351CJ said:
The idea is to create hype and buzz, so people go to a Ford dealership and buy something. It doesn't matter whether it's a GT-500 or an Expedition, just as long as the GT-500 gets more people into the dealers who buy someting that says "Ford" on it.
I haven't posted on this forum for quite some time, but I couldn't help myself given the topic at hand.
Given Ford's troubles, this "strategy" is likely to backfire. People looking at this car WANT what they WANT and if they don't get it, they'll just wait or more likely than not go elsewhere. No way someone is going to go into the showroom looking for a GT500 and then say, "well, if I can't get the GT500 I wanted I'm going to buy an Expedition or maybe a [enter any other Ford vehicle name here]". Maybe a handful might turn to a standard GT for the affordability and modability, but that's about it. The GT500 looks nice, has the historicall nostalgia working for it, and sure it should have a high level of power and performance, but it all means squat if you can't readily get one.
Funny enough, I remeber reading somewhere when they first approved production of the GT500 that they were planning to produce "as many as are demanded" and that they were not going to artificially restrict production. I wish I could find that article now, but I'm still looking.
IMHO Ford is trying to rekindle/relive the glory days with a single vehicle (the Mustang) without being in the financial and business model position to do so, no different than GM with the GTO, Corvette, and some of their upcoming vehicles. Daimler Chrysler was the only one that was more proactive at changing with the market and making desireable vehicles with style and performance that the average person can afford.
So much for Ford and GM milking their SUVs for profits for so long that they are now crowding their lots, while having to make massive layoffs to try and cope and shift business strategies.
I've always been a big Mustang fan and have owned several over the years, but given what I've just mentioned, I'm sure some of you can probably understand why I now drive an AWD Subaru STi. Power, excellent overall performance, handling, reliability, four doors, a decent interior and a great daily driver. The styling might be a bit over the top for some (certain colors bringing it out more than others), but it's well worth living with for what you get for your money (low to mid 30's), not to mention some great mod potential if that's what you're into!