Cars - SVT News

SVT's Renewed Focus -- Ford performance arm could be called
'Segment Vehicle Team'

Ford's Special Vehicle Team, rumored to be on the ropes as recently
as 90 days ago ("Is SVT RIP?" March 27), is showing some signs of
life.

During a recent Ford product preview SVT chief Hau Thai-Tang assured us
the Ford performance arm is alive and well, employs 60 engineers
dedicated to developing SVT products, and is planning for the future.

For now SVT will soldier on with two SVT-badged products-one car, the
2007 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 now on sale, and one truck. Thai-Tang is
not revealing much about the truck, other than it will be based on the
F-150 like its predecessor, the SVT Lightning. No timeline was revealed
for production of the SVT truck, but it is not likely for the 2007
model year.

Thai-Tang says SVT is expanding, with future product falling into three
segments:

Race-inspired performance, including vehicles like the Ford GT that
appeal to automotive zealots (hint: If you read AutoWeek, you're
probably in this group).

SVT, the performance division as we know it, making traditional
high-performance SVT-branded products such as the GT500 and the next
Lightning.

Enhanced performance, offering appearance packages, some customization,
minor engine and suspension modifications, and special wheels and
tires. Vehicles in this group might not be badged as SVT products, but
would be tuned by SVT and use a combination of Ford Racing parts and
dealer accessories. Some past examples of this type of vehicle include
the Bullitt and Mach 1 Mustangs built using the previous-generation
Mustang.

The latter group is the one getting the most attention, because it
represents the fastest-growing part of the market and a profitable area
not previously tapped by SVT, Thai-Tang says.

SVT also will lend its expertise to other Ford divisions down the road,
"but our focus is on Ford right now," says Thai-Tang. Was
Thai-Tang's use of the word "focus" a hint of future product? Nah

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...307060001/1024

---
Patrick