@ Super Circus:
...Most of the references when I speak about the Mustang there to the GT model, not the GT500. The ongoing horsepower war would theoretically be between a 325-350 BHP Z/28, a 400 BHP SS, and the possibility of a 505 BHP ZL1. Thus, Ford would have to boost the output of the GT on every level. However, the faceoff between the GT500 and ZL1 would be very different. Given the Camaro's probable IRS setup (given it's Aussie Monaro roots), the Camaro will not only handle better, but will probably be a good deal faster as well, assuming of course they can keep the weight down on the Camaro.
In reference to the transmission issue, they should all have six-speed units, automatic or manual. GM will most likely be using the 6L80E automatic in the Camaro (possibly the 5L40E in the V6?) as well as the standard-issue Tremec T56 as well. So why can't Ford do it? Oh wait, because they can't build good enough transmissions for the job... Sure, they co-developed the 6T70E with GM for their FWD cars, but they can only handle 300 BHP at Ford (315 at GM), and being that they were designed for transverse use, won't go in the Mustang either...
As for Ford versus GM in terms of money and where they stand in the market, GM is FAR better off than Ford in most circles. Not only are they re-aligning their entire US-lineup, but they are also becoming more of a global company, and hope by the end of the decade to begin selling truely global models all across the world. That means our Aura will be the same as the Vectra, our Monte Carlos and Monaros will be similar, etc. This reduces production costs, allowing one design to be used throughout the world, and thus all of the models can be built in one place (see Kappa models).
If you need further proof, here's the scoop:
Leftlanenews.com 23/6/06
Many analysts now feel Ford is now more likely than General Motors to default on its debts. The companies' shares have also moved in opposite directions in recent months. "The switch centres on concerns about the viability of Ford's Way Forward plan, which aims to return its North American operations to profit by 2008," explains Richard Beales of the Financial Times. "Analysts and others have doubts about Ford's ability to staunch recent losses in market share and have questioned the quality of management at the family-controlled carmaker."
...and from the week before...
Leftlanenews.com
General Motors may be struggling, but as far as industry insiders are concerned, Ford is worse off. "The reasons are as obvious as the new models on the showroom floor, which are for the most part dull and uninteresting," says Don Hammonds of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "I've thought Ford was in worse shape than GM for the last six months or so," said Jack Nerad of Kelley Blue Book. "A lot of us were looking at what we already have from Ford and what we know is coming from Ford, and we are less positive about what's coming up for them vs. what GM has been announcing." Ford sorely needs a car like the Chevy Corvette, Pontiac Solstice or Saturn Sky, says Hammonds. Ford has the Mustang, but interest may be waning, he says.
...more bad news from the financial world...
Leftlanenews.com
Shares of Ford closed at $6.66 after an investment firm cut the company's rating Thursday. The ominous stock price marks a 52-week low for the struggling automaker, according to the Detroit News. The combined value of Ford's shares has fallen to $12.7 billion, about one-fifth of its value in mid-2001.
...And from last month...
Leftlanenews.com
Ford seems to lack the direction and focus necessary to create a strong product line and revive sales, according to three analysts. "Of all the automakers, I am most negative on Ford," said Erich Merkle, director of forecasting, with the consulting firm IRN. "There is no continuity to their product development." And Merkle is not alone in his feelings. "There's been a real lack of direction on Ford's part," said industry research expert Karl Brauer. "Ford does not appear to have a focused product plan." Brauer says he's seen a lot of "thrashing about" in Ford's product line that doesn't seem to accomplish much — such as the renaming of all Lincoln vehicles and the sudden elimination of two high-performance vehicles. Joseph Barker, senior manager of global sales forecasting for CSM Worldwide, said Ford badly needs "edgier cars and trucks that exude passion." "Ford must address its conservative design theme (and) their inadequate powertrain lineup," Barker said.
...Mind you, Leftlanenews.com is not biased twards any company from any particular part of the world. Ford is in rough shape just like any other American automaker is right now, but generally speaking, I'd put Ford in worse shape compared to GM and DCX at the moment...
Are they putting in a Toyota motor?
