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View Full Version : Hype surrounding the '07 GT500


MHISSTC
04-13-2006, 11:14 PM
Here's my senseless rant for the month.

SVT is no longer and the Shelby GT500 (not an SVT, nor a Cobra, but we know better) can be bought at any Ford dealership...as long as they pay the additional money for the specific tools and training required (similar to the Hybrid Escape).

If you want one of the first production year models, I hope you've been a good customer at your local dealership and have cash in hand.

For sure, my local dealership will be getting one, and possibly a second one, during this first model year of production. The owner of the dealership has already said he's keeping the first one for himself. BASTARD! The second one, if they get it, has about 10 people, including myself, wanting it. I'm not at the top of the list. :mad:

The ordering guides are out, but the prices are not. I had heard projected prices of low $40k for the coupe and high $40k for the convertibles. However, I was told today that it will probably be about $10k more than that PLUS any markup the dealership decides to add onto that due to demand, which will likely push the price into the $60k+ range. :mad:

The ordering start date and time hasn't been announced yet. I was told there will likely be a scramble by collectors to order the cars early in an attempt to secure low VIN numbers with the entire production run for the year probably selling out that day.

I was told that if I wanted an '08 model year GT500 later, I shouldn't have a problem getting it at sticker! That is because by that time all of the collectors with visions of Barrett-Jackson type auctions 30-40 years from now have their overpriced status symbols tucked away safely in their garages, all the hype will be over. These cars will effectively "dissapear" once they are sold.

Even though I've been an enthusiastic and loyal, although low volume, customer of my local dealership and service department, have checked back in on a regular basis, and frequently know their product better than they do, the almightly $ speaks louder than my enthusiasm for the product.

If I were to own one, it would not "dissapear". It would be highly visible since I would do the same thing with it as I have my '96 Cobra, DRIVE IT! And I would drive it on the track!

I feel the GT500 :cough:Cobra:cough: is a car that has been overhyped and overpromoted (Shelby) that no longer has an appeal of exclusivity by being offered through the mainstream Ford dealership and has no real race history to support the Shelby name.

I liked the car when it was first proposed without the Shelby name or GT500 monikers stuck to it. I like it much less now. It doesn't even have the independant rear suspension I was hoping for.

Crap. Now I don't want one anymore.

On a more positive note...the new Steeda Q525s are looking good. :)

JLMounce
04-14-2006, 06:16 AM
Ford SVT hosted a meet and great for the cars for Edmunds.com.

http://www.dpccars.com/car-movies/04-15-06pageShelbyGT500.htm

As you'll see in the video, there is SVT stamped all over this car. The member of ford being interviewed is clearly heard stating that SVT is not done and they've got a truck in the works.

It's hear-say so take it as it's worth but I think that's a good sign.

This is after all the same thing that happened with the Terminators. I remember trying to buy a Black 03 Cobra about a month after they hit the market. 32,000 sticker with a 10,000 "market" adjustment. Not 6 months later I picked up my 2003 10th Anniversary Cobra with a 5500 rebate.

The hype surrounding the new car simply because of the shelby name will in fact make it a bit harder to come by at first. Scott I think you're completely right in the dissapearing statement. Except for a select few most of them will be purchased and parked. You won't see people out driving them for a while.

I do have to say though that I'm dissapointed in the curb weight of the vehicle. 3950 for the coupe and 4040 for the convertible. Granted chassis stiffness compared to the old SN95 chassis is better 10 fold, however at the extream sacrafice of weight. The supercharger toping an iron block 5.4 isn't helping either.


I think I'll stick with my aluminum engine'd 99.

RichV
04-14-2006, 06:22 AM
My buddy put himself on the list to get one. He spoke to the dealers, they said the same thing about collectors/price hikes. Really it is just a retro-remake of the original name, a few styling goodies, and a supercharger.

My friend got tired of waiting and bought a 06 Saleen.

MHISSTC
04-14-2006, 07:39 AM
Oh, it's more than just rumors.

SVTOA is being run by Ford Racing now. All the SVT badging on the GT500 is there because it was supposed to the be next SVT Cobra until Ford pimped Shelby for his name again. The only reason those monikers remained is because the decision to change the name was too late in development with the small bits and pieces already being produced with SVT on to go to the time and expense to do ithem over.

From the SVTOA website:

Give them a call....1-800-FORD-SVT Now= " Ford Performance Group ", Question is SVT Finished? He replied yes, as of March 31 there is No more SVT at Ford!!! Its over!!!

From Jeff Lancia:

R.i.p. Svt (1993 - 2006)
But just because SVT will be gone as of April 1, that DOES NOT MEAN that we as members and SVT owners should have any less enthusiasm for the recent crop of performance Fords!

It was a great ride during a great time at Ford... when people with vision and a passion for performance were allowed bring to market some GREAT vehicles.

My only hope is that someday, when Dearborn can stop the "flood of red ink" pouring out of nearly every part of the company, that SOMEONE in the company will be allowed to once again raise the performance flag.

And for those of you that DO own SVT vehicles, contratulations! Your "exclusivity" is now assured.

Now, ONWARD AND UPWARD for SVTOA... or whatever the new name may (or may not) be!
__________________
Jeff Lacina
Lead Instructor
Track Guys Performance Driving Events
http://www.trackguys.com

NASACastang
04-17-2006, 01:12 PM
This is the same scenario that played out with the Viper and then the Viper GTS several years ago. The huge hype, Fair Market Value, Market Adjustment, Limited Availability. Blah Blah Blah. I remember most people were paying close to 100,000 for the GTS when it first came out and then sure enough 12 to 18 months later the same car could be bought for sticker or less new off the show room floor.
Hell look at all the hype over the Ford GT. I know here local in Grand Junction the Ford dealership here payed another dealer in Florida 210,000 for a GT and then sold it to someone here for 250,000 and now you can find them on Ebay for sticker.
Just wait and the investors will finally die out and the true enthusiasts can buy the car for sticker or less.
Death of SVT?! Sounds like typical Ford to me. I have been a Ford fan all my like, used to work as a Ford Parts Counter guy and I am still amazed at some of their decisions. Oh well Ford's MOTTO seems to be "If it's broke let's blame everyone else" and "If it's Not broke we can fix that!" Oh well, what else can we do if you want an American V8. I sure the hell can't stand a GTO so unless Pontiac/GM has the brains to bring back the Trans Am (not likely) then I guess a Mustang/Shelby is the only choice.