Is Ford making another big mistake!? - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

TurboDOHC · 11-08-2002, 03:53

Something is really starting to concern regarding the FPV launch. My concern is that we may see a repeat of the T-series disaster.

My main concern is that of the conservative styling. I believe, and i thought Ford would have recognized that this end of the market wants something with a bit of aggro design. Don't get me wrong, the GT looks the goods, but compared to what is a conservative BA range, and the GT's similarities to the XR8, i believe it does not look aggressive enough and differentiated enough. The power is great, however i reckon a few design improvements should be made

Some simple alterations could include:

Different reflectors in the tail lights

More two-tones in the spoilers (and more aggressive and different to XR8

More use of mesh in the spoilers

Silver painted backs of mirrors

The colored power dome (mentioned)

Dual exhausts (if possible)

P.S http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...256C6B0019CFFA

Cobra · 11-08-2002, 04:00

A few good points there mate. But looking at the latest HSV range, I don't think Ford have too much to worry about.

xacoupe · 11-08-2002, 04:02

I think you (and lots of other people ) are making a montain out of a mole hill. So many people are convinced that the GT is a sales disaster and they haven't even released it let alone sold one.
It's about time people just calmed down and stopped sprouting prophecies of doom on something that hasn't happened.

Also..please... no more suggestions about what they can do to the GT ..unless it's original..no rehashing !!! please!!

8EHiND · 11-08-2002, 04:16

If it's such a disaster why have so many people on here already order one (eg. AP and numerous others). And why are the boys at HSV so worried if FPV isn't going to put up a damn good fight. Its because it is.

Barra_4_Eva · 11-08-2002, 04:23

the T-Series was conservative?

i thought it was bloody noticable from a distance....

XR8 Couple · 11-08-2002, 08:36

I love the T3 series...still my dream car at the moment..even with the new BA XR8 due to come out.

Just wish I could afford one...

Cancerman · 11-08-2002, 09:08

BMW M5: 294kW/500Nm - $190k
HSV GTS: 300kW/510Nm - $90k
HSV ClubsportR8: 260kW/475Nm - $70k
FPV GT: 290kW/520Nm - $70k

FPV a disaster? I don't think so...

PERVERT · 11-08-2002, 09:43

I think the FPV GT is good car with good performance and has a slick design and good value. I also think T-series wasnt a disaster, the T3 is a sexy car with good/crazy design & i whish i could afford one as well.
I just think TurboDOHC is a bit tripping. If you look at HSV's car, they go tooo over board with their designs by adding big body kits to it and making it look like a air plane. I think all their cars are ugly.
If you compare the VT GTS & with the AU T1 TS50, i reckon the TS50 is better looking with slick, clean design. Same goes for the VX GTS and T3. The FPV GT and VY GTS is also the same, which FPV GT is better looking than the VY GTS. I reckon, Holden just thinks their making Ferrari's or some thing by making a car thats close to $100k.

YOOT · 11-08-2002, 13:15

I thin kits great to read that the GT will now have silver higlights in the bumbers etc instead of the GT-P. How many people harped on about how it need that look!

Great to see Ford listening to the customers (potential). Very impressed, well done Ford.

11-08-2002, 14:39

Turbo DOHC makes a reasonable point of being concerned about the success of FPV in comparison to the FTE disaster.

The Ford Tickford Experience was a reasonable concept however the delivery was dreadful. If the sole reason the HSV range sold well was purely because of bigger numbers, then that view is too simplistic.

HSV have sold very well due to the wider availability of HSV dealers, the passion of the sales experts, a brilliant marketing and sales strategy (including GM finance sometimes down to 4% on the big dollar cars) and cheap (but effective) tricks such as the HSV toolkits and clothing.

I don't think the GT/GT-P can be viewed as a failure any more than the AU/T Series was. I stand by the view that things fail because of a niche/poorly targeted sales and marketing campaign. Most of the people that marketed the AU are gone and Geoff Polites (as a dealer principal) knows exactly what is required at a dealership to sell cars. THAT is the result that is looked for!