Recently, Ford’s SVT product director Hau Thai-Tang said Ford decided the performance division “still fits,” and would not be discontinued as some had thought. In a recent interview with AutoWeek Thai-Tang provided further explanation of Ford’s plans for SVT. He said SVT would offer products in three distinct categories…
The first segment, according to Thai-Tang is the performance division as it exists today. As previously noted, Ford currently plans only two vehicles in this category, for the time being. The first is the Shelby Mustang GT500. The second will be a new truck based on the F-150. AutoWeek speculates an SVT Focus could also be in the works, but Thai-Tang makes no reference to it.
The second segment will include “race-inspired” vehicles. Previously, this would have included the Ford GT supercar. Although Ford has discontinued the GT, Thai-Tang’s comment make a successor seem likely.
The third segment will focus on “enhanced performance” — appearance packages, minor performance modifications, wheels, and so on. These accessories will be sold aftermarket via dealers. Thai-Tang said past examples from Ford would include the Bullitt and Mach 1 Mustang.
07/06, 8:52 AM
posted by:
Garris
As a former SVT Contour owner who has held out hope for similar products in the form of an SVT Fusion or similar product, reading this news has made my interest in SVT (and thus, Ford) go away…
07/06, 9:18 AM
posted by:
DaveO
Why? Sounds like they are not giving up on their performance division which is positive, especially considering the engineering and production costs involved for such low volume models is a hard case to make financially.
07/06, 9:25 AM
posted by:
Mike
Chrysler and dodge have made good business cases with their SRT models… but they have had good engineering to start from (solid rwd platforms, autocross tested and factory raced srt4’s, etc)
Outside of the Mustang, there is not a solid platform in the ford NA bin from which to base an SVT vehicle.
07/06, 1:40 PM
posted by:
.josh.
While I can’t fault Chryslers SRT program, #3’s statement “there is not a solid platform in the Ford NA bin” is a little rediculous. True Ford doesn’t have RWD chassis galore, but it has a sold stable of AWD friendly platforms that Ford could develop into an American version of Audi S/RS… but I;m pretty sure they will blow it, thats the sad part.
- The Fusion, which is based on the Mazda6 is a great platform that deserves a huge power increase, wether or not you like the car’s looks, the drving dynamics are strong. Give it AWD, a 6spd, and a 300hp+ 3.5L V6.
- The F150 and Explorer platforms could generate buzz and perfromance from SVT models. (disclaimer: I was truly excited by the SVT Adrenalin)
-Heck a 400hp AWD Ford 500 (though 500hp would be better suited) would be nice and the platform could support this, plus Ford has the engine and drivetrain already.
07/06, 6:11 PM
posted by:
chi dell
the next fastest truck in the world will be the 07 tundra..with 555hp eat your heart out ford and dodge…..
07/06, 6:24 PM
posted by:
alberta
^^^Get out of here with your stupid import garbage. So what will the stupid “Toy” make 555HP while reving its engine into the stratosphere and produce a meager 200 Torgue? HAHAHA Imports fanboys are funny.
07/06, 9:05 PM
posted by:
chi dell
the new tundra will stomp your svt trucks in to the ground..dodge might as well get ready to hand over the fastest truck in the world over to toyota because in the end its going be a tundra that spanks both of your american trucks asses..the blue ovel and ram will be put down for good and for chevy…are they still making cars.
07/06, 10:38 PM
posted by:
alg
trucks suck anyway.
07/07, 9:37 AM
posted by:
Mike
you can always count on chi-dell to take the IQ quotient of a post down to amoeba levels.
07/07, 12:20 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
#8: no, only you suck.
07/11, 3:03 PM
posted by:
Stah
Wow alberta, why don’t you grow up? I thought people quit making homosexual references about people in the seventh grade. As for the 555hp Tundra, good luck getting use out of that speed without any torque. HP might be how fast you can go kids, but torque is what gets you there. Besides, trucks = need torque. -Stah