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Old 03-24-2006 | 01:08 PM
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Gburg
Joined: Mar 2006
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Default Re: ford gt's down for the count...

Originally Posted by juddz
Before opening this thread, I thought it would be about Ford's decision to cancel the GT. But, I guess that is a discussion for another thread... unless I decide to shamelessly jack this one. And, okay, I will.

Ford will close it's Wixom, MI plant in the near future, which will end production of the Lincoln LS and Ford GT. The Ford Thunderbird (RIP) and Lincoln Continental were also made there. Ford maintains that they never intended to keep the GT around for more than a couple of years. Apparently, it has run its course (despite being one of the best supercars in the world). Maybe it is just to keep it exclusive. Bear in mind that Ford now owns the name "Cobra" (as it has been applied to many Mustangs over the years), and the GT500 is christened a "Shelby" (as some rare 'Stangs were decades ago). If Ford has the rights to use both "Shelby" and "Cobra", you could imagine an interesting (and just as legendary) replacement for the GT...
It would have been nice to see the Ford GT evolve over the years like Corvettes and Vipers. Ford never did really support the new GT. Most of their dealers never sent their technicians to get factory training on how to maintain the GTs. Their shops do not have the lifts to properly lift the GT for service without damaging the car. Ford dealers suggested that customers change the oil themselves. There are about 40 bolts to be removed underneath the GT before the oil can be changed. Unlike most cars that have a single drain plug at the bottom of the oil pan. I don't have the garage, to get that intimate with a GT. $165K+ car and do my own maintenance... don't think so. Don't have the time or interest to learn either.

Just as well, as most Ford dealers do not know how to sell cars to high-end customers, as most of their cars go for under $30K. Some greedy dealers wanted $10-20K over MSRP. Read about one dealer that wanted $2-250K. Get real!!! With a $159K base price, the GT should not go for more than $171K. Actual window stickers seen on the internet had a price of $165.5K . I feel the same about Chrysler's "Firepower" concept should it go into production. And I HOPE that it does!!! The Firepower should not go for more $$ than a Z06 Corvette. What a nice decision: Vette... Firepower... Vette... Firepower...
 

Last edited by Gburg; 03-24-2006 at 01:14 PM.