Mach I , Boss and ?
1/11/06 | 02:21 PM
#22
Team Mustang Source Legacy Member
Joined: August 23, 2004
Posts: 5,448
Likes: 13
The GT/CS thread is still dead. Glad I saved the pics. 
The scoops definitely looked better than the '01-'04's.
The hood scoop looks closest to the Roush scoop, but better since it doesn't slope back at the front edge.
If you like scoops and the retro '66 Shelby GT350 look, they're the best out there.
The scoops definitely looked better than the '01-'04's.
The hood scoop looks closest to the Roush scoop, but better since it doesn't slope back at the front edge.
If you like scoops and the retro '66 Shelby GT350 look, they're the best out there.
1/11/06 | 02:35 PM
#23
Originally posted by gt5001@January 11, 2006, 1:37 PM
Missed it? Not a problem.
Imagine the 2005+ with the hood & side scoops from an 04 GT. Plus, it had a stripe in the middle of the door that fades as it approaches the side scoop. New retro on old retro?
Rumor has it there will be a huge decal on the hood (think Firebird) on the second gen CS. (I made this up, but the above graf is accurate.)
No mention on upgraded engine or suspension parts. Apparently just cosmetics.
Missed it? Not a problem.
Imagine the 2005+ with the hood & side scoops from an 04 GT. Plus, it had a stripe in the middle of the door that fades as it approaches the side scoop. New retro on old retro?
Rumor has it there will be a huge decal on the hood (think Firebird) on the second gen CS. (I made this up, but the above graf is accurate.)
No mention on upgraded engine or suspension parts. Apparently just cosmetics.
No thanks to this empty shell package.
I hope Ford doesn't think they can meet the upcoming challengers from DCX and GM by such cutrate methods. Better they devote their precious development resources and dollars to some real engineering improvements and enhancements rather than wasting it on such gaudy clap-trap as this.
1/11/06 | 02:40 PM
#24
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: June 18, 2004
Posts: 3,973
Likes: 29
From: Conroe, TX
Originally posted by rhumb@January 11, 2006, 3:38 PM
Ughhh, sounds like its only just some cheap 'n cheesy scoop and stripe package. Might as well put a screaming chicken sticker on the hood. I had hoped Ford had taken the Mustang design up a few notches by moving away from such tacky and cliched stylistic tack ons. Oh well, guess the plaid suits in marketing are reasserting themselves again.
No thanks to this empty shell package.
I hope Ford doesn't think they can meet the upcoming challengers from DCX and GM by such cutrate methods. Better they devote their precious development resources and dollars to some real engineering improvements and enhancements rather than wasting it on such gaudy clap-trap as this.
Ughhh, sounds like its only just some cheap 'n cheesy scoop and stripe package. Might as well put a screaming chicken sticker on the hood. I had hoped Ford had taken the Mustang design up a few notches by moving away from such tacky and cliched stylistic tack ons. Oh well, guess the plaid suits in marketing are reasserting themselves again.
No thanks to this empty shell package.
I hope Ford doesn't think they can meet the upcoming challengers from DCX and GM by such cutrate methods. Better they devote their precious development resources and dollars to some real engineering improvements and enhancements rather than wasting it on such gaudy clap-trap as this.
1/11/06 | 04:03 PM
#25
Well, the name of the game is selling cars and making money. If by sticking on some scoops and stripes, they can garner a few thousand more sales then I'd say it's a smart move. We may think it's tacky but Ford needs those extra sales and I for one don't blame them a bit.
The typical Detroit method, has been to resort to the cheap and easy -- stripes, scoops, rebates, red tag sales, "if you buy before midnight...", etc.) rather than rolling up their sleeves and doing the hard work of designing and engineering superior product, contructed carefully out of high quality materials, that will sell on their own merits and give long term owner satisfaction and loyalty (and future sales).
That Detroit feels they need to rely on what are essentially bribes, diversionary gimmicks, distracting visual flash, etc, is essentially an admission that they aren't doing the right thing. These things are the crack cocaine of the auto-marketing world, giving an exhilarating short-term sales buzz but at huge long-term market and profit deterioration.
With the Mustang, Ford did do a great job in terms of basics of good engineering and design and came up with a car that can and IS selling like hotcakes on its own inherent merits without resort to bribery and chicanery.
And raking in huge profits in the process.
It’s just disturbing that, apparently out of habit, the marketing department is reflexively reaching for that short-term crack pipe of cheap gimmicks again, which will only subtly but inexorably erode the Mustang’s underlying consumer credibility in the long term.
Ford needs to reinvest those aforementioned huge products back into the basics of excellent design, engineering, materials and quality to assure the Mustangs continued success and build up a level of deep buyer loyalty and respect. This will be especially true and pertinent whence the Challenger and Camaro come online to pose what will likely be huge competitive challenge.
Now is not the time for Ford to be frittering away their precious resources on silly skin-deep flash but rather, to further hone and strengthen the Mustang’s underlying flesh.
arin want pics
1/11/06 | 04:49 PM
#27
V6 Member
Joined: January 11, 2006
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Originally posted by rhumb@January 11, 2006, 4:38 PM
Ughhh, sounds like its only just some cheap 'n cheesy scoop and stripe package. Might as well put a screaming chicken sticker on the hood. I had hoped Ford had taken the Mustang design up a few notches by moving away from such tacky and cliched stylistic tack ons. Oh well, guess the plaid suits in marketing are reasserting themselves again.
No thanks to this empty shell package.
I hope Ford doesn't think they can meet the upcoming challengers from DCX and GM by such cutrate methods. Better they devote their precious development resources and dollars to some real engineering improvements and enhancements rather than wasting it on such gaudy clap-trap as this.
Ughhh, sounds like its only just some cheap 'n cheesy scoop and stripe package. Might as well put a screaming chicken sticker on the hood. I had hoped Ford had taken the Mustang design up a few notches by moving away from such tacky and cliched stylistic tack ons. Oh well, guess the plaid suits in marketing are reasserting themselves again.
No thanks to this empty shell package.
I hope Ford doesn't think they can meet the upcoming challengers from DCX and GM by such cutrate methods. Better they devote their precious development resources and dollars to some real engineering improvements and enhancements rather than wasting it on such gaudy clap-trap as this.
1/11/06 | 05:00 PM
#28
V6 Member
Joined: January 11, 2006
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Originally posted by rhumb@January 11, 2006, 6:06 PM
True, to a degree perhaps, but HOW are those extra short-term sales made and what are the long term consequences of using such methods to grub in the gutter for that quick short-term buck to plug into this quarters shareholders report?
The typical Detroit method, has been to resort to the cheap and easy -- stripes, scoops, rebates, red tag sales, "if you buy before midnight...", etc.) rather than rolling up their sleeves and doing the hard work of designing and engineering superior product, contructed carefully out of high quality materials, that will sell on their own merits and give long term owner satisfaction and loyalty (and future sales).
That Detroit feels they need to rely on what are essentially bribes, diversionary gimmicks, distracting visual flash, etc, is essentially an admission that they aren't doing the right thing. These things are the crack cocaine of the auto-marketing world, giving an exhilarating short-term sales buzz but at huge long-term market and profit deterioration.
With the Mustang, Ford did do a great job in terms of basics of good engineering and design and came up with a car that can and IS selling like hotcakes on its own inherent merits without resort to bribery and chicanery.
And raking in huge profits in the process.
It’s just disturbing that, apparently out of habit, the marketing department is reflexively reaching for that short-term crack pipe of cheap gimmicks again, which will only subtly but inexorably erode the Mustang’s underlying consumer credibility in the long term.
Ford needs to reinvest those aforementioned huge products back into the basics of excellent design, engineering, materials and quality to assure the Mustangs continued success and build up a level of deep buyer loyalty and respect. This will be especially true and pertinent whence the Challenger and Camaro come online to pose what will likely be huge competitive challenge.
Now is not the time for Ford to be frittering away their precious resources on silly skin-deep flash but rather, to further hone and strengthen the Mustang’s underlying flesh.
True, to a degree perhaps, but HOW are those extra short-term sales made and what are the long term consequences of using such methods to grub in the gutter for that quick short-term buck to plug into this quarters shareholders report?
The typical Detroit method, has been to resort to the cheap and easy -- stripes, scoops, rebates, red tag sales, "if you buy before midnight...", etc.) rather than rolling up their sleeves and doing the hard work of designing and engineering superior product, contructed carefully out of high quality materials, that will sell on their own merits and give long term owner satisfaction and loyalty (and future sales).
That Detroit feels they need to rely on what are essentially bribes, diversionary gimmicks, distracting visual flash, etc, is essentially an admission that they aren't doing the right thing. These things are the crack cocaine of the auto-marketing world, giving an exhilarating short-term sales buzz but at huge long-term market and profit deterioration.
With the Mustang, Ford did do a great job in terms of basics of good engineering and design and came up with a car that can and IS selling like hotcakes on its own inherent merits without resort to bribery and chicanery.
And raking in huge profits in the process.
It’s just disturbing that, apparently out of habit, the marketing department is reflexively reaching for that short-term crack pipe of cheap gimmicks again, which will only subtly but inexorably erode the Mustang’s underlying consumer credibility in the long term.
Ford needs to reinvest those aforementioned huge products back into the basics of excellent design, engineering, materials and quality to assure the Mustangs continued success and build up a level of deep buyer loyalty and respect. This will be especially true and pertinent whence the Challenger and Camaro come online to pose what will likely be huge competitive challenge.
Now is not the time for Ford to be frittering away their precious resources on silly skin-deep flash but rather, to further hone and strengthen the Mustang’s underlying flesh.
1/11/06 | 05:19 PM
#30
V6 Member
Joined: January 11, 2006
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Not only that but I understand one of the reasons that Ford is doing a Mach/Boss is because the Mustang GT is selling so well. Soooo... If they sell more GTs because they like the CS package... the better it is for us power hungry types! 
1/11/06 | 05:33 PM
#31
Bullitt Member
Joined: December 3, 2005
Posts: 386
Likes: 0
Originally posted by rhumb@January 11, 2006, 7:06 PM
True, to a degree perhaps, but HOW are those extra short-term sales made and what are the long term consequences of using such methods to grub in the gutter for that quick short-term buck to plug into this quarters shareholders report?
The typical Detroit method, has been to resort to the cheap and easy -- stripes, scoops, rebates, red tag sales, "if you buy before midnight...", etc.) rather than rolling up their sleeves and doing the hard work of designing and engineering superior product, contructed carefully out of high quality materials, that will sell on their own merits and give long term owner satisfaction and loyalty (and future sales).
That Detroit feels they need to rely on what are essentially bribes, diversionary gimmicks, distracting visual flash, etc, is essentially an admission that they aren't doing the right thing. These things are the crack cocaine of the auto-marketing world, giving an exhilarating short-term sales buzz but at huge long-term market and profit deterioration.
With the Mustang, Ford did do a great job in terms of basics of good engineering and design and came up with a car that can and IS selling like hotcakes on its own inherent merits without resort to bribery and chicanery.
And raking in huge profits in the process.
It’s just disturbing that, apparently out of habit, the marketing department is reflexively reaching for that short-term crack pipe of cheap gimmicks again, which will only subtly but inexorably erode the Mustang’s underlying consumer credibility in the long term.
Ford needs to reinvest those aforementioned huge products back into the basics of excellent design, engineering, materials and quality to assure the Mustangs continued success and build up a level of deep buyer loyalty and respect. This will be especially true and pertinent whence the Challenger and Camaro come online to pose what will likely be huge competitive challenge.
Now is not the time for Ford to be frittering away their precious resources on silly skin-deep flash but rather, to further hone and strengthen the Mustang’s underlying flesh.
True, to a degree perhaps, but HOW are those extra short-term sales made and what are the long term consequences of using such methods to grub in the gutter for that quick short-term buck to plug into this quarters shareholders report?
The typical Detroit method, has been to resort to the cheap and easy -- stripes, scoops, rebates, red tag sales, "if you buy before midnight...", etc.) rather than rolling up their sleeves and doing the hard work of designing and engineering superior product, contructed carefully out of high quality materials, that will sell on their own merits and give long term owner satisfaction and loyalty (and future sales).
That Detroit feels they need to rely on what are essentially bribes, diversionary gimmicks, distracting visual flash, etc, is essentially an admission that they aren't doing the right thing. These things are the crack cocaine of the auto-marketing world, giving an exhilarating short-term sales buzz but at huge long-term market and profit deterioration.
With the Mustang, Ford did do a great job in terms of basics of good engineering and design and came up with a car that can and IS selling like hotcakes on its own inherent merits without resort to bribery and chicanery.
And raking in huge profits in the process.
It’s just disturbing that, apparently out of habit, the marketing department is reflexively reaching for that short-term crack pipe of cheap gimmicks again, which will only subtly but inexorably erode the Mustang’s underlying consumer credibility in the long term.
Ford needs to reinvest those aforementioned huge products back into the basics of excellent design, engineering, materials and quality to assure the Mustangs continued success and build up a level of deep buyer loyalty and respect. This will be especially true and pertinent whence the Challenger and Camaro come online to pose what will likely be huge competitive challenge.
Now is not the time for Ford to be frittering away their precious resources on silly skin-deep flash but rather, to further hone and strengthen the Mustang’s underlying flesh.
1/11/06 | 06:31 PM
#32
Team Mustang Source
Joined: September 16, 2005
Posts: 1,706
Likes: 2
From: Yatta-Abba, AL
I think it is purely a number's thing. Basically if they don't build and Sell, Little eco cars, then they are Federally restricted from building Performance Cars. Mainly because they want to sell Trucks. Kinda put's Performance Stangs way back on their priority list. So, just dress them up fancier to grab a larger market, without restrictions on production. And it keeps the Aftermarket guy's in business. IMHO.
1/11/06 | 06:46 PM
#33
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: June 18, 2004
Posts: 3,973
Likes: 29
From: Conroe, TX
Originally posted by rhumb@January 11, 2006, 5:06 PM
True, to a degree perhaps, but HOW are those extra short-term sales made and what are the long term consequences of using such methods to grub in the gutter for that quick short-term buck to plug into this quarters shareholders report?
The typical Detroit method, has been to resort to the cheap and easy -- stripes, scoops, rebates, red tag sales, "if you buy before midnight...", etc.) rather than rolling up their sleeves and doing the hard work of designing and engineering superior product, contructed carefully out of high quality materials, that will sell on their own merits and give long term owner satisfaction and loyalty (and future sales).
That Detroit feels they need to rely on what are essentially bribes, diversionary gimmicks, distracting visual flash, etc, is essentially an admission that they aren't doing the right thing. These things are the crack cocaine of the auto-marketing world, giving an exhilarating short-term sales buzz but at huge long-term market and profit deterioration.
With the Mustang, Ford did do a great job in terms of basics of good engineering and design and came up with a car that can and IS selling like hotcakes on its own inherent merits without resort to bribery and chicanery.
And raking in huge profits in the process.
It’s just disturbing that, apparently out of habit, the marketing department is reflexively reaching for that short-term crack pipe of cheap gimmicks again, which will only subtly but inexorably erode the Mustang’s underlying consumer credibility in the long term.
Ford needs to reinvest those aforementioned huge products back into the basics of excellent design, engineering, materials and quality to assure the Mustangs continued success and build up a level of deep buyer loyalty and respect. This will be especially true and pertinent whence the Challenger and Camaro come online to pose what will likely be huge competitive challenge.
Now is not the time for Ford to be frittering away their precious resources on silly skin-deep flash but rather, to further hone and strengthen the Mustang’s underlying flesh.
True, to a degree perhaps, but HOW are those extra short-term sales made and what are the long term consequences of using such methods to grub in the gutter for that quick short-term buck to plug into this quarters shareholders report?
The typical Detroit method, has been to resort to the cheap and easy -- stripes, scoops, rebates, red tag sales, "if you buy before midnight...", etc.) rather than rolling up their sleeves and doing the hard work of designing and engineering superior product, contructed carefully out of high quality materials, that will sell on their own merits and give long term owner satisfaction and loyalty (and future sales).
That Detroit feels they need to rely on what are essentially bribes, diversionary gimmicks, distracting visual flash, etc, is essentially an admission that they aren't doing the right thing. These things are the crack cocaine of the auto-marketing world, giving an exhilarating short-term sales buzz but at huge long-term market and profit deterioration.
With the Mustang, Ford did do a great job in terms of basics of good engineering and design and came up with a car that can and IS selling like hotcakes on its own inherent merits without resort to bribery and chicanery.
And raking in huge profits in the process.
It’s just disturbing that, apparently out of habit, the marketing department is reflexively reaching for that short-term crack pipe of cheap gimmicks again, which will only subtly but inexorably erode the Mustang’s underlying consumer credibility in the long term.
Ford needs to reinvest those aforementioned huge products back into the basics of excellent design, engineering, materials and quality to assure the Mustangs continued success and build up a level of deep buyer loyalty and respect. This will be especially true and pertinent whence the Challenger and Camaro come online to pose what will likely be huge competitive challenge.
Now is not the time for Ford to be frittering away their precious resources on silly skin-deep flash but rather, to further hone and strengthen the Mustang’s underlying flesh.
I highly doubt it really sucked away any real engineering resources and Brad has already stated that there will be a Mach1 soon that will be more than a "tape and scoop" job. IMO, your arguments fall flat.
1/11/06 | 07:49 PM
#35
Dethroned Nascar Guru
Joined: January 30, 2004
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 2
Non functional hood and side scoops on mustangs have been around for a long time. They are a part of the mustang heritage. Like it or not.
1969 examples.
1968 example
http://bradbarnett.net/mustangs/timeline/6...GTCSWhite-9.jpg
As others have stated. It must be popular because they have sold a lot of them over the years. If you don't like it, don't buy it.
1969 examples.
1968 example
http://bradbarnett.net/mustangs/timeline/6...GTCSWhite-9.jpg
As others have stated. It must be popular because they have sold a lot of them over the years. If you don't like it, don't buy it.
1/12/06 | 01:13 AM
#36
V6 Member
Joined: February 2, 2004
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Yes some Mustangs like that '69 Mach 1 had fake scoops but you have to remember there were plenty of functional ones as well...the 65 GT350 brake scoops on the side, the rear window vent on it, the '70 shaker hood, 71-73 ram air hoods. Those added hood scoops were just cheaper costing items for those that didn't want to spend that extra cash for a shaker but still wanted that aggressive look. People say they don't do anything, but I still love the way my '69 Mach 1 hood scoop looks way more than the plane jane hoods without them.
1/12/06 | 04:51 AM
#37
Bullitt Member
Joined: August 12, 2005
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
I don't understand why anyone would think Ford should lay down their entire product plan right out of the gate. There have been no Special Editions yet primarily because they have not been needed. They've been struggling to keep up with the two normal models as it is.
The purpose of the Special Editions is to keep the hype high and interest high. The Mustang needs no help in this department at this point, so be glad that there are any type of extras starting to be offered at all.
Ford is well aware competition is on the way, but if they give you a Mach I, Boss and Shelby all in one year, they'll have nothing new to gain leverage with when the competition does arrive.
A plane Tape & Stripe package is a wise move now, as it will be of no "special" interest after we start getting real Special Editions with more power. It had to come first if it was to come at all.
And someone correct me if I am wrong, but the California Special has never had any performance specific upgrades, so why anyone would think this GT/CS should is a mystery.
The purpose of the Special Editions is to keep the hype high and interest high. The Mustang needs no help in this department at this point, so be glad that there are any type of extras starting to be offered at all.
Ford is well aware competition is on the way, but if they give you a Mach I, Boss and Shelby all in one year, they'll have nothing new to gain leverage with when the competition does arrive.
A plane Tape & Stripe package is a wise move now, as it will be of no "special" interest after we start getting real Special Editions with more power. It had to come first if it was to come at all.
And someone correct me if I am wrong, but the California Special has never had any performance specific upgrades, so why anyone would think this GT/CS should is a mystery.
1/12/06 | 06:13 AM
#38
Cobra Member
Joined: June 25, 2004
Posts: 1,076
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
The reason why Ford should release an SE Mustang now, is because there is a huge gap in price and performance between the Mustang GT and the Shelby. Plus, GM & DC already have cars in that market area - GTO, SRT Series.
The Mustang is selling like "Hot Cakes" and the majority of Mustang owners & lovers are loyal to the Mustang brand. Why should Ford alienate the loyal Mustang buyer like myself for the next 3 years?
Bringing an SE out now doesn't mean that Ford has exhausted its ideas. There are plenty of SE's in the Ford stable - Mach1, Boss, GT/CS, Shelby GT350, Bullet.
Plus, Ford can think of some new ideas to market in the future as well.
GM has proved that you can build a 400hp car in the $33k range, and I expect the same thing from Ford with an SE Mustang.
Ford needs to step up to the plate and deliver. Its o.k. to be a leader in something. Why wait for GM & DC to make their move, when you have thousands of potential SE buyers screaming for the car now?
The Mustang is selling like "Hot Cakes" and the majority of Mustang owners & lovers are loyal to the Mustang brand. Why should Ford alienate the loyal Mustang buyer like myself for the next 3 years?
Bringing an SE out now doesn't mean that Ford has exhausted its ideas. There are plenty of SE's in the Ford stable - Mach1, Boss, GT/CS, Shelby GT350, Bullet.
Plus, Ford can think of some new ideas to market in the future as well.
GM has proved that you can build a 400hp car in the $33k range, and I expect the same thing from Ford with an SE Mustang.
Ford needs to step up to the plate and deliver. Its o.k. to be a leader in something. Why wait for GM & DC to make their move, when you have thousands of potential SE buyers screaming for the car now?
1/12/06 | 08:06 AM
#39
Just because some model of a Mustang was sold in the past, and thus is part of its "heritage," doesn't necessarily mean that its worth repeating. Might I refer you to the empty Zoot Suit Mustang of the mid seventies called the King Cobra. Lots of big fake scoops, flashy stickers on just about every exposed panel and shiny-shiny things -- ought to represent the high water mark for those who are bedazzled by such things.
Ford needs to be a bit careful with its long term brand management. Just because one can find some niche market to grab a few more bucks from, short term, does not mean it would be a good idea for long term product identity. Why not a Fab-Five Chiffon and Lace Edition? Or the Brokeback Mountain Leather and Rhinestone Limited Edition? Maybe a Sex in the City Pink Martini model would have that certain urban-chic cache. Undoubtedly there would be a market for these, too, bringing in the bucks and all that.
But what of the Mustangs image and performance car credibility. I might think those immediate bucks might best be forestalled for a better longer term brand management strategy.
Of course, if somebody wants to buy some empty suit stripe and scoop package, well, I'm the last to want to stand between a fools wallet and a dealer sweaty palm. But I'd rather Ford better manage the Mustang's real performance car (vs. flashy poser) brand identity and devote its engineering resources less to flashy ostentatiousness but rather, to real performance and functionality enhancements, which, I think in the long term, will do far more to assure the Stang's future viability and legend.
Ford needs to be a bit careful with its long term brand management. Just because one can find some niche market to grab a few more bucks from, short term, does not mean it would be a good idea for long term product identity. Why not a Fab-Five Chiffon and Lace Edition? Or the Brokeback Mountain Leather and Rhinestone Limited Edition? Maybe a Sex in the City Pink Martini model would have that certain urban-chic cache. Undoubtedly there would be a market for these, too, bringing in the bucks and all that.
But what of the Mustangs image and performance car credibility. I might think those immediate bucks might best be forestalled for a better longer term brand management strategy.
Of course, if somebody wants to buy some empty suit stripe and scoop package, well, I'm the last to want to stand between a fools wallet and a dealer sweaty palm. But I'd rather Ford better manage the Mustang's real performance car (vs. flashy poser) brand identity and devote its engineering resources less to flashy ostentatiousness but rather, to real performance and functionality enhancements, which, I think in the long term, will do far more to assure the Stang's future viability and legend.
1/12/06 | 09:20 AM
#40
Bullitt Member
Joined: December 3, 2005
Posts: 386
Likes: 0
Originally posted by rhumb@January 12, 2006, 11:09 AM
Just because some model of a Mustang was sold in the past, and thus is part of its "heritage," doesn't necessarily mean that its worth repeating. Might I refer you to the empty Zoot Suit Mustang of the mid seventies called the King Cobra. Lots of big fake scoops, flashy stickers on just about every exposed panel and shiny-shiny things -- ought to represent the high water mark for those who are bedazzled by such things.
Ford needs to be a bit careful with its long term brand management. Just because one can find some niche market to grab a few more bucks from, short term, does not mean it would be a good idea for long term product identity. Why not a Fab-Five Chiffon and Lace Edition? Or the Brokeback Mountain Leather and Rhinestone Limited Edition? Maybe a Sex in the City Pink Martini model would have that certain urban-chic cache. Undoubtedly there would be a market for these, too, bringing in the bucks and all that.
But what of the Mustangs image and performance car credibility. I might think those immediate bucks might best be forestalled for a better longer term brand management strategy.
Of course, if somebody wants to buy some empty suit stripe and scoop package, well, I'm the last to want to stand between a fools wallet and a dealer sweaty palm. But I'd rather Ford better manage the Mustang's real performance car (vs. flashy poser) brand identity and devote its engineering resources less to flashy ostentatiousness but rather, to real performance and functionality enhancements, which, I think in the long term, will do far more to assure the Stang's future viability and legend.
Just because some model of a Mustang was sold in the past, and thus is part of its "heritage," doesn't necessarily mean that its worth repeating. Might I refer you to the empty Zoot Suit Mustang of the mid seventies called the King Cobra. Lots of big fake scoops, flashy stickers on just about every exposed panel and shiny-shiny things -- ought to represent the high water mark for those who are bedazzled by such things.
Ford needs to be a bit careful with its long term brand management. Just because one can find some niche market to grab a few more bucks from, short term, does not mean it would be a good idea for long term product identity. Why not a Fab-Five Chiffon and Lace Edition? Or the Brokeback Mountain Leather and Rhinestone Limited Edition? Maybe a Sex in the City Pink Martini model would have that certain urban-chic cache. Undoubtedly there would be a market for these, too, bringing in the bucks and all that.
But what of the Mustangs image and performance car credibility. I might think those immediate bucks might best be forestalled for a better longer term brand management strategy.
Of course, if somebody wants to buy some empty suit stripe and scoop package, well, I'm the last to want to stand between a fools wallet and a dealer sweaty palm. But I'd rather Ford better manage the Mustang's real performance car (vs. flashy poser) brand identity and devote its engineering resources less to flashy ostentatiousness but rather, to real performance and functionality enhancements, which, I think in the long term, will do far more to assure the Stang's future viability and legend.
