http://www.modularfords.com/forums/showthr...2432#post162432

I can't believe they'd ever do such a thing... but this would be a bad thing not just for the SVT fanatics, but the aftermarket buyers as well.

 

Yikes. I hope that isn't true. Some good points were made in that thread. Specifically, considering how quickly Ford pulled the SVT Focus and Lightning, how long before the Cobra? I'm scared.

 

I hope this is successful. Hope Ford takes its customers into more consideration than GM did, faxes didn't save the camaro

 

Neither the Focus nor the Lightning have sold in quantities similar to the Cobra. I could see SVT getting back to basics, and concentrating their flagship car, but I'd be surprised to see them evaporate altogether. Ford has had the SVT name for 10 years now, I can't see the point of letting it go.

This is all Internet Rumor and speculation anyway, nothing has come out of Ford to indicate SVT is going away.

 

By this time, SVT can't possibly cancel or delay the '07 Cobra. They've promised too many people, and worked on it for too long.

The rationale for cutting the Focus made sense, I thought; and while the Lightning is disappointing, at least they've only delayed it. I can't imagine SVT shutting down, not with the success they've had, and not with the great image they give Ford.

 

^thats' true, they cant cancel it because didnt they already promise ppl who participated in the SVT powerlease or whatever that they will be first in line for the new Cobra's. this obvoiusly states that there will in fact be a new cobra.

but maybe the plan to cancel it after that! now thats what we have to worry about. But how stupid can they be to even speculate on canceling the cobra?! the SVT Cobra is often the first thing that come t mind when the word "mustang" pops up. i have plenty of friends that are Mopar and GM and Bowtie guys that shudder at the mention of Terminators. C'mon Ford, dont screw yourself over by canceling the production of SVT vehicles.

 

Guys...gotta remember...they haven't made any promises on paper. They can still cut it...if they don't feel like they're making enough on it, better to cut losses early...

I'm not trying to be a doomsayer, but I know that until we see them rolling off the line, nothing is final.

 

I don't buy it. If the Ford bean counters have such influence, then why have they allowed the Ford GT into production? How about the Shelby Cobra and GR-1 concepts? Also the expense of designing and producing the Cammer motor.

There is a particular Ford customer base that only has appetite for SVT products and will not be satisfied with the mass production lower models. Once on the high end, it is hard to downgrade, even as great as the Mustang GT seems to be. Were that rumor turn out to be true, the Corvette and the Dodge Hemi trucks will be in very high demand, so no more rebates or discounts.

.

 

Yes, they have. They sent out a powerlease document stating that if you got the 04 cobra you could get the 07 under the powerlease. No agrument, it exists. Period.

 

Yes, they have. They sent out a powerlease document stating that if you got the 04 cobra you could get the 07 under the powerlease. No agrument, it exists. Period. [/b][/quote]
That same PowerLease says a 2006 Lightning will exist.

 

That same PowerLease says a 2006 Lightning will exist. [/b][/quote]
Not the document I have. It only talks about a cobra.

 

Makes no sense that they would cut the Cobra. Makes perfect sense that they see enough demand for the Mustang Cobra that they are delaying the Lightening and cancelling the Focus so they have enough capacity to meet demand for the first year or so.

Ford is hurting; but there are much better ways to save money. So I think this is a few people getting their panties in a bunch over rumor. Volvo is expanding their "R" versions, Mazda is doing more with Mazda speed, and so on. Ford knows SVT brings them attention and sales.

 

Not the document I have. It only talks about a cobra. [/b][/quote]
Not sure what document you have -- I was referring to the one that went out to dealers directly from SVT, which discussed 24 month leases on 2004 Lightnings and 30 month leases on 2004 Cobras, to retain customers who were tempted to wait for the 2006 Lightning and 2007 Cobra. Perhaps Ford released a second document referring only to the Cobra, but I haven't seen it.

Dave

 

Yes, they have. They sent out a powerlease document stating that if you got the 04 cobra you could get the 07 under the powerlease. No agrument, it exists. Period. [/b][/quote]
The Lightning was part of the Powerlease program, and Ford has postponed that. As usual we have heard nothing official from Ford or SVT, but the Powerlease agreement won't prevent them from doing anything. It wasn't that successful a program, so the few who agreed to it it can be paid a settlement.
I can't imagine Ford without SVT and if they officially announce their intention to drop the brand, owners and dealers should revolt and make our voice heard.

 

Folks, I bought one of the first SVT modulars because I bought into the concept of performance exclusivity and value. I have already started planing on the S197 SVT. Please argue all you want but send a fax or we will loose somthing special in our hobby.

 

This is starting to sound like Ford in the 1970's all over again.

First it was the SVT focus that got axed.

Then is was the Jag F1 program got axed.

Followed by putting Cosworth up for sale.

Now the Lightning gets axed.

Pretty easy to figure out what's getting chopped next - the Ford GT, any chance of producing the Shelby Cobra or GR-1, NASCAR, Mustang Cobra and then SVT itself.

The wonderful bean counters were responsible for bringing General Motors from 70% market share down to 25% market share. Yea they can count beans all they want, but if the cars stink, no-one is going to buy them.

 

The thing people have to realize is that SVT didn't make a lot of profit for Ford. The warranty concerns alone probably put them in the red. My stock Lightning has been in the shop for 38 concerns costing Ford thousands. I know 2 people that had their '03 Cobra motors replaced. Plus, countless other warranty corcerns for Cobras and Lightnings. Let's not forget the HP problem in '99 and the Lightning intercooler problem the same year.

Don't get me wrong, I want to see a '07 Cobra in the worst way, but the terrible financial shape that Ford is in right now would lead me to believe it may be possible I wont see it. Ford makes their profits on F-150s and large SUVs which they are giving huge rebates on. They don't turn a big profit on a Mustang.

 

Did ya know Ford has shut down more than a few assy plants in the last year.
I know 1 of them was fairly new , state of the art !
So to say they wont back out on the Cobra is.....?
As much as I like the new stang I gotta wait for the SVT also.
I have worked for Ford nearly 20 years, I will do my best to get
info from a reliable public relations guy at work.
I would all most bet my job he knows someone on the SVT lanch team.
Gene

 

Couldn't Ford get sued by people who bought the 04 Cobra, using the powerlease deal, considering all the Ford ads used the next Cobra as the incentive to buy it?

 

Well, I think we have to look at a couple of things. First Ford is debuting a few new vehicles this year. Do they usually roll all the new vehicles out the same year? I think developmental and production costs the last year or so have finally taken their toll and they (Ford) are going to wait with the Lightning until things level off.

Not only that but SVT is seen by most fans the same way MOPAR is, or were, within the Dodge community. I don't think Ford would get rid of an established nameplate while GM contiunes to try and figure out a way to emulate SVT.

I think it is also reasonable to think that the use of the word "shelved" just means put on hold for now and that SVT isn't going anywhere. Anything else is just people jumping to conclusions. I can't honestly agree that Ford is dropping SVT due to it being in the red while they continue to develp and produce exotics that they are not making much, if anything, off of. If Ford was really in a bind the high pricec concepts would probably be the first thing we would have seen getting shelved.