"Ford Performance" Blue Oval Merges Ford Racing, SVT and RS into Single Brand + More

[SlipZtrEm]

This is the most interesting angle of the new GT, to me. Look at the massive amount of body work cut away there. I imagine the aero and weight benefits are handy.

Even I'll admit I'm suprised Ford didn't stick a V8, boosted or otherwise, in it, but this sounds seriously impressive either way. Good on Ford for not rehashing their rehash design either. As great as the GT is, this is a pretty bold declaration that they're looking forward.

 

[BKGlover]

OMG.........

Edit: here's the Raptor

I can deal with the GT. THIS, however, I can't. How can it be this ugly? I'm willing to put it on par with that 'Reaper' thing.

 

[Dennisch]

Imagine that 3.5 TT in a 4 door. Like a Mondeo or something.

 

[CodeRedR51]

I can deal with the GT. THIS, however, I can't. How can it be this ugly? I'm willing to put it on par with that 'Reaper' thing.

I think it's fantastic, much better than the first truck.

 

[Slash]

I think it's fantastic, much better than the first truck.

100% in agreement with this. Looks way more badass.

That rear though. I am just SOOOO happy about that.

 

[Patrick]

I think it's fantastic, much better than the first truck.

Really? I think the FORD on the tailgate is awful. Front end is pretty nice though.

 

[GTboyz]

I think the first Raptor didn't look badass enough. The new one on the other hand...

 

[BKGlover]

I think it's fantastic, much better than the first truck.

I didn't car much for the first Raptor, but I've said before I think the regular F-150 is awful. I've seen them on lots now, and they evoke the same reflex the Chevy Aveo 5 did.

You like it, more for you and Slash then. I'll take the Focus.

 

[Omnis]

This is the most interesting angle of the new GT, to me. Look at the massive amount of body work cut away there. I imagine the aero and weight benefits are handy.

Even I'll admit I'm suprised Ford didn't stick a V8, boosted or otherwise, in it, but this sounds seriously impressive either way. Good on Ford for not rehashing their rehash design either. As great as the GT is, this is a pretty bold declaration that they're looking forward.

Why so surprised? This is obviously a homologation special. They're using the EcoBoost engine from the IMSA daytona prototypes. It'll be plug-and-play for endurance racing. It'll be interesting to get some tech specs. It may be able to run in LMGTE-Pro, but I think it might be too long and low.

 

[Crash]

This is the most interesting angle of the new GT, to me. Look at the massive amount of body work cut away there. I imagine the aero and weight benefits are handy.

Yup. One way to think of it is the side tunnels between the engine and rear wheels ends up looking similar to, albeit much less extreme, than what you would see on a Le Mans Prototype if you remove the "C-Pillar wings". Those wings can be sculpted to be a wing to boot, providing downforce more towards what I imagine is closer to the center of pressure than wayyyy out in the back.

Why so surprised? This is obviously a homologation special. They're using the EcoBoost engine from the IMSA daytona prototypes. It'll be plug-and-play for endurance racing. It'll be interesting to get some tech specs. It may be able to run in LMGTE-Pro, but I think it might be too long and low.

It being the basis for an engine that can go endurance racing is what I'm thinking as well for why go with a twin turbo V6 set up.

 

[05XR8]

Take away the flying buttresses and the rear looks like an LMP car. The side view is brwath-taking. From the rear of the door to the back, it looks like a low FR layout. I like it.

 

[20832]

Imagine that 3.5 TT in a 4 door. Like a Mondeo or something.

Not going to happen unless they're going to be going for an AWD setup, which I don't think Ford offers for either the Falcon nor the Mondeo. And since they won't even go AWD for the Focus RS, I'd say that this would be very unlikely to say the least.

But yeah, it would be epic, just not with FWD

 

[GTboyz]

Not going to happen unless they're going to be going for an AWD setup, which I don't think Ford offers for either the Falcon nor the Mondeo. And since they won't even go AWD for the Focus RS, I'd say that this would be very unlikely to say the least.

But yeah, it would be epic, just not with FWD

FWD would be epic torque steer

 

[Blackbird.]

 

[LMSCorvetteGT2]

The Raptor reminds me of a Ram without the cross on the grill to be honest, it looks good but the entire bulky squarish crap that everyone is doing (GM, Toyota and Dodge somewhat), rather than something with more shape is getting annoying. It's a powerful off road truck...which is alright.

 

[SVT Cobra GT]

I was thinking the other day why don't Ford axe the Taurus and make the Falcon available globally? Thus keeping Australian jobs available and saving some money in the US by not making the Taurus.

The Falcon is bigger than the Fusion/Mondeo thus giving Ford a 5-Series BMW competitor in Europe and leaving the Mondeo to fight the 3 Series.

 

[05XR8]

Funny. An Australian designs the Ford GT, but can't get funding to design a better interior for the Falcon. Truth is, just not enough of investment to keep the Falcon afloat. The seating position and carryover dash date back before my '05 XR8. I did drive an FG XR6 from Newcastle to Melbourne. The 4L inline 6 is strong enough for everything and the ZF auto was perfect. I am sad my fellow North Americans missed out.

Ahh, what could have been.

In terms of Ford Performance, the Falcon would have filled that gap left by the Sierra/Sapphire Cosworths with the XR6T/F6 Typhoon. No need to offer the V8 in Europe, as the XR6T was the best allrounder. The Falcon GTand F6 were/are made for US roads. Ford would have cleaned up had they exported the BA to the US. After the Impala SS, there was nothing until the CTS-V, then G8.

Anyway, the Mustang should do good. It'll be interesting to see if any M3s, IS-Fs or Holdens are found on Ford used car lots.



And then this...
http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/confirmed-holdens-next-monaro-20150113-12n5k1.html

 

[GTboyz]

The first ttime i saw that cover, i was really excited that Ford is about to make one. Then i found out its only a render....

 

[LMSCorvetteGT2]

I was thinking the other day why don't Ford axe the Taurus and make the Falcon available globally? Thus keeping Australian jobs available and saving some money in the US by not making the Taurus.

The Falcon is bigger than the Fusion/Mondeo thus giving Ford a 5-Series BMW competitor in Europe and leaving the Mondeo to fight the 3 Series.

I wish they'd do that too, more importantly it would take the Chevy SS out of the niche group it is in and give it the same competition it had in Australia.

 

[Joey D]

I was thinking the other day why don't Ford axe the Taurus and make the Falcon available globally? Thus keeping Australian jobs available and saving some money in the US by not making the Taurus.

Australian cars aren't suited for the US market, both the GTO and G8 failed here because they aren't built with average American consumer in mind. You have to remember people who buy the Taurus for the most part are just looking for something that's A to B transport and not a Toyota Avalon. Sure enthusiast probably would like it, but they are a small percentage of car buyers.

 

[TheCracker]

Australian cars aren't suited for the US market, both the GTO and G8 failed here because they aren't built with average American consumer in mind. You have to remember people who buy the Taurus for the most part are just looking for something that's A to B transport and not a Toyota Avalon. Sure enthusiast probably would like it, but they are a small percentage of car buyers.

More so, i think that buyers in a well established market are a difficult demographic to sell something new and different to. The Vauxhall badged versions of the GTO and G8 were sales flops here too. Even with generally good reviews and keen pricing. US market cars have never had much impact in Europe either. Only when they've been marketed against cheaper Korean cars, have they had any sales success. The U.S. has also been targeted with well selling Euro cars with poor success. The Scorpio, Merkkur and Caddy Catera hardly went down well.

I'd blame unfamiliarity, but I think it more comes down to the general buying public's like of familiarity.

 

[Tornado]

Australian cars aren't suited for the US market, both the GTO and G8 failed here because they aren't built with average American consumer in mind.

There's no way Ford would drop the Taurus and replace it with a car requiring bespoke drivetrain stuff for a car that was already getting long in the tooth, particularly not with "One Ford"; but I have to say that I don't think this actually means anything in this context. To say that the G8 failed because it wasn't compatible with American tastes rings a little hollow when the Charger is functionally little different and has dramatically and consistently outsold the very same Taurus.



More likely as a culprit is probably the fact that it was badged as a Pontiac about two decades too late and it debuted right around the time GM was very publicly hemorrhaging money.

 

[CodeRedR51]

Australian cars aren't suited for the US market, both the GTO and G8 failed here because they aren't built with average American consumer in mind. You have to remember people who buy the Taurus for the most part are just looking for something that's A to B transport and not a Toyota Avalon. Sure enthusiast probably would like it, but they are a small percentage of car buyers.

GTO's are everywhere around here, and I see a G8 every once in a while. I attribute the low numbers on that one to Pontiac going under not long after it was introduced here. Also, remember Pontiac/GM were going to bring the Ute here as well, which was also cancelled when Pontiac died.

 

[Slash]

GTO's are everywhere around here, and I see a G8 every once in a while. I attribute the low numbers on that one to Pontiac going under not long after it was introduced here. Also, remember Pontiac/GM were going to bring the Ute here as well, which was also cancelled when Pontiac died.

Yeah I see both quite often.

 

[Grandea GTR]

Australian cars aren't suited for the US market, both the GTO and G8 failed here because they aren't built with average American consumer in mind. You have to remember people who buy the Taurus for the most part are just looking for something that's A to B transport and not a Toyota Avalon. Sure enthusiast probably would like it, but they are a small percentage of car buyers.

I have a G8, and I see a whole ton of GTO drivers out and about, coupled with a few G8's.

 

[RandomCarGuy17]

I see quite a few of both the G8 and the GTO actually.

 

[Joey D]

Seeing G8's and GTO's is anecdotal evidence, their sales numbers show they didn't sell very well and that GM didn't continue the project after their 3 year plan suggests they weren't that profitable. Yes, Pontiac going under was the reason the G8 didn't continue on, but given its sales numbers weren't stellar I can't imagine it would have held on much longer.

As for saying that Australian cars are suited for American buyers, I'm going by what I seem to recall several automotive journalist and publications said at the time. The car was engineered for the rougher environment of Australia, not the more subdued environment most American's live it. They were heavier, with heavier duty parts, and supposedly weren't as comfortable. Plus it goes back to the average American buyer not really wanting a V8, big, RWD sedan anymore while I assume the Australian market still likes vehicles like that. I can't see the Falcon being any different if they tried to sell it in the US.

 

[05XR8]

Look at sales numbers for the Mazda3, Corolla, any small SUV and Hyundai/Kias, in Australia. That's where all the Falcon and Commodore buyers(and their kids) have gone.

 

[Badasp5.0]

Australian cars aren't suited for the US market, both the GTO and G8 failed here because they aren't built with average American consumer in mind. You have to remember people who buy the Taurus for the most part are just looking for something that's A to B transport and not a Toyota Avalon. Sure enthusiast probably would like it, but they are a small percentage of car buyers.

I agree 100% even with me being someone who has been wishing for the Aussie falcon in the US since the late '90s. The sedan market is driven by folks looking for large safe family transportation and not a fun car, heck even look at Charger sales most are not V8s and that one had name recognition. The only time the Falcon in the US would have sort of made sense was in the late '90s early '00s when the Taurus '96 redesign killed the Taurus #1 sales spot and became a also ran in the segment. Even that is a long shot since it would be moving from the mainstream to a niche market where the Charger now resides.

 

[Keef]

Let's hope Ford smartens up that DCT so the car can get up its own driveway.