on a 'Shelby' product.
It's not so much Im bashing the new Shelby, I'm bashing Ford for releasing it.
Aren't these cars $40,000? That's $15,000 less than the 'Vette.
It's not like the gt500's price wasn't already high-ish. Ford should have just done the aluminum block and screw blower, raised the car's price, and they would have had more satisfied customers. I just don't like Ford 'hedging' on a 'Shelby' product.
If I could get a GT500 for $40k (or thereabouts), I'd have one in my garage. No questions asked. First mod would be a dyno tune. Next would be some DR's. That should be around $1,000. If it then couldn't run into the 12's I'd be shocked.
