- Joined
- Aug 27, 2018
- Threads
- 13
- Messages
- 396
- Reaction score
- 319
- Location
- Granger, IA
- Website
- www.grangerford.com
- Vehicle(s)
- 2003 Cobra Mustang
After having a few days to digest everything, I've come up with my opinion (that isn't worth anymore than anyone else's).
1. I commend Ford for taking the time to develop a "halo" Mustang. It would be easier (I'd also argue more profitable) to develop some aspects of an evolution from the 2020-22 GT500 and it would sell very well. That is a proven formula that works and would be the safe bet. Look at the success the Dodge Demon has had, when the only real upgrade is the engine/fuel (I know I'm oversimplifying it, but that is where the vast majority of the upgrades went). This sold out instantly and the "market price" for a demon is $100,000 over sticker commanding a transaction price of approximately $200-225,000. Ford really took a risk here to develop new Carbon Fiber body panels, all new suspension, Dry Sump oiling system, Rear Transaxle setup, Active Aero, etc. So I am extremely impressed they took this risk. They did what was necessary to compete with a different class of car in the 911 GT3RS and the AMG GT.
2. Speaking of those competitors - Is Ford asking too much of a premium? The 911 GT3RS starts at $240,000, the AMG GT starts at $170,000.
Can Ford command a premium compared to the Porsche? I would make the argument that you would need to come in under the price of the Porsche, which in most people's estimation is the standard-bearer in this segment. I don't have any concrete information on this, other than videos that I have watched, but seeing starting prices at $300,000 + Optional Wheels, + Optional Carbon Bumpers, + Optional Active Front and rear aero + Optional custom Paint + Optional custom interior options makes me believe you could touch a sticker price of $400,000 with every box checked.
3. Do customers really want a Track-Focused road car? Interestingly enough, Mercedes released the 2024 AMG GT at the same show as Ford and they are swinging back the opposite direction. They are adding back in rear seats, adding AWD, and are boasting of a more comfortable and plush ride than the outgoing 2023. So what does this high end market want? This remains to be seen, until we see what the sales figures, but I would remind everyeone of two cars that are highly sought after now, but didn't sell all that well new. The 2005-06 Ford GT was only priced at $150-160,000 and could be bought at a discount on dealer lots towards the end of its production run. The 2013-2017 Viper is a track monster and commands a premium now, but didn't sell all that well at $130-160K. Both of these cars are very highly sought after today, but didn't sell out instantly when they were new like some may believe now.
4. I don't believe in anyway this car replaces the everyman Halo Mustang GT500/Cobra. There is a ton of room between the $70,000 Dark Horse and the $300,000 GTD to add back the old halo Mustang Shelby GT500 and I don't believe for a second Ford is walking away from that market like some have anticipated. Production levels of 4000-5000 vehicles in that $100-150K range I believe will happen and I would look for some trickle down technology or aesthetics from this car to reach that car. Ford's typical timing for this units is a year or two after the newest generation is released and I would anticipate similar for the S650.
In conlusion, I really hope this is a sales success from Ford and they are rewarded, because it would be a lot easier to stick to the proven formula of the existing Shelby GT500. Pushing the engineering envelope like this is fantastic for automotive enthusiasts.
I can see a big rush of a small group of enthusiasts initially purchasing the GTD followed by the opportunity to purchase this car below MSRP for a period of time after release because the demand is not as high as anticipated for a $300,000+ Mustang. There are people at Ford a lot smarter than me making those calls, but judging by domestic track-focused history in this price point, it wouldn't surprise me if the demand for this unit falls short of anticipated. I sure hope I'm wrong!
1. I commend Ford for taking the time to develop a "halo" Mustang. It would be easier (I'd also argue more profitable) to develop some aspects of an evolution from the 2020-22 GT500 and it would sell very well. That is a proven formula that works and would be the safe bet. Look at the success the Dodge Demon has had, when the only real upgrade is the engine/fuel (I know I'm oversimplifying it, but that is where the vast majority of the upgrades went). This sold out instantly and the "market price" for a demon is $100,000 over sticker commanding a transaction price of approximately $200-225,000. Ford really took a risk here to develop new Carbon Fiber body panels, all new suspension, Dry Sump oiling system, Rear Transaxle setup, Active Aero, etc. So I am extremely impressed they took this risk. They did what was necessary to compete with a different class of car in the 911 GT3RS and the AMG GT.
2. Speaking of those competitors - Is Ford asking too much of a premium? The 911 GT3RS starts at $240,000, the AMG GT starts at $170,000.
Can Ford command a premium compared to the Porsche? I would make the argument that you would need to come in under the price of the Porsche, which in most people's estimation is the standard-bearer in this segment. I don't have any concrete information on this, other than videos that I have watched, but seeing starting prices at $300,000 + Optional Wheels, + Optional Carbon Bumpers, + Optional Active Front and rear aero + Optional custom Paint + Optional custom interior options makes me believe you could touch a sticker price of $400,000 with every box checked.
3. Do customers really want a Track-Focused road car? Interestingly enough, Mercedes released the 2024 AMG GT at the same show as Ford and they are swinging back the opposite direction. They are adding back in rear seats, adding AWD, and are boasting of a more comfortable and plush ride than the outgoing 2023. So what does this high end market want? This remains to be seen, until we see what the sales figures, but I would remind everyeone of two cars that are highly sought after now, but didn't sell all that well new. The 2005-06 Ford GT was only priced at $150-160,000 and could be bought at a discount on dealer lots towards the end of its production run. The 2013-2017 Viper is a track monster and commands a premium now, but didn't sell all that well at $130-160K. Both of these cars are very highly sought after today, but didn't sell out instantly when they were new like some may believe now.
4. I don't believe in anyway this car replaces the everyman Halo Mustang GT500/Cobra. There is a ton of room between the $70,000 Dark Horse and the $300,000 GTD to add back the old halo Mustang Shelby GT500 and I don't believe for a second Ford is walking away from that market like some have anticipated. Production levels of 4000-5000 vehicles in that $100-150K range I believe will happen and I would look for some trickle down technology or aesthetics from this car to reach that car. Ford's typical timing for this units is a year or two after the newest generation is released and I would anticipate similar for the S650.
In conlusion, I really hope this is a sales success from Ford and they are rewarded, because it would be a lot easier to stick to the proven formula of the existing Shelby GT500. Pushing the engineering envelope like this is fantastic for automotive enthusiasts.
I can see a big rush of a small group of enthusiasts initially purchasing the GTD followed by the opportunity to purchase this car below MSRP for a period of time after release because the demand is not as high as anticipated for a $300,000+ Mustang. There are people at Ford a lot smarter than me making those calls, but judging by domestic track-focused history in this price point, it wouldn't surprise me if the demand for this unit falls short of anticipated. I sure hope I'm wrong!
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