Three Cobras Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 From our local paper's automotive news section Saturday: Dearborn - Bill Ford, in an uncharacteristically blunt announcement, today indicated Ford Motor Company is taking steps to rectify a long running public relations problem by building some specially equipped Shelby GT500 Mustangs to make amends. Approximately 300 customers in Ford's 'Powerlease' program were promised options for the GT500 in July of 2004 which have failed to materialize. Ford was quoted as saying "We have treated these loyal Ford customers like crap. There is no excuse for it. We, as a company, want to make it right and send the message that we, no, I will not tolerate this travesty now or in the future. As a result, we are building approximately 300 special Shelbys - the GT500PL - that will go only to those long-suffering Powerlease holders." There were only a few details Ford would make public, but he did indicate that some of the decontenting of the recent production model will be reversed. Ford would not be quoted for publication, but he did say the version would not be offered to Penske executives or other 'management figures'. He said the version would be approximately 450 pounds lighter than the current GT500 'production' vehicle and contain an independant rear suspension (IRS) as a no-cost option. He said it would also also be fitted with a 'screw-type' supercharger which would produce more than the currently reported 475Hp for the 'production' GT500 available to other customers. Ford also indicated there was a slight problem with the engines which were breaking crankshafts. Ford said the problem appears to be related to the higher horsepower that he indicated was in the '750 RWHP range'. The final EPA numbers were not quite ready, according to Ford, be he was confident the Highway mileage would exceed 26 MPG. Ford also indicated the cars would be 'specially priced', 'probably under $35K out the door'. In closing, Ford said additional steps to improve relations with their loyal customer base would be announced in the coming days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6707Shelby Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 From our local paper's automotive news section Saturday: Dearborn - Bill Ford, in an uncharacteristically blunt announcement, today indicated Ford Motor Company is taking steps to rectify a long running public relations problem by building some specially equipped Shelby GT500 Mustangs to make amends. Approximately 300 customers in Ford's 'Powerlease' program were promised options for the GT500 in July of 2004 which have failed to materialize. Ford was quoted as saying "We have treated these loyal Ford customers like crap. There is no excuse for it. We, as a company, want to make it right and send the message that we, no, I will not tolerate this travesty now or in the future. As a result, we are building approximately 300 special Shelbys - the GT500PL - that will go only to those long-suffering Powerlease holders." There were only a few details Ford would make public, but he did indicate that some of the decontenting of the recent production model will be reversed. Ford would not be quoted for publication, but he did say the version would not be offered to Penske executives or other 'management figures'. He said the version would be approximately 450 pounds lighter than the current GT500 'production' vehicle and contain an independant rear suspension (IRS) as a no-cost option. He said it would also also be fitted with a 'screw-type' supercharger which would produce more than the currently reported 475Hp for the 'production' GT500 available to other customers. Ford also indicated there was a slight problem with the engines which were breaking crankshafts. Ford said the problem appears to be related to the higher horsepower that he indicated was in the '750 RWHP range'. The final EPA numbers were not quite ready, according to Ford, be he was confident the Highway mileage would exceed 26 MPG. Ford also indicated the cars would be 'specially priced', 'probably under $35K out the door'. In closing, Ford said additional steps to improve relations with their loyal customer base would be announced in the coming days. Wow!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe G Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 Wow! You P.L. guys and gals will have the most coveted GT500's out there! I'm glad Ford, and specifically Bill F., stepped up and recognized their obligations. So, any one have a P.L. allocation they want to give to me?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fastbackman Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 Is this really a serious post??? Seriously? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsuds Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 If that article is correct, the GT500PL will be the most highly sought after variant of the GT500. I am unfortunately a skeptic, so until there is an actual car with those specifications out there I find it hard to believe. It is good to see that Ford is making a statement with regards to its loyal customers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fastbackman Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 It appears to be true. It's also posted in the news and reviews forum as well by another poster. Bill Ford rocks for doing this! How in the world did Robert not know this was coming? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe G Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 He said it would also also be fitted with a 'screw-type' supercharger which would produce more than the currently reported 475Hp for the 'production' GT500 available to other customers. Ford also indicated there was a slight problem with the engines which were breaking crankshafts. Ford said the problem appears to be related to the higher horsepower that he indicated was in the '750 RWHP range'. I wonder if the broken crankshaft issues were only in this new "special" engine of if it was in all of them (the standard engines as well)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
portside Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 Lets see, 450 lbs lighter, plus "no cost" IRS, plus a twin screw supercharger, 750 RWHP and "exceed" 26 mpg? Under $35,000 "out the door"? And they're good enough not to let any of Ford's management buy one... Throw in a hand job and you've got a deal. By the way, what's a "slight" problem with a broken crankshaft? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DVS2XS Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 Someone is pulling your chain! LOL Do you really think that the car can lose 450 pounds while adding IRS and the associated mounting? Do you believe that they would add a screw blower and reduce the cost by over $5000? Why would anyone at Ford mention crankshaft issues publicly at this time? Hou do you think they got 26 mpg when the production units are facing a guzzler tax? THINK about it! But it is a nice try....at wishfull thinking. -Devious Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Three Cobras Posted April 24, 2006 Author Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 Devious - Bingo. Funny you threw the BS flag on the technical stuff and not the public relations angle which was the bigger whopper. I'm so tired of being angry on this that I lapsed into some theraputic satire. Hope some got a chuckle out of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
07 Shelby Cobra Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 Ha Ha Thet's Good! :D Crap is a Four Letter Word and Bill Ford was never taught those words in his Private School upbringing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe G Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 Devious - Bingo. Funny you threw the BS flag on the technical stuff and not the public relations angle which was the bigger whopper. I'm so tired of being angry on this that I lapsed into some theraputic satire. Hope some got a chuckle out of it. Hey 3 Cobras... can I get a hand getting the fish hook out of my mouth! You caught me with a whopper! Good one - and it's not even April 1! I guess I got excited thinking that Ford was finally trying to do the right thing... ok, ok, just typing that last part made me laugh! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DVS2XS Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 3Cobras, I understand your pain. All I can say is wait..all is not said and done about these cars YET. Ford is facing many issues ather than the release of this car that are much bigger in the long term. I truely believe that the Power Lease holders will get their GT500's and that the dealers will see a showdown with Ford corporate. Anything else is bad for business, and unless the Way Forward is down a dark tunnel, things WILL be resolved. Nice try at sarcasm...many wanted to believe it. -Devious Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fastbackman Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 Yep, me too. I read it quickly. Had I paid more attention I would've caught it. The 450 pound weight loss was the biggest giveaway. No way you add IRS and lose 450 lbs. Too funny though. It started the day off with a laugh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Three Cobras Posted April 24, 2006 Author Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 Seriously, though, the handling could be improved if they went back to 'SHELBY' spelled letter by letter across the deck lid instead of concentrating all the weight in the single Shelby emblem on the left side. Also, synthetic ATF, with helium, added to the transmission has been shown to reduce the weight of the T56 by 143 Lbs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GT500OnOrder Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 Devious - Bingo. Funny you threw the BS flag on the technical stuff and not the public relations angle which was the bigger whopper. I'm so tired of being angry on this that I lapsed into some theraputic satire. Hope some got a chuckle out of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VNMOUS1 Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 From our local paper's automotive news section Saturday: Dearborn - Bill Ford, in an uncharacteristically blunt announcement, today indicated Ford Motor Company is taking steps to rectify a long running public relations problem by building some specially equipped Shelby GT500 Mustangs to make amends. Approximately 300 customers in Ford's 'Powerlease' program were promised options for the GT500 in July of 2004 which have failed to materialize. Ford was quoted as saying "We have treated these loyal Ford customers like crap. There is no excuse for it. We, as a company, want to make it right and send the message that we, no, I will not tolerate this travesty now or in the future. As a result, we are building approximately 300 special Shelbys - the GT500PL - that will go only to those long-suffering Powerlease holders." There were only a few details Ford would make public, but he did indicate that some of the decontenting of the recent production model will be reversed. Ford would not be quoted for publication, but he did say the version would not be offered to Penske executives or other 'management figures'. He said the version would be approximately 450 pounds lighter than the current GT500 'production' vehicle and contain an independant rear suspension (IRS) as a no-cost option. He said it would also also be fitted with a 'screw-type' supercharger which would produce more than the currently reported 475Hp for the 'production' GT500 available to other customers. Ford also indicated there was a slight problem with the engines which were breaking crankshafts. Ford said the problem appears to be related to the higher horsepower that he indicated was in the '750 RWHP range'. The final EPA numbers were not quite ready, according to Ford, be he was confident the Highway mileage would exceed 26 MPG. Ford also indicated the cars would be 'specially priced', 'probably under $35K out the door'. In closing, Ford said additional steps to improve relations with their loyal customer base would be announced in the coming days. Bbwwwaaahhhaaaa! Ya know what really scares me? The fact that I read down this thread and looked at some of the responses. Holy Moley!!!! bj Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toms71 Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 "Sir, Put down your glass pipe and step back from the computer." Bill Ford giving a crap about the customer? Puh-lease! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOWARD GIRE Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 I only wish I was on the power lease list! Exactly what does this 35K out the door apply to? Is this the price of the GT500 or does it apply to the "PL" cars only. When will we see/hear some news regarding the MSRP, do we have a reponse from door #3? This is like waiting for my first child to pop out! :wacko: :wacko: :wacko: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robertlane Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 To download the Powerlease brochure, click here and follow link Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roy Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 All hope is not lost, on another site back in early March a reliable salesperson talked face to face with a zone manager and the jist is that the 254 PL cars are still in the count and letters will be coming soon. So you can take that with a grain of salt but at least someone up there is still talking about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOWARD GIRE Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 What kind of crap is Ford feeding us now with this "2007 SVT Cobra"? Is the Shelby name removed from the car now and we are to buy an SVT Mustang? I hope what I am assuming is not true. This has got to be one giant rat-f*** on Ford's part! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteelSteeds Posted April 25, 2006 Report Share Posted April 25, 2006 Kind of amazing how many people will post replies to topics without reading all of the posts.... I knew it was a hoax the moment I read the word "crap" from a Bill Ford quote. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Three Cobras Posted April 25, 2006 Author Report Share Posted April 25, 2006 Steel - Are you trying to say Bill Ford wouldn't talk simply and in a straight-forward manner? Anyway, my wife says I should apologize. Sorry, I got on a roll. In the future I will try to remember to post a sarcasm alert at the beginning: 'Objects may appear closer to the truth than they are', or something like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Three Cobras Posted April 25, 2006 Author Report Share Posted April 25, 2006 Howard - The Powerlease brochure discussing the '2007 SVT Cobra' is over two years old. That is the point of the Powerlease rants here: that was what we were promised over two years ago to sign the Powerlease. It was once said of Lenin: "The proof of his vision for the future is that nothing he has predicted has yet come to pass." I know where he's working these days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
svtbird91 Posted April 25, 2006 Report Share Posted April 25, 2006 Steel - Are you trying to say Bill Ford wouldn't talk simply and in a straight-forward manner? Anyway, my wife says I should apologize. Sorry, I got on a roll. In the future I will try to remember to post a sarcasm alert at the beginning: 'Objects may appear closer to the truth than they are', or something like that. This was one of the funniest posts in a long time and very effective in the sarcasm dept. made even more so by all the serious replys.IMO Everyone needs to lighten up a bit ,it has been a long wait for this car and we need some lite hearted humor from time to time. thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
svttim Posted April 25, 2006 Report Share Posted April 25, 2006 OK, so how many of you ordered the 06 Lightning off the power lease :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Three Cobras Posted April 25, 2006 Author Report Share Posted April 25, 2006 'Robert' is in the process of posting pictures and specs for it in the blank 25 April subject thread. You need special glasses to see it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
svtbird91 Posted April 25, 2006 Report Share Posted April 25, 2006 'Robert' is in the process of posting pictures and specs for it in the blank 25 April subject thread. You need special glasses to see it. where do we get the glasses? :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JETSOLVER Posted April 25, 2006 Report Share Posted April 25, 2006 Very briefly I had a heart rate increase that would interest a cardiologist. Thank you! This is funny in that it fully sums up what is wrong with current customer relations issues with us SVT people. FORD; if and when you get your crap together, your gonna need us to put out the street creed that you have managed to throw away with both hands and a shovel. It costs you very little to stay with the faithful, and it took ten years of leading the pack in inovation to get the other OEMs to build a copy. PAY ATTENTION to us and you will be rewarded. Remember the GT was for the high end few. The SVT COBRA MUSTANG is where the bloody company has parked its passion. Don't waste it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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