SVT's Compass

Here's some interesting news on SVT.

---
Betting on SVT Futures: Ford's new hands have big plans for in-house
tuner brand

Maybe all the fretting, all the online chatter, all the enthusiast
gnashing of teeth about the future of Ford's Special Vehicle Team is
unwarranted. Maybe we are just seeing a lull in production at that
granddaddy of domestic in-house performance tuners.

"I hope so, or else I'm out of a job," says Ford engineer Hau
Thai-Tang, the newly named director of SVT, replacing SVT icon John
Coletti who retired at the end of 2004.

Something tells us Thai-Tang, the Vietnamese native who recently
completed his self-described dream job-as chief engineer on the 2005
Mustang development team-won't hurt for work anytime soon. But
whether that work focuses on future SVT vehicles, and what form those
products might take, remains to be seen.

Rest assured, though, Thai-Tang and his boss, Ford product creation
vice president Phil Martens (himself a relative newbie, having just
taken control of the product leadership position at Ford after the Dec.
1 retirement of engineering whiz Chris Theodore), are saying the right
things.

Martens will admit he was getting upward of 15 letters a day from
alarmed SVT faithful after Coletti's retirement announcement. But his
answers to them:

* "SVT is actually bigger, staff-wise, than ever before."
* "We see SVT growing to about five products."
* "SVT is, and will remain, a Ford-branded product."
* "The core of every SVT program is its powertrain; second is
chassis
dynamics."
* "The next-generation Cobra will be the best one ever."

Martens, who approved the next SVT Cobra a day before we interviewed
him in January, pointed to the Mustang as an example of a product
engineer=ADed from the outset with an SVT version in mind.

SVT products need to be created as part of a model plan, instead of
being develop=ADed after the main product line has left the drawing
board, he says. That way it will prevent embarrassing program delays
(see SVT Lightning) or cancellations, and allow Ford to use SVT as a
launching pad for new performance technologies, says Martens.

That's fine when it comes to finances and product planning, but
doesn't a large portion of SVT's success lie in its indepen=AD-
dence from the mother ship? Or are they starting to learn lessons about
integration from upstarts at Chrysler Street and Racing Technology and
GM Performance Division?

Martens says SVT will remain a stand-alone operation, at least
physically, but the team will now enjoy a direct line of communication
to the product development office. "We really need to bring SVT back
to its roots, into the mainstream of product development, if we're
going to take SVT to the next level. SVT needs to be an integral part
of product development."

So what can fans expect? Martens says SVT will maintain its core of
high-performance V8-powered rear-wheel-drive vehicles. It will expand
into inline four-cylinder cars as well. And it will break ground
venturing into all-wheel-drive performance models. Turbo- and
superchargers also figure prominently. And SVT will draw heavily on
lessons learned developing the Ford GT, from its racing experience, and
with engineers who bring cross-systems expertise.

Thai-Tang says under his stewardship he aims to make sure SVT core
values of performance, exclusivity, substance and value remain intact.
"It's easy to build a strong-performing $100,000 car," he says.
"It's a lot harder to do a strong-performing $20,000 car. You have
to be a lot more creative."

Martens admits even when you put all the pieces in place, you still
must have "the moxie to develop the products-you have to have
people with cars at the core of their essence."

One of those guys, SVT papa Coletti, wishes his successors the best:
"We've laid down a lot of rubber, and I hope the company will
continue to do that."

When Ford rolls out the SVT Cobra version of its all-new Mustang at the
New York auto show in March, take a peek underneath. If our sources are
right, your prying eyes will spy a live rear axle-not an independent
rear suspension, the setup that would be in keeping with the suspension
on the outgoing model, and is therefore anticipated by the SVT Cobra
faithful.

Ford execs are officially mum, including product chief Phil Martens,
who said as recently as the Detroit auto show that no decision had been
made on the Cobra's suspension. Hau Thai-Tang, chief engineer on the
2005 Mustang and now SVT chief, did hint we can expect the next Cobra
to surpass 400 hp (we hear 450 hp) and hit a price of about $40,000.
The SVT Cobra goes on sale in 2006 as an '07 model.
---

Patrick
'93 SVT Cobra

It would be great if SVT became a larger part of the Ford line-up, but if
the next generation SVT Mustang is going to be a solid axel they're taking a
step backwards and everything that is mentioned here is a load of BS. I hope
the "Cobra" that is being shown in NY next month is still in concept form
and an IRS is still being considered.
To repeat what I've posted on other web based groups; The new Mustang
chassis was designed to use an IRS, Ford chose to use a live axel in the GT
to remain at a certain price point. I'm willing to pay for performance and
if Ford is not willing to step up to the plate with a Mustang that has the
power AND the handling I'm looking for I'll spend my performance dollar
someplace else. I like the handling and ride difference that the IRS in my
current Cobra offers over the '00 GT that it replaced. I don't trust Ford to
put money into designing a solid axel that has the performance I want, and
I'm not going to purchase a car then spend thousands on performance parts to
get what I want. I was originally looking toward purchasing a Roush Stage 3,
but the SVT Cobra gave me the performance I wanted for the right price. Ford
got my performance dollar because of this and if Ford can't do that again,
my next car will be purchased from Roush. Roush can and will produce a
better handling solid axel then Ford will be willing to engineer. Most of my
performance dollar will go to Roush, and Ford will only see the cost of the
GT. Too bad I can't stand the looks of the Corvette, plus I like having back
seats, or Ford might not even see a penny of my performance dollar.
--
Mike
Silver 10th Anniversary Cobra Coupe
---

wrote:
> Here's some interesting news on SVT.
>
> ---
> Betting on SVT Futures: Ford's new hands have big plans for in-house
> tuner brand
>
> Maybe all the fretting, all the online chatter, all the enthusiast
> gnashing of teeth about the future of Ford's Special Vehicle Team is
> unwarranted. Maybe we are just seeing a lull in production at that
> granddaddy of domestic in-house performance tuners.
>
> "I hope so, or else I'm out of a job," says Ford engineer Hau
> Thai-Tang, the newly named director of SVT, replacing SVT icon John
> Coletti who retired at the end of 2004.
>
> Something tells us Thai-Tang, the Vietnamese native who recently
> completed his self-described dream job-as chief engineer on the 2005
> Mustang development team-won't hurt for work anytime soon. But
> whether that work focuses on future SVT vehicles, and what form those
> products might take, remains to be seen.
>
> Rest assured, though, Thai-Tang and his boss, Ford product creation
> vice president Phil Martens (himself a relative newbie, having just
> taken control of the product leadership position at Ford after the
> Dec. 1 retirement of engineering whiz Chris Theodore), are saying the
> right things.
>
> Martens will admit he was getting upward of 15 letters a day from
> alarmed SVT faithful after Coletti's retirement announcement. But his
> answers to them:
>
> * "SVT is actually bigger, staff-wise, than ever before."
> * "We see SVT growing to about five products."
> * "SVT is, and will remain, a Ford-branded product."
> * "The core of every SVT program is its powertrain; second is
> chassis
> dynamics."
> * "The next-generation Cobra will be the best one ever."
>
> Martens, who approved the next SVT Cobra a day before we interviewed
> him in January, pointed to the Mustang as an example of a product
> engineer*ed from the outset with an SVT version in mind.
>
> SVT products need to be created as part of a model plan, instead of
> being develop*ed after the main product line has left the drawing
> board, he says. That way it will prevent embarrassing program delays
> (see SVT Lightning) or cancellations, and allow Ford to use SVT as a
> launching pad for new performance technologies, says Martens.
>
> That's fine when it comes to finances and product planning, but
> doesn't a large portion of SVT's success lie in its indepen*-
> dence from the mother ship? Or are they starting to learn lessons
> about integration from upstarts at Chrysler Street and Racing
> Technology and GM Performance Division?
>
> Martens says SVT will remain a stand-alone operation, at least
> physically, but the team will now enjoy a direct line of communication
> to the product development office. "We really need to bring SVT back
> to its roots, into the mainstream of product development, if we're
> going to take SVT to the next level. SVT needs to be an integral part
> of product development."
>
> So what can fans expect? Martens says SVT will maintain its core of
> high-performance V8-powered rear-wheel-drive vehicles. It will expand
> into inline four-cylinder cars as well. And it will break ground
> venturing into all-wheel-drive performance models. Turbo- and
> superchargers also figure prominently. And SVT will draw heavily on
> lessons learned developing the Ford GT, from its racing experience,
> and with engineers who bring cross-systems expertise.
>
> Thai-Tang says under his stewardship he aims to make sure SVT core
> values of performance, exclusivity, substance and value remain intact.
> "It's easy to build a strong-performing $100,000 car," he says.
> "It's a lot harder to do a strong-performing $20,000 car. You have
> to be a lot more creative."
>
> Martens admits even when you put all the pieces in place, you still
> must have "the moxie to develop the products-you have to have
> people with cars at the core of their essence."
>
> One of those guys, SVT papa Coletti, wishes his successors the best:
> "We've laid down a lot of rubber, and I hope the company will
> continue to do that."
>
> When Ford rolls out the SVT Cobra version of its all-new Mustang at
> the New York auto show in March, take a peek underneath. If our
> sources are right, your prying eyes will spy a live rear axle-not an
> independent rear suspension, the setup that would be in keeping with
> the suspension on the outgoing model, and is therefore anticipated by
> the SVT Cobra faithful.
>
> Ford execs are officially mum, including product chief Phil Martens,
> who said as recently as the Detroit auto show that no decision had
> been made on the Cobra's suspension. Hau Thai-Tang, chief engineer on
> the 2005 Mustang and now SVT chief, did hint we can expect the next
> Cobra to surpass 400 hp (we hear 450 hp) and hit a price of about
> $40,000. The SVT Cobra goes on sale in 2006 as an '07 model.
> ---
>
> Patrick
> '93 SVT Cobra

WraithCobra wrote:

I understand your concerns and needs. But you also have to understand
the number of drag racers who demand a solid axle. I think Ford's best
bet is to offer IRS as an option.

Patrick
1st Anniversary Cobra Hatch


> It would be great if SVT became a larger part of the Ford line-up,
but if
> the next generation SVT Mustang is going to be a solid axel they're
taking a
> step backwards and everything that is mentioned here is a load of BS.
I hope
> the "Cobra" that is being shown in NY next month is still in concept
form
> and an IRS is still being considered.
> To repeat what I've posted on other web based groups; The new Mustang
> chassis was designed to use an IRS, Ford chose to use a live axel in
the GT
> to remain at a certain price point. I'm willing to pay for
performance and
> if Ford is not willing to step up to the plate with a Mustang that
has the
> power AND the handling I'm looking for I'll spend my performance
dollar
> someplace else. I like the handling and ride difference that the IRS
in my
> current Cobra offers over the '00 GT that it replaced. I don't trust
Ford to
> put money into designing a solid axel that has the performance I
want, and
> I'm not going to purchase a car then spend thousands on performance
parts to
> get what I want. I was originally looking toward purchasing a Roush
Stage 3,
> but the SVT Cobra gave me the performance I wanted for the right
price. Ford
> got my performance dollar because of this and if Ford can't do that
again,
> my next car will be purchased from Roush. Roush can and will produce
a
> better handling solid axel then Ford will be willing to engineer.
Most of my
> performance dollar will go to Roush, and Ford will only see the cost
of the
> GT. Too bad I can't stand the looks of the Corvette, plus I like
having back
> seats, or Ford might not even see a penny of my performance dollar.
> --
> Mike
> Silver 10th Anniversary Cobra Coupe
> ---
>
> wrote:
> > Here's some interesting news on SVT.
> >
> > ---
> > Betting on SVT Futures: Ford's new hands have big plans for
in-house
> > tuner brand
> >
> > Maybe all the fretting, all the online chatter, all the enthusiast
> > gnashing of teeth about the future of Ford's Special Vehicle Team
is
> > unwarranted. Maybe we are just seeing a lull in production at that
> > granddaddy of domestic in-house performance tuners.
> >
> > "I hope so, or else I'm out of a job," says Ford engineer Hau
> > Thai-Tang, the newly named director of SVT, replacing SVT icon John
> > Coletti who retired at the end of 2004.
> >
> > Something tells us Thai-Tang, the Vietnamese native who recently
> > completed his self-described dream job-as chief engineer on the
2005
> > Mustang development team-won't hurt for work anytime soon. But
> > whether that work focuses on future SVT vehicles, and what form
those
> > products might take, remains to be seen.
> >
> > Rest assured, though, Thai-Tang and his boss, Ford product creation
> > vice president Phil Martens (himself a relative newbie, having just
> > taken control of the product leadership position at Ford after the
> > Dec. 1 retirement of engineering whiz Chris Theodore), are saying
the
> > right things.
> >
> > Martens will admit he was getting upward of 15 letters a day from
> > alarmed SVT faithful after Coletti's retirement announcement. But
his
> > answers to them:
> >
> > * "SVT is actually bigger, staff-wise, than ever before."
> > * "We see SVT growing to about five products."
> > * "SVT is, and will remain, a Ford-branded product."
> > * "The core of every SVT program is its powertrain; second is
> > chassis
> > dynamics."
> > * "The next-generation Cobra will be the best one ever."
> >
> > Martens, who approved the next SVT Cobra a day before we
interviewed
> > him in January, pointed to the Mustang as an example of a product
> > engineer=ADed from the outset with an SVT version in mind.
> >
> > SVT products need to be created as part of a model plan, instead of
> > being develop=ADed after the main product line has left the drawing
> > board, he says. That way it will prevent embarrassing program
delays
> > (see SVT Lightning) or cancellations, and allow Ford to use SVT as
a
> > launching pad for new performance technologies, says Martens.
> >
> > That's fine when it comes to finances and product planning, but
> > doesn't a large portion of SVT's success lie in its indepen=AD-
> > dence from the mother ship? Or are they starting to learn lessons
> > about integration from upstarts at Chrysler Street and Racing
> > Technology and GM Performance Division?
> >
> > Martens says SVT will remain a stand-alone operation, at least
> > physically, but the team will now enjoy a direct line of
communication
> > to the product development office. "We really need to bring SVT
back
> > to its roots, into the mainstream of product development, if we're
> > going to take SVT to the next level. SVT needs to be an integral
part
> > of product development."
> >
> > So what can fans expect? Martens says SVT will maintain its core of
> > high-performance V8-powered rear-wheel-drive vehicles. It will
expand
> > into inline four-cylinder cars as well. And it will break ground
> > venturing into all-wheel-drive performance models. Turbo- and
> > superchargers also figure prominently. And SVT will draw heavily on
> > lessons learned developing the Ford GT, from its racing experience,
> > and with engineers who bring cross-systems expertise.
> >
> > Thai-Tang says under his stewardship he aims to make sure SVT core
> > values of performance, exclusivity, substance and value remain
intact.
> > "It's easy to build a strong-performing $100,000 car," he says.
> > "It's a lot harder to do a strong-performing $20,000 car. You have
> > to be a lot more creative."
> >
> > Martens admits even when you put all the pieces in place, you still
> > must have "the moxie to develop the products-you have to have
> > people with cars at the core of their essence."
> >
> > One of those guys, SVT papa Coletti, wishes his successors the
best:
> > "We've laid down a lot of rubber, and I hope the company will
> > continue to do that."
> >
> > When Ford rolls out the SVT Cobra version of its all-new Mustang at
> > the New York auto show in March, take a peek underneath. If our
> > sources are right, your prying eyes will spy a live rear axle-not
an
> > independent rear suspension, the setup that would be in keeping
with
> > the suspension on the outgoing model, and is therefore anticipated
by
> > the SVT Cobra faithful.
> >
> > Ford execs are officially mum, including product chief Phil
Martens,
> > who said as recently as the Detroit auto show that no decision had
> > been made on the Cobra's suspension. Hau Thai-Tang, chief engineer
on
> > the 2005 Mustang and now SVT chief, did hint we can expect the next
> > Cobra to surpass 400 hp (we hear 450 hp) and hit a price of about
> > $40,000. The SVT Cobra goes on sale in 2006 as an '07 model.
> > ---
> >
> > Patrick
> > '93 SVT Cobra

wrote:
> WraithCobra wrote:
>
> I understand your concerns and needs. But you also have to understand
> the number of drag racers who demand a solid axle. I think Ford's
> best bet is to offer IRS as an option.

I'd be cool with that, and would pay for it. But SVT products are not drag
strip type vehicles, they're not marketed to drag racers. I thought
Thai-Tang said he wanted an "M" fighter. If he wants to market SVT to
performance buyers, he's not going to do it with a solid axel Mustang. He'll
be chasing away customers like me who want a certain level of performance
that a factory solid axel Mustang will not be able to provide. I'm in a
bind, what performance V8 RWD 2+2 coupes are available to me? Mustang, GTO,
BMW? I don't have the cash for any BMW that fit's the bill. The GTO is
just... well.... eewwww, so the Mustang is all that's left. The rumors of a
new Camaro may add to the list, but we'll have to see what that thing's
going to look like. The Charger is ok but is a 4 door, stupid move on
Chrysler part. Oh well, my warrantee runs out in August '06 so I'll just
have to see what's out there, or will be available between then and summer
'07.
--
Mike
Silver 10th Anniversary Cobra Coupe
---

>> It would be great if SVT became a larger part of the Ford line-up,
>> but if the next generation SVT Mustang is going to be a solid axel
>> they're taking a step backwards and everything that is mentioned
>> here is a load of BS. I hope the "Cobra" that is being shown in NY
>> next month is still in concept form and an IRS is still being
>> considered.
>> To repeat what I've posted on other web based groups; The new Mustang
>> chassis was designed to use an IRS, Ford chose to use a live axel in
>> the GT to remain at a certain price point. I'm willing to pay for
>> performance and if Ford is not willing to step up to the plate with
>> a Mustang that has the power AND the handling I'm looking for I'll
>> spend my performance dollar someplace else. I like the handling and
>> ride difference that the IRS in my current Cobra offers over the '00
>> GT that it replaced. I don't trust Ford to put money into designing
>> a solid axel that has the performance I want, and I'm not going to
>> purchase a car then spend thousands on performance parts to get what
>> I want. I was originally looking toward purchasing a Roush Stage 3,
>> but the SVT Cobra gave me the performance I wanted for the right
>> price. Ford got my performance dollar because of this and if Ford
>> can't do that again, my next car will be purchased from Roush. Roush
>> can and will produce a better handling solid axel then Ford will be
>> willing to engineer. Most of my performance dollar will go to Roush,
>> and Ford will only see the cost of the GT. Too bad I can't stand the
>> looks of the Corvette, plus I like having back seats, or Ford might
>> not even see a penny of my performance dollar. --
>> Mike
>> Silver 10th Anniversary Cobra Coupe
>> ---
>>
>> wrote:
>>> Here's some interesting news on SVT.
>>>
>>> ---
>>> Betting on SVT Futures: Ford's new hands have big plans for in-house
>>> tuner brand
>>>
>>> Maybe all the fretting, all the online chatter, all the enthusiast
>>> gnashing of teeth about the future of Ford's Special Vehicle Team is
>>> unwarranted. Maybe we are just seeing a lull in production at that
>>> granddaddy of domestic in-house performance tuners.
>>>
>>> "I hope so, or else I'm out of a job," says Ford engineer Hau
>>> Thai-Tang, the newly named director of SVT, replacing SVT icon John
>>> Coletti who retired at the end of 2004.
>>>
>>> Something tells us Thai-Tang, the Vietnamese native who recently
>>> completed his self-described dream job-as chief engineer on the 2005
>>> Mustang development team-won't hurt for work anytime soon. But
>>> whether that work focuses on future SVT vehicles, and what form
>>> those products might take, remains to be seen.
>>>
>>> Rest assured, though, Thai-Tang and his boss, Ford product creation
>>> vice president Phil Martens (himself a relative newbie, having just
>>> taken control of the product leadership position at Ford after the
>>> Dec. 1 retirement of engineering whiz Chris Theodore), are saying
>>> the right things.
>>>
>>> Martens will admit he was getting upward of 15 letters a day from
>>> alarmed SVT faithful after Coletti's retirement announcement. But
>>> his answers to them:
>>>
>>> * "SVT is actually bigger, staff-wise, than ever before."
>>> * "We see SVT growing to about five products."
>>> * "SVT is, and will remain, a Ford-branded product."
>>> * "The core of every SVT program is its powertrain; second is
>>> chassis
>>> dynamics."
>>> * "The next-generation Cobra will be the best one ever."
>>>
>>> Martens, who approved the next SVT Cobra a day before we interviewed
>>> him in January, pointed to the Mustang as an example of a product
>>> engineer*ed from the outset with an SVT version in mind.
>>>
>>> SVT products need to be created as part of a model plan, instead of
>>> being develop*ed after the main product line has left the drawing
>>> board, he says. That way it will prevent embarrassing program delays
>>> (see SVT Lightning) or cancellations, and allow Ford to use SVT as a
>>> launching pad for new performance technologies, says Martens.
>>>
>>> That's fine when it comes to finances and product planning, but
>>> doesn't a large portion of SVT's success lie in its indepen*-
>>> dence from the mother ship? Or are they starting to learn lessons
>>> about integration from upstarts at Chrysler Street and Racing
>>> Technology and GM Performance Division?
>>>
>>> Martens says SVT will remain a stand-alone operation, at least
>>> physically, but the team will now enjoy a direct line of
>>> communication to the product development office. "We really need to
>>> bring SVT back to its roots, into the mainstream of product
>>> development, if we're going to take SVT to the next level. SVT
>>> needs to be an integral part of product development."
>>>
>>> So what can fans expect? Martens says SVT will maintain its core of
>>> high-performance V8-powered rear-wheel-drive vehicles. It will
>>> expand into inline four-cylinder cars as well. And it will break
>>> ground venturing into all-wheel-drive performance models. Turbo- and
>>> superchargers also figure prominently. And SVT will draw heavily on
>>> lessons learned developing the Ford GT, from its racing experience,
>>> and with engineers who bring cross-systems expertise.
>>>
>>> Thai-Tang says under his stewardship he aims to make sure SVT core
>>> values of performance, exclusivity, substance and value remain
>>> intact. "It's easy to build a strong-performing $100,000 car," he
>>> says. "It's a lot harder to do a strong-performing $20,000 car. You
>>> have to be a lot more creative."
>>>
>>> Martens admits even when you put all the pieces in place, you still
>>> must have "the moxie to develop the products-you have to have
>>> people with cars at the core of their essence."
>>>
>>> One of those guys, SVT papa Coletti, wishes his successors the best:
>>> "We've laid down a lot of rubber, and I hope the company will
>>> continue to do that."
>>>
>>> When Ford rolls out the SVT Cobra version of its all-new Mustang at
>>> the New York auto show in March, take a peek underneath. If our
>>> sources are right, your prying eyes will spy a live rear axle-not an
>>> independent rear suspension, the setup that would be in keeping with
>>> the suspension on the outgoing model, and is therefore anticipated
>>> by the SVT Cobra faithful.
>>>
>>> Ford execs are officially mum, including product chief Phil Martens,
>>> who said as recently as the Detroit auto show that no decision had
>>> been made on the Cobra's suspension. Hau Thai-Tang, chief engineer
>>> on the 2005 Mustang and now SVT chief, did hint we can expect the
>>> next Cobra to surpass 400 hp (we hear 450 hp) and hit a price of
>>> about $40,000. The SVT Cobra goes on sale in 2006 as an '07 model.
>>> ---
>>>
>>> Patrick
>>> '93 SVT Cobra

i would agree that the ideal would be to offer a solid axle as an option.
of course the irs is the more advanced, better overall setup esp for road
racing, etc., but personally i think that a large percentage of mustang
buyers are potential drag racers. why not be able to make the choice? that
is the real reason i bought the most powerful engine option... they could
have a disclaimer like "handling may suffer" or something

didnt ford or chrysler have an option back in the sixties called "drag pak"
or something like that, where you could get different axle ratios,
suspension variations, etc?

in a letter i wrote last year to svt's scarpello lauding the greatness of
the 03/04 cobra, i mentioned a solid axle option. in his return letter, he
said wasn't feasible under current situation. maybe they can with the new
platform.

just my .02

chris
'04 comp orange cobra vert



wrote in message
.com>...
WraithCobra wrote:

I understand your concerns and needs. But you also have to understand
the number of drag racers who demand a solid axle. I think Ford's best
bet is to offer IRS as an option.

Patrick
1st Anniversary Cobra Hatch


> It would be great if SVT became a larger part of the Ford line-up,
but if
> the next generation SVT Mustang is going to be a solid axel they're
taking a
> step backwards and everything that is mentioned here is a load of BS.
I hope
> the "Cobra" that is being shown in NY next month is still in concept
form
> and an IRS is still being considered.
> To repeat what I've posted on other web based groups; The new Mustang
> chassis was designed to use an IRS, Ford chose to use a live axel in
the GT
> to remain at a certain price point. I'm willing to pay for
performance and
> if Ford is not willing to step up to the plate with a Mustang that
has the
> power AND the handling I'm looking for I'll spend my performance
dollar
> someplace else. I like the handling and ride difference that the IRS
in my
> current Cobra offers over the '00 GT that it replaced. I don't trust
Ford to
> put money into designing a solid axel that has the performance I
want, and
> I'm not going to purchase a car then spend thousands on performance
parts to
> get what I want. I was originally looking toward purchasing a Roush
Stage 3,
> but the SVT Cobra gave me the performance I wanted for the right
price. Ford
> got my performance dollar because of this and if Ford can't do that
again,
> my next car will be purchased from Roush. Roush can and will produce
a
> better handling solid axel then Ford will be willing to engineer.
Most of my
> performance dollar will go to Roush, and Ford will only see the cost
of the
> GT. Too bad I can't stand the looks of the Corvette, plus I like
having back
> seats, or Ford might not even see a penny of my performance dollar.
> --
> Mike
> Silver 10th Anniversary Cobra Coupe
> ---
>
> wrote:
> > Here's some interesting news on SVT.
> >
> > ---
> > Betting on SVT Futures: Ford's new hands have big plans for
in-house
> > tuner brand
> >
> > Maybe all the fretting, all the online chatter, all the enthusiast
> > gnashing of teeth about the future of Ford's Special Vehicle Team
is
> > unwarranted. Maybe we are just seeing a lull in production at that
> > granddaddy of domestic in-house performance tuners.
> >
> > "I hope so, or else I'm out of a job," says Ford engineer Hau
> > Thai-Tang, the newly named director of SVT, replacing SVT icon John
> > Coletti who retired at the end of 2004.
> >
> > Something tells us Thai-Tang, the Vietnamese native who recently
> > completed his self-described dream job-as chief engineer on the
2005
> > Mustang development team-won't hurt for work anytime soon. But
> > whether that work focuses on future SVT vehicles, and what form
those
> > products might take, remains to be seen.
> >
> > Rest assured, though, Thai-Tang and his boss, Ford product creation
> > vice president Phil Martens (himself a relative newbie, having just
> > taken control of the product leadership position at Ford after the
> > Dec. 1 retirement of engineering whiz Chris Theodore), are saying
the
> > right things.
> >
> > Martens will admit he was getting upward of 15 letters a day from
> > alarmed SVT faithful after Coletti's retirement announcement. But
his
> > answers to them:
> >
> > * "SVT is actually bigger, staff-wise, than ever before."
> > * "We see SVT growing to about five products."
> > * "SVT is, and will remain, a Ford-branded product."
> > * "The core of every SVT program is its powertrain; second is
> > chassis
> > dynamics."
> > * "The next-generation Cobra will be the best one ever."
> >
> > Martens, who approved the next SVT Cobra a day before we
interviewed
> > him in January, pointed to the Mustang as an example of a product
> > engineer*ed from the outset with an SVT version in mind.
> >
> > SVT products need to be created as part of a model plan, instead of
> > being develop*ed after the main product line has left the drawing
> > board, he says. That way it will prevent embarrassing program
delays
> > (see SVT Lightning) or cancellations, and allow Ford to use SVT as
a
> > launching pad for new performance technologies, says Martens.
> >
> > That's fine when it comes to finances and product planning, but
> > doesn't a large portion of SVT's success lie in its indepen*-
> > dence from the mother ship? Or are they starting to learn lessons
> > about integration from upstarts at Chrysler Street and Racing
> > Technology and GM Performance Division?
> >
> > Martens says SVT will remain a stand-alone operation, at least
> > physically, but the team will now enjoy a direct line of
communication
> > to the product development office. "We really need to bring SVT
back
> > to its roots, into the mainstream of product development, if we're
> > going to take SVT to the next level. SVT needs to be an integral
part
> > of product development."
> >
> > So what can fans expect? Martens says SVT will maintain its core of
> > high-performance V8-powered rear-wheel-drive vehicles. It will
expand
> > into inline four-cylinder cars as well. And it will break ground
> > venturing into all-wheel-drive performance models. Turbo- and
> > superchargers also figure prominently. And SVT will draw heavily on
> > lessons learned developing the Ford GT, from its racing experience,
> > and with engineers who bring cross-systems expertise.
> >
> > Thai-Tang says under his stewardship he aims to make sure SVT core
> > values of performance, exclusivity, substance and value remain
intact.
> > "It's easy to build a strong-performing $100,000 car," he says.
> > "It's a lot harder to do a strong-performing $20,000 car. You have
> > to be a lot more creative."
> >
> > Martens admits even when you put all the pieces in place, you still
> > must have "the moxie to develop the products-you have to have
> > people with cars at the core of their essence."
> >
> > One of those guys, SVT papa Coletti, wishes his successors the
best:
> > "We've laid down a lot of rubber, and I hope the company will
> > continue to do that."
> >
> > When Ford rolls out the SVT Cobra version of its all-new Mustang at
> > the New York auto show in March, take a peek underneath. If our
> > sources are right, your prying eyes will spy a live rear axle-not
an
> > independent rear suspension, the setup that would be in keeping
with
> > the suspension on the outgoing model, and is therefore anticipated
by
> > the SVT Cobra faithful.
> >
> > Ford execs are officially mum, including product chief Phil
Martens,
> > who said as recently as the Detroit auto show that no decision had
> > been made on the Cobra's suspension. Hau Thai-Tang, chief engineer
on
> > the 2005 Mustang and now SVT chief, did hint we can expect the next
> > Cobra to surpass 400 hp (we hear 450 hp) and hit a price of about
> > $40,000. The SVT Cobra goes on sale in 2006 as an '07 model.
> > ---
> >
> > Patrick
> > '93 SVT Cobra

On Tue, 15 Feb 2005 02:59:55 GMT, "Chris Shea" >
puked:

>i would agree that the ideal would be to offer a solid axle as an option.
>of course the irs is the more advanced, better overall setup esp for road
>racing, etc., but personally i think that a large percentage of mustang
>buyers are potential drag racers. why not be able to make the choice? that
>is the real reason i bought the most powerful engine option... they could
>have a disclaimer like "handling may suffer" or something
>
>didnt ford or chrysler have an option back in the sixties called "drag pak"
>or something like that, where you could get different axle ratios,
>suspension variations, etc?
>
>in a letter i wrote last year to svt's scarpello lauding the greatness of
>the 03/04 cobra, i mentioned a solid axle option. in his return letter, he
>said wasn't feasible under current situation. maybe they can with the new
>platform.

I read today the Shelby Cobra 'Stang (550 hp) will have a solid axle.

--
lab~rat >:-)
The less you care, the more it doesn't matter.