Lets just assume that this is true. Why would Ford pick this as the first special edition. Lets look at it from this vantage point. Me personally, before i was really into the Mustang scene, i had never ever heard of the CS. I had heard the name, Mach 1, Boss and of course the Bullitt. A few other Mustang names always stood out. Shelby of course, Super Cobra Jet.....A lot of names that people who werent really into Mustangs, could at least say to themselves...."Yeah i dont know much about Mustangs, but ive at least heard the name...Mach1, Boss, etc..."
So now i know a little bit about the California Special, and it really doesn't impress me all that much, or evoke the feelings that say a Super Cobra Jet name does, or GT350. So exluding the hard core fans, why would Ford, chose to opt with the California Special Mustang?
Thoughts?

 

probably because they might be going in order or saving the mach and boss models for performance changes and not just looks, also keeping in line with the original California Special, there was no real difference in the car except the badging and the decals, and stuff like that.

 

rrobello's answer sounds about right to me, they want to save the "real" special editions till they need them!

 

There should of been at least a 2006 Mach1. It wouldn't cost too much, to SC the 4.6L and add a Mach1 paint job.
Thats all I really want. 350-400hp in the $29k-$33k price range.

Why wait? With the 400hp GTO and the new 340hp Dodge Charger, Ford would of been smart to produce a Mach1 in 2006.

 

They're probably not going to SC an aluminium engine block

 

They need to do something! There is too much of a gap between the Mustang GT and the Shelby - both in price and performance.

 

Special Editions are usually used to spice up sales.

Look back in 99-04.
Other than Spring Edition, 35th Edition (tape/stripe + small changes)
it wasn't until 2001 when the Bullitt came out, that we actually got a labelled 'SE'

Until anything official is said, we are still not sure if the CS isn't just a pony package for the GTv8

Lets wait until more news comes out.

Oh, and there never was a BULLITT special edition from the past...
The first/only (so far) was in 01...so it really doesn't harken back to any trim level from the past....only a characters car in a movie.

 

I was shocked when MotorTrend said that we should expect to see another Bullitt in 2008, when a minor facelift and HP are expected to happen.
I think the majority of Mustang fans want a Boss or Mach1.

 

I wouldn't exactly trust motortrend

 

many of motortrends rumors were totally wrong. I'd wait for more info to leak out before making any guesses.

 

They have a San Diego Special that I have seen.

Two black ones with hood wide stripes, and SDS where the GT would be. Sad thing is they are V6's

 

Name and cosmetics. I hope I am wrong but I assume the emphasis will not be on performance. That would be saved for the performance based future SEs.

 

Why would Ford put out a SE in 2006 to fit in between the GT and Shelby when the Shelby hasn't even been finalized yet (power or price)?

I would assume, other than special packages (Pony Package, GT/California Special), you aren't going to see a true SE (which I consider different looks/engine/suspension) until at least 2008 (not including Shelby's, GT500 for sure, GT350 maybe). That is when competition will begin to show up, and when sales will start to slip. Then it would make sense to build a SE. Not that I wouldn't like to see one earlier.

 

Its a cheap way to keep the GT fresh. Its basically a "Pony Package" for the GT which can be sold in higher volumes than a Mach 1, Boss etc... for quite a bit cheaper.

Plus, Ford doesn't need SE's right now to add excitement to the lineup. Ford Execs also want to see some returns after all the investment in the Mustang so far. More R&D into more complicated SE's are better left for later in the run.

Plus, with news of Dodge, GM bringing competition for the Mustang in the 08/09MY, Ford would be smart to save all its tricks.

I'd look for a Bullitt or Boss as an 08 though.

 

I agree with GTJOHN. They shouldn't wait until they need to generate interest in the car to give us a boss or Mach 1. I would love a Shelby but it looks like there won't be enough to go around and there will be price gouging. Give us a Boss that anyone can order, with out being put on a large waiting list with just a few cars. Options is where Ford really makes some money so give us a higher price Boss option and they make more money on the sale.

 

The great thing about Mustangs is that they have broad appeal. You may find this surprising but there are other people besides us who buy Mustangs! I think Ford is just trying to come up with a derivative that is mostly appearance to appeal to folks that only want the show and not the go.

It will help sell V6s. They are probably over subscribed on V8s already between GT and Shelby. It is probably also a workload issue for them. You can count on Ford to do something else that will slot between Shelby and and GT in 07 or so.

 

Prior to the Shelby news, a Ford Marketing Rep. (at the Cleveland Auto Show) told me about the new Cobra(Shelby) and so far, all his info has been correct. The only detail he left out about the Cobra, was that it was going to be called a "Shelby". I asked him about a Mach1 or another SE, and he told me 2007 or 2008.
I was hoping Ford would of moved those dates up!

bigred0383, Why should potential SE Mustang buyers wait for GM or Dodge to make the first move? That old marketing strategy, isn't as effective as used to be. Although GTO sales are not that good, GM has proved that you can build and sell a 400hp car under $35k. Dodge is dropping 340hp Hemi's in several models, under $35k.
Ford needs to step up to the plate, and give its loyal customers and its potential new customers, products that are just as good or better then the competitions!

The Shelby was a priority. Ford had to generate some excitement to the Ford brand. GM and Dodge were coming out with several new and exciting cars - C6, Z06, GTO, Charger, 300C and Magnum. It was just as much about image, as it was about selling Shelby's.
Like SHARP pointed out in his post, the waiting period for a Shelby is going to be long, and we can expect to see price gouging as well.

Had Ford introduced a 400hp Mach1 in 2006, the GTO would be all but dead! Plus, Ford has several SE's to pick from in the future ( Boss, GT350, Bullitt) if and when GM or Dodge brings out a Camero or Challenger.

 

John, how's life at the plant these days?

Have you guys got a shippment of the new rims there yet?

 

I'm lost as to why there needs to be a SE factory Mustang with 340 or 400 HP. If Ford was taking a beating in sales I could understand. As it stands now though the cars with 340HP aren't even in the same class and the 400HP car not many people want. If there is such a desire for more power then do it yourself. Thats what I am doing.

 

have to agree with GTJOHN! The gap is there and some of us are waiting for a Mach. Ford better hurry up before some decide to jump ship! :scratch: