GT500 Pricing to be announced early-May

[itsokimapilot]

I just found this information this morning from a Fed web page. I thought it was interesting.

 

The Energy Tax Act of 1978 established a Gas Guzzler Tax on the sale of new model year vehicles whose fuel economy fails to meet certain statutory levels. The gas guzzler tax applies only to cars (not trucks) and is collected by the IRS.

 

The fuel economy figures used to determine the Gas Guzzler Tax are different from the fuel economy values provided on this web site and in the Fuel Economy Guide. The tax does not depend on your actual on-the-road mpg, which may be more or less than the EPA published value. The purpose of the Gas Guzzler Tax is to discourage the production and purchase of fuel inefficient vehicles. The amount of any applicable Gas Guzzler Tax paid by the manufacturer will be disclosed on the automobile's fuel economy label (the window sticker on new cars).

 

GAS GUZZLER TAX

Unadjusted MPG (combined)* Tax

at least 22.5 No tax

at least 21.5, but less than 22.5 $1000

at least 20.5, but less than 21.5 $1300

at least 19.5, but less than 20.5 $1700

at least 18.5, but less than 19.5 $2100

at least 17.5, but less than 18.5 $2600

at least 16.5, but less than 17.5 $3000

at least 15.5, but less than 16.5 $3700

at least 14.5, but less than 15.5 $4500

at least 13.5, but less than 14.5 $5400

at least 12.5, but less than 13.5 $6400

less than 12.5 $7700

 

* The combined fuel economy MPG value (55% city, 45% highway) is used to determine tax liability. The MPG value is also adjusted slightly to account for differences in test procedures made since the base year, but it is not adjusted for in-use short fall. The unadjusted combined MPG of a vehicle can be approximated from the city and highway values provided in the Fuel Economy Guide and on this website by the following equation:

 

(1/(.495/City MPG + .351/Highway MPG)) + .15

 

Since this is an approximate calculation, the actual gas guzzler tax may be off by one tax bracket.

 

DAVE

[Five Oh B]

I checked my Mach 1 and the last SVT Cobra's fuel economy ratings at the government's website, but they used adjusted combined numbers. My Mach 1 is not defined as a gas guzzler, but the Cobra is. 2003-4 Cobras got hit with a $1,000 gaz guzzler tax. Here's the adjusted EPA #'s for my car and the Cobra...

 

Mach 1: 17 city, 25 highway, 20 combined.

Cobra: 16 city, 22 highway, 19 combined.

 

Figure the GT500 will be using a 3.31 axle vs the 3.55 in the two cars above. Overdrive ratio is similar. I'd guess we'll see a 15-16 rating in town, with a 23-24 on the highway, with a combined at 19 mpg. Just enough to send the GT500 into the first category of gas guzzlers with a $1,000 penalty added to MSRP.

[itsokimapilot]

Five Oh B

I ran the numbers and I came up with 22.09. Your right that is right in the 1000 range. PS Thanks for all of your valuable info. I've been reading for a while. When I get a chance I'll fill you guys in on how I MIGHT get a GT500. Fingers crossed!

 

Dave

[BadTony]

That sounds right. I just looked at my old window sticker from my 03 Cobra, and sure enough, the gas milage was rated at 16 city and 22 hwy with a $1000 gas guzzler charge. Hopefully the base model coupe with the lessor options (Shaker 500 , no premium interior upgrade etc..) will come in at the projected $39,999 (under $40k) with upgraded options + $1000 gas guzzler tax = viola! Low $40,000's as SVT guys in Dearborn are estimating. When I spoke to Jeff @ 800 Ford SVT on Tuesday, he mentioned that pricing would be released "any day now"