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Even when GM decided to end F-body production recently, there was a little more than a slight outcry. Contrast that with Ford's 1980s consideration of a fwd Mustang (what would eventually become the Probe) and the firestorm it provoked.
The vert will begin production sometime in late January which was recently moved up from mid-February.
From what I've read they are now beginning to build early pre-production models at AAI. Don't expect to be able to buy one of them though. You'll probably see one in a magazine for a road test instead.
Now if Ford plays it's cards right and releases the Futura (which won't be called the Futura anymore because of the Pep Boys tire brand) on time, they should be back in full swing again. I say this because the Mustang will certainly generate more showroom traffic, but it's not for everyone. The Futura (rumor says it might be named the Four Hundred) on the other hand is for everyone and could very well be the next Taurus. We won't know for sure until Ford shows us a production version but things are looking up! Let's not forget about the Five Hundred too.
Like you said, if I also had the courage of my convictions, I'd have bought Ford stock a year ago.
In case you're wondering about the Futura, it's based on the Mazda6 (I am currently leasing one and it is an amazing car), will have a hybrid system as an option a year or so after launch, and can be fitted with an AWD drivetrain. It should be quite a nice ride!
That's just what I think. Take it for what you will.
Ford currently makes a Falcon for the Aussie market, and it sells quite well.
Retro names attached to modern cars is a nice link with the past IMO. Sure, not all of a company's line should revisit old names, but a few sprinkled around can't hurt.
I agree, but Ford lost a few of their old names along with a new one like "Futura". There's a list somewhere out there but I can't remember where it is.
They've also been re-securing some of the old names to make sure they don't lose them too.
"Anyone worried about 'rebadging' of the Mazda6 needn't be"
That's right. The Lincoln and Ford versions are definitely not re-badges. They are just going to be built on the same solid and flexible platform.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The 500 and "Futura" are replacements for the Taurus. One is a little bigger and one is a little smaller respectively. Same goes for the price.
I've seen the 500 at the car show and it is quite nice. Pictures don't do it justice. I can't wait to see what comes out of the professional test drives in the coming months!
As such, FWD "sporty coupes" are quite possibly a diminishing breed.
I know it hasn't been an option in the past - I guess Ford figures if you want the roof to open, you can pop for the convertible.
I was looking at an '05 at the Minneapolis Auto Show last month and there didn't seem to be a whole lot of roof between the windshield and the rear window, so perhaps my wish is somewhat impractical...
Automotive News sez Ford Execs are speculating that Mustangs may be in short supply during the summer of '04 as they are selling at a fast clip (+16% over '03) and production lines will have to be shut down for conversion to the new '05 design.
'04 Convertibles are expected to run out first as sales typically accelerate with the coming of warmer weather.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
Automotive News sez Ford Execs are speculating that Mustangs may be in short supply during the summer of '04 as they are selling at a fast clip (+16% over '03) and production lines will have to be shut down for conversion to the new '05 design.
'04 Convertibles are expected to run out first as sales typically accelerate with the coming of warmer weather.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
I'm not nice enough to my friends to look for a 4door car, but I do drive them around a lot so rear seat room is a consideration.
Just don't take your friends on long trips.
I saw a nice '66 convertible yesterday, pale yellow, top-down. :^)
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
Mustang Mach I - 65.5 MPH
Mustang SVT Cobra - 63.5 MPH
Acura RSX Type S - 66.8 MPH
Mini Cooper S - 69.5 MPH
How will the 05 Mustang do in slalom? Might not want to take on FWD Acura or Mini in the twisties with a Mustang, especially if the road surface is not glass-smooth.
Again, with their relatively high weight and nose heaviness combined with relatively slow steering
Mustangs, whatever their other virtues, have never been ideal for slalom work.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
it's really too bad that the 4.0 will not have an aluminum block...that would significantly improve the balance of the car. looking at the pictures, the balance will be immensely improved over the 04 but the lesser weight would further help the equation. jackg
There is however a more obvious and compelling reason...
the Mustang is REAR DRIVE!
Its a pain in the neck to configure an engine from latitudal mounting as in a FWD car to Longitudal mounting as in a RWD.
The 4.0L Cologne is setup for rear drive. the Duratecs are FWD engines.
This is also the reason that the Escape got a duratec, its fwd/4wd. and the Jag X-type got AWD... it has a duratec based v6 (fwd only in a jag would be sacrelige)
Also SOHC engines have inherent different characteristics than DOHC engines. Typically they produce more low-end torque. Ideal for a truck application of a car that is intended to be quick off the line like a Mustang.
anyway in my "expert" opinion, don't wait for the 35 Duratec cause it will be a long one.
Mark
I'm reasonably sure Ford already said they would be using the 3.5 and the 4.0 was a stopgap, but I'll have to double check.
Both it and the LS come from the DEW98 platform which the '05 Mustang is loosely based on.
I think a couple of other points mschmal made are more likely. 1. The Duratec is too expensive and they want to keep the base price down. 2. The 4.0L makes more low end torque and at a lower RPM. The Duratecs need more RPM to make the same power. Therefore the 4.0L is a better fit for a sports car.
The 3.5 is a different story though. I think it's too close to the GT's 300HP for Ford's liking and, again, it'll cost too much.
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Re the slalom time question previously discussed, I think another proof re size of the car mattering quite a lot is that a V6 Mustang will out-slalom a BMW 5 series easily. It's in the Edmunds review even. And it's not like BMWs are mediocre-handling cars...
advised how much it will cost.
Orders can be submitted 5/17/04
That said, I'm still looking forward to trading her in on an 05 Mustang GT.
I left AAI the beginning of 2000 for a couple of years, on an assignment where the Lincolns are built. Two years ago I returned to AAI, per
request of my Husband.
Thank you kindly for the compliment on the Cougar. I had a '99, and loved the car...mine was a HE not a She like yours (mine had a stick).
A year ago I sold my Cat for a Continental. My Husband is a little upset, because I want to sell my Lincoln for the Cobra we will build. My pony will be a Male too!
p.s. Wildcat,
are you a Ford employee?
one question on a more practical note: does anyone know if HID will be offered on the 05? also, i wonder if the gt interior will be offered as an option on the v6 model...hopefully, the 05 will have a long list of standalone options so we customize our stangs...jackg
No, I'm not a Ford employee. Just a lifelong Ford Fanatic.
You are very welcome on the compliment. My girlfriend is on her second 626 and hasn't had any issues either. She had a 95 and the current one is a 99. We should get a discount for being frequent AAl buyers since she is now looking into buying a Mazda 6 and I want an 05 Mustang.
Any word on when the Mustang SVT Cobra will hit the market or if there will be a specialty Stang anytime soon? ie: Mach 1, Boss, etc...
The Cobra is rumored to be available sometime mid-2006 as a 2007 model. Other rumors report anywhere from 450-500 HP under the Cobra hood. Should be worth the wait if you can afford one.
redc0ugar,
I recently leased a redfire '04 Mazda6s MTX (built in March 2004) and couldn't be more happy with it. I am driving it while I wait to buy a leftover 2006 Mustang or a new 2007 Mustang. The Mazda6 is an outstanding vehicle and it is built like a brick house. I have no doubt that the Mustang will continue that trend.
Keep up the good work up there. You folks are going to make the Mustang one outstanding and highly desirable car!
P.S. I already convinced (actually his test drive of mine did the trick) my cousin to buy a Mazda6 too. He's now zoom zooming around in a black '04 Mazda6s MTX and loving every minute of it too!
BTW, he traded in an '02 Accord SE for it.
I love cars and music. The Lincolns have the best stereo systems to listen to my favorite artist...Clapton. After speaking with the engineers, I've learned the Pony will have a gr8 sound system too! I miss not being able to shift gears & drive like bat outta hell. I'm hearing the Cobra will not go into production for another year...I think I'll settle for a GT.
p.s. If you want my discount...keep me informed.
Baggs,
What can I say Pal...I LOVE YOU! What a nice Man you are. You've always been a huge advocate for AAI and the cars we build. From the bottom of my heart Thank You!
p.s. I can offer more than a few discounts on vehicles.
Gosh, I hope Rich aka Audiaq doesn't read this.
Thanks for the offer on the discount. I just might have to take you up on that!
I won't tell Rich if you don't.
It's high time to join the forum here and start learning more about what you have all been saying about the car both to educate us and to help figure out when we should plan the purchase. I'm somewhat reluctant to buy one of the first year cars just to let some of the 'kinks' get ironed out but it sure would be fun to have one of the first production models of this new classic!
Looking fwd to participating here
Ken
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
Most likely problem areas are parts failures (window regulators, switches, etc.), noises or vibrations or software glitches. These should be fixed within a few months once they appear.
Expect a few extra warranty visits but nothing major. If you really want one, go for it. The driving pleasure should overcome any minor problems. It did for me with my LS. OTOH if you're leaning towards waiting anyway, the 2nd model year should have a lot of fixes and possibly some upgrades as well. Good luck.