SVT Boost: Ford sets 5-model limit
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From autoweek.com . .
SVT Boost: Ford sets a 5-model limit; Focus, Fusion among likely candidates
AMY WILSON | Automotive News
Posted Date: 3/27/05
DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co.'s performance group is bigger and better-funded than ever, says Ford product chief Phil Martens.
Despite a two-year drought that won't see an SVT-branded vehicle on the market until mid-2006, Ford has expanded its Special Vehicle Team to at least 200 people, Martens says. It previously employed around 120 people.
Today's SVT budget also is higher than it has been in the past, he says. Martens wouldn't disclose the investment in SVT or the percentage increase to the budget.
Ford has benchmarked competitors such as BMW's M-series performance group while rebuilding SVT.
"To a certain degree, we have to earn" that kind of a reputation, says Martens, Ford group vice president of product creation. "We can't come out of the block and say we're an M-division team."
Ford last sold SVT-branded products during the 2004 model year. The drought came as Ford redesigned two key SVT nameplates, the Mustang and F-150 pickup.
Ford also discontinued its SVT Focus last year, saying it wasn't upscale enough. Martens more recently has said Ford will take another look at an SVT Focus. Longtime SVT leader John Coletti retired in December and was replaced by Hau Thai-Tang, chief engineer of the 2005 Mustang.
Martens says Ford eventually will have up to five SVT-branded vehicles at any one time. The first, the 2007 Shelby Cobra GT500, will go on sale next summer. That 450-plus-hp coupe is the first special edition of the redesigned Mustang. Ford will follow with the Ford Sport Trac Adrenalin in 2007.
Ford displayed the GT500 and the 390-hp Adrenalin at the New York auto show last week.
Prices for SVT products will range from less than $20,000 to more than $40,000, Martens says. The GT500 will cost about $40,000.
In addition to natural candidates such as the redesigned Mustang, Ford intends to spread a performance element across the broader Ford brand, Martens says. SVT-badged products will be restricted to Ford Division, but SVT engineers are likely to help develop vehicles for other corporate brands.
Martens won't say what other nameplates are on the SVT list, but likely candidates are the Fusion sedan, debuting this fall, and the Focus. SVT was developing an F-150 Lightning until that project was put on hold last year.
Martens wouldn't say how soon SVT will reach the five-vehicle limit.
"If you get beyond that, it really gets too expensive," he says. "It's difficult to fund and manage the cycle."
SVT Boost: Ford sets a 5-model limit; Focus, Fusion among likely candidates
AMY WILSON | Automotive News
Posted Date: 3/27/05
DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co.'s performance group is bigger and better-funded than ever, says Ford product chief Phil Martens.
Despite a two-year drought that won't see an SVT-branded vehicle on the market until mid-2006, Ford has expanded its Special Vehicle Team to at least 200 people, Martens says. It previously employed around 120 people.
Today's SVT budget also is higher than it has been in the past, he says. Martens wouldn't disclose the investment in SVT or the percentage increase to the budget.
Ford has benchmarked competitors such as BMW's M-series performance group while rebuilding SVT.
"To a certain degree, we have to earn" that kind of a reputation, says Martens, Ford group vice president of product creation. "We can't come out of the block and say we're an M-division team."
Ford last sold SVT-branded products during the 2004 model year. The drought came as Ford redesigned two key SVT nameplates, the Mustang and F-150 pickup.
Ford also discontinued its SVT Focus last year, saying it wasn't upscale enough. Martens more recently has said Ford will take another look at an SVT Focus. Longtime SVT leader John Coletti retired in December and was replaced by Hau Thai-Tang, chief engineer of the 2005 Mustang.
Martens says Ford eventually will have up to five SVT-branded vehicles at any one time. The first, the 2007 Shelby Cobra GT500, will go on sale next summer. That 450-plus-hp coupe is the first special edition of the redesigned Mustang. Ford will follow with the Ford Sport Trac Adrenalin in 2007.
Ford displayed the GT500 and the 390-hp Adrenalin at the New York auto show last week.
Prices for SVT products will range from less than $20,000 to more than $40,000, Martens says. The GT500 will cost about $40,000.
In addition to natural candidates such as the redesigned Mustang, Ford intends to spread a performance element across the broader Ford brand, Martens says. SVT-badged products will be restricted to Ford Division, but SVT engineers are likely to help develop vehicles for other corporate brands.
Martens won't say what other nameplates are on the SVT list, but likely candidates are the Fusion sedan, debuting this fall, and the Focus. SVT was developing an F-150 Lightning until that project was put on hold last year.
Martens wouldn't say how soon SVT will reach the five-vehicle limit.
"If you get beyond that, it really gets too expensive," he says. "It's difficult to fund and manage the cycle."
Shelby GT350 Member
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From: Boise, ID
I think this is proof that Ford knows specialty cars bring in more customers. That is what everyone is saying about GM today, they don't have anything that brings in customers and nothing in the works (right now) that will in the future.
Bullitt Member
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Originally posted by mustangfun101@March 28, 2005, 2:31 PM
I think this is proof that Ford knows specialty cars bring in more customers. That is what everyone is saying about GM today, they don't have anything that brings in customers and nothing in the works (right now) that will in the future.
I think this is proof that Ford knows specialty cars bring in more customers. That is what everyone is saying about GM today, they don't have anything that brings in customers and nothing in the works (right now) that will in the future.
Team Mustang Source
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What they should be:
1:Fiesta (named something, make that anything else) Ford is considering a new car to slot under the Focus for the North American market and the Fiesta 3dr and 5dr hatchbacks need to be that car. More likely Ford will bring us some govt.-job tall-roof 5-dr wagon abomination but I can still hope.
An SVT version of this car would be a great way to bring attention to the new name as Ford would need for this car to avoid the econobox image like the plague. Only sporty/reasonably-powerful Fiestas need apply for North American duty. Done well this could be the affordable car that people actually want to own again...and an SVT could top the whole line off. The new "hot hatch" indeed.
The SVT version of this car needs a turbo 4cyl making about 240hp backed by a 5-speed manual (Hey, it needs to be inexpensive and the 5-speed cuts costs) and putting the power down through awd. Give it some nice 17" wheels and a body not too far removed from the Focus ST currently on sale in Europe and you have it nailed. Pricing should be around 20k for the SVT model.
2: C1 Focus sedan/wagon: 4.0L n/a version of the upcoming revised Duratec V-6 making 320-340hp with a 6-speed manual, awd, spec buckets, Audi style fender flares, and reserved but muscular bodywork for about 27-29k. Some nice 18" wheels and a gret set of seats and we have it all covered. A supercharged version of the same V-6 with smaller displacement (3.0-3.2L) would also work very well IMO. Pricing should be in the mid to high 20's.
3: Galaxie: This would be based on the revised Crown Vic coming soon. The same 5.4L DOHC supercharged V-8 that will see duty in the GT500 backed up by a 5-spd or 6-spd automatic. A detuned version of this same motor, or a tweaked version of the old 03/04 Cobra motor that could be shared with an SVT Sport Trac would also be suitable. More aggressive bodywork but like the Focus still reserved in appearance. A great cockpit and seats are a must. The car should be very good looking, comfy, ridiculously fast, and priced about where the SRT8 300 is. It would also have to put that car on the trailer.
Number 4 and number 5 are the GT500 and Sport Trac we have aready seen.
What we will likely get IMO...... A turbo-4 or turbo-5 awd version of the C1 Focus sedan when it hits our shores. An awd version of the Fusion packing a more powerful version of either of the above Focus motors or maybe even a V-6 of some sort. The GT500 and Sport Trac Adrenaline concept in production trim. And........for number 5 I am just not certain. Will Ford actually take another crank at a Panther based SVT product. Or, does a limit of 5 mean they could build 5 products, but may stop at 4 or even 3?
1:Fiesta (named something, make that anything else) Ford is considering a new car to slot under the Focus for the North American market and the Fiesta 3dr and 5dr hatchbacks need to be that car. More likely Ford will bring us some govt.-job tall-roof 5-dr wagon abomination but I can still hope.
An SVT version of this car would be a great way to bring attention to the new name as Ford would need for this car to avoid the econobox image like the plague. Only sporty/reasonably-powerful Fiestas need apply for North American duty. Done well this could be the affordable car that people actually want to own again...and an SVT could top the whole line off. The new "hot hatch" indeed.
The SVT version of this car needs a turbo 4cyl making about 240hp backed by a 5-speed manual (Hey, it needs to be inexpensive and the 5-speed cuts costs) and putting the power down through awd. Give it some nice 17" wheels and a body not too far removed from the Focus ST currently on sale in Europe and you have it nailed. Pricing should be around 20k for the SVT model.
2: C1 Focus sedan/wagon: 4.0L n/a version of the upcoming revised Duratec V-6 making 320-340hp with a 6-speed manual, awd, spec buckets, Audi style fender flares, and reserved but muscular bodywork for about 27-29k. Some nice 18" wheels and a gret set of seats and we have it all covered. A supercharged version of the same V-6 with smaller displacement (3.0-3.2L) would also work very well IMO. Pricing should be in the mid to high 20's.
3: Galaxie: This would be based on the revised Crown Vic coming soon. The same 5.4L DOHC supercharged V-8 that will see duty in the GT500 backed up by a 5-spd or 6-spd automatic. A detuned version of this same motor, or a tweaked version of the old 03/04 Cobra motor that could be shared with an SVT Sport Trac would also be suitable. More aggressive bodywork but like the Focus still reserved in appearance. A great cockpit and seats are a must. The car should be very good looking, comfy, ridiculously fast, and priced about where the SRT8 300 is. It would also have to put that car on the trailer.
Number 4 and number 5 are the GT500 and Sport Trac we have aready seen.
What we will likely get IMO...... A turbo-4 or turbo-5 awd version of the C1 Focus sedan when it hits our shores. An awd version of the Fusion packing a more powerful version of either of the above Focus motors or maybe even a V-6 of some sort. The GT500 and Sport Trac Adrenaline concept in production trim. And........for number 5 I am just not certain. Will Ford actually take another crank at a Panther based SVT product. Or, does a limit of 5 mean they could build 5 products, but may stop at 4 or even 3?
Tasca Super Boss 429 Member
Joined: May 18, 2004
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From: San Antonio, TX
Originally posted by 05Mustangfan@March 28, 2005, 1:50 PM
my take..on the 5
1. Mustang GT500
2. Sport Trac Adrenilan
3. SVT Fusion - 4.2l V8, AWD, 6 speed Auto
4. SVT Focus - Supercharged 4.0L V6, 6 speed Manual
5. SVT F150 Lightning - GT500's setup
my take..on the 5
1. Mustang GT500
2. Sport Trac Adrenilan
3. SVT Fusion - 4.2l V8, AWD, 6 speed Auto
4. SVT Focus - Supercharged 4.0L V6, 6 speed Manual
5. SVT F150 Lightning - GT500's setup
Mach 1 Member
Joined: October 15, 2004
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as soon as i saw the topic, i said Crown Vic Crown Vic Crown Vic!!
amen!
(these are not in order of what i favor but in size i guess)
i put my hopes up for:
1.Focus-s/c duratec 2.3l 4v 5spd manual 3dr or 5dr
2.Fusion 4wd suped up or supercharged(two models) 3.5liter(if ford makes it)
3.Mustang GT5000-well...you know the lineup...
4.Galaxie(Crown Vic)-5.4 s/c...and i think it'd be awesome if Ford finished off the 'Hurricane' engine...5spd rear wheel drive, available in coupe or 4-door
5.Sport Trac Adreneline:390 hp s/c 4.6 4v
i could ramble on about all the rims and body mods but you get my point
SVT is doing great to kick it up a notch, so keep up the great work SVT!!
Originally posted by jsaylor@March 28, 2005, 3:01 PM
Galaxie: This would be based on the revised Crown Vic coming soon. The same 5.4L DOHC supercharged V-8 that will see duty in the GT500 backed up by a 5-spd or 6-spd automatic. A detuned version of this same motor, or a tweaked version of the old 03/04 Cobra motor that could be shared with an SVT Sport Trac would also be suitable. More aggressive bodywork but like the Focus still reserved in appearance. A great cockpit and seats are a must. The car should be very good looking, comfy, ridiculously fast, and priced about where the SRT8 300 is. It would also have to put that car on the trailer.
Galaxie: This would be based on the revised Crown Vic coming soon. The same 5.4L DOHC supercharged V-8 that will see duty in the GT500 backed up by a 5-spd or 6-spd automatic. A detuned version of this same motor, or a tweaked version of the old 03/04 Cobra motor that could be shared with an SVT Sport Trac would also be suitable. More aggressive bodywork but like the Focus still reserved in appearance. A great cockpit and seats are a must. The car should be very good looking, comfy, ridiculously fast, and priced about where the SRT8 300 is. It would also have to put that car on the trailer.
(these are not in order of what i favor but in size i guess)
i put my hopes up for:
1.Focus-s/c duratec 2.3l 4v 5spd manual 3dr or 5dr
2.Fusion 4wd suped up or supercharged(two models) 3.5liter(if ford makes it)
3.Mustang GT5000-well...you know the lineup...
4.Galaxie(Crown Vic)-5.4 s/c...and i think it'd be awesome if Ford finished off the 'Hurricane' engine...5spd rear wheel drive, available in coupe or 4-door
5.Sport Trac Adreneline:390 hp s/c 4.6 4v
i could ramble on about all the rims and body mods but you get my point
SVT is doing great to kick it up a notch, so keep up the great work SVT!!
TMS Post # 1,000,000
Serbian Steamer
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From: Wisconsin / Serbia
Maybe 500 is 6th one?
Compared to other sedans from other manufactures, Ford is really behind in horsepower. Maybe SVT 500 will change that ???
I don't know, it was just a guess.
Compared to other sedans from other manufactures, Ford is really behind in horsepower. Maybe SVT 500 will change that ???
I don't know, it was just a guess.
Cobra R Member
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in this thread (http://forums.bradbarnett.net/index.php?showtopic=15931) i mentioned a possible lincoln LS replacement based on the 500 platform with the new yamaha v8 from the XC90 putting out 311hp to an AWD set up. That'd make a pretty cool SVT 500.
Team Mustang Source
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5 Ford products or 5 products total? I ask because they said they would be working on projects that "aren't" SVT (like the Bullitt, Mach 1, Marauder, future Lincolns, etc.). So are we going to see SVT be just for Ford, but SVT Powered products throughout the range of companies? Hopefully, because if they limit it to just 5, that leaves in theory, 3 Fords a Merc and a Lincoln.
Team Mustang Source
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Posts: 2,358
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Originally posted by bigred0383@March 29, 2005, 10:24 PM
5 Ford products or 5 products total? I ask because they said they would be working on projects that "aren't" SVT (like the Bullitt, Mach 1, Marauder, future Lincolns, etc.). So are we going to see SVT be just for Ford, but SVT Powered products throughout the range of companies? Hopefully, because if they limit it to just 5, that leaves in theory, 3 Fords a Merc and a Lincoln.
5 Ford products or 5 products total? I ask because they said they would be working on projects that "aren't" SVT (like the Bullitt, Mach 1, Marauder, future Lincolns, etc.). So are we going to see SVT be just for Ford, but SVT Powered products throughout the range of companies? Hopefully, because if they limit it to just 5, that leaves in theory, 3 Fords a Merc and a Lincoln.
Joined: August 23, 2004
Posts: 3,599
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From: Bay Area, California
i think there will be two svt stangs just cause i doubt there would be a lightning and adrenaline
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Serbian Steamer
Serbian Steamer
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From: Wisconsin / Serbia
Originally posted by cntchds@March 30, 2005, 9:20 PM
i think there will be two svt stangs just cause i doubt there would be a lightning and adrenaline
i think there will be two svt stangs just cause i doubt there would be a lightning and adrenaline
Team Mustang Source
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Originally posted by Red Star+March 31, 2005, 12:59 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Red Star @ March 31, 2005, 12:59 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-cntchds@March 30, 2005, 9:20 PM
i think there will be two svt stangs just cause i doubt there would be a lightning and adrenaline
i think there will be two svt stangs just cause i doubt there would be a lightning and adrenaline
[/b][/quote]
how do you get three muscle trucks from Dodge?? They have the SRT-10; that's it. And the T-Bird is coming back.
