Move over SVT, here comes Cosworth!

I don't really get this.... isn't it rather redundant to have Cosworth Ford's when you have SVT already?!?

:confused:

http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/dai/2003/january/20030114_dai_hot.xml

I think among Ford guys, the Cosworth name rings loud for engines, but not so much for "cars". The company is fantastic at creating engines that can boggle the mind in both performance and reliability... but at a price.

I expect Cosworth to bring engine/drivetrain performance to the table while SVT brings body, styling, specialty, and their own performance goodies. In fact, I expect to see SVT vehicles with Cosworth powering them... that would be a marriage utilizing both for their best specialties.

Um, Ford is really getting it together performance wise, ain't they?
If they go broke and go under, they are DEFINITELY going with a bang!
Melikesit. :D

People criticised GM for using SLP to help with the Camaro SS and Firehawk. "Why can't this all be done in-house?" I'm curious to see how people react when Shelby and Cosworth start making stuff for Ford.

There's a pretty big difference between what Cosworth/SVT do and what SLP did. The only real perfromance machines that SLP ever came out with were the 92 Firehawk and the LT4 f-bodies. Most of their other offerings were more based on looks and offered only marginaly better performance than the regular Z28/Formula/Trans Am.

Originally posted by Z28Wilson
People criticised GM for using SLP to help with the Camaro SS and Firehawk. "Why can't this all be done in-house?" I'm curious to see how people react when Shelby and Cosworth start making stuff for Ford.

I think all the Ford guys are gonna be exstatic about it.

Here's my problem with all this...
if Shelby comes back into Ford's camp and does a Mustang,
and if the Cosworth name falls on Mustang fenders...
LOOK HOW MANY AFTERMARKET TUNERS WILL BE DOING MUSTANGS!!!
Roush, Saleen, Belle, Dugan, Bondurant, Brown, Steeda, Sean Hyland, ASC MacLaren, Shelby, Cosworth... and oodles more less well-knowns. And all this on top of Ford's own limited edition runs of Cobras, Cobra R's, Mach 1's, Bullitts, Centennials, 7-up cars, Laser Reds, Mystics, etc.

Just how much "niche" can this market stand? There's enough derivatives of the Mustang NOW to make a Mustang guy dizzy, yet here come more?!?! I think too many cooks in the kitchen could spoil the broth. Ford needs to proceed, but proceed with caution, IMO.

Cosworth Excort :bow: :bow:

Originally posted by ProudPony
Just how much "niche" can this market stand? There's enough derivatives of the Mustang NOW to make a Mustang guy dizzy, yet here come more?!?! I think too many cooks in the kitchen could spoil the broth. Ford needs to proceed, but proceed with caution, IMO.

Actually, if every single mustang were unique, most owners would be thrilled that they owned "1 of 1". :D

PS - Cosworth is owned by Ford, whereas SLP was not owned by GM.

How freaking cool would it be if GM countered with Katech Corvettes?

Alas, a boy can dream.

Originally posted by Sixer-Bird
There's a pretty big difference between what Cosworth/SVT do and what SLP did.

I figured that would come up, and while it is a valid point my question is also still valid. ProudPony also mentions the fact that aftermarket tuners for Mustangs are literally growing by the minute. This can't concern Ford too much though, any aftermarket tuner's car that fails comes at a loss to that tuner, not Ford.

Originally posted by WERM
PS - Cosworth is owned by Ford, whereas SLP was not owned by GM.

My thoughts exactly. SLP and Cosworth are different seeing as how one is an independant company and the other an arm/division of Ford the parent company.

I don't know about a Cosworth Mustang but i do see a Cosworth Focus, taurus replacement, etc.

However Cosworth could bring some much needed powertrain and suspension engineering to the mustang camp.

One thing scares me about all this Cosworth and SVT talk...

PRICE.

We have discussed this topic in other threads but it bears repeating, with another flair added. The Mustang was originally designed with price as a second requirement - only behind styling. In fact, Lee Iacocca stated his target price for the car was less than $1/pound - literally. The first cars weighed about 2600 lbs and cost $2400. Price has always been a part of Mustang's equation. (Somebody smart help me with Camaros here... did they ever get such a mandate from management when they were being developed? Was it a "big deal" with GM like the Mustang price was to Ford?)

While Cosworth builds some incredible engines, they are expensive. Likewise, Roush's new 380R Mustang was on Motorweek this past weekend listing for $49k as tested, $42k base. Saleen has broken the $50k mark for some of their offerings. The new Cobra is $34k - though a "good deal for the performance level", it is still a Mustang for Pete's sake. I still remember in Sept of 1992 looking at a new teal LX 5.0 - 5spd notchback in a dealer's showroom with $11,200 on the sticker - and him offering to come down! Now a V8 - stick will boot $23k from your wallet - and that is a good deal... geez!
How much is too much for a common ponycar?

I'd rather see Ford introduce a new car, or give the Mustang a high-end twin to go after Vettes and supercars, rather than drag the base cars out of reach of the common buyer. Maybe the Cougar will help accomplish a high-end attack for Ford, I don't know.
I'd like to see a derivative of the Mustang that is really the same exact car - body, interior, and all - but called the Stallion. This car could have the exotic engines and trannys, leather, GPS, HUD, on-board diagnostics/logistics, and oodles of other high-end goodies and technology like the Vette or Viper, but stand on it's own leaving the Mustang as the common man's car it has always been.

I just don't see Ford throwing the common Mustang out as a Vette or Viper competitior - nor do I WANT TO. Those are + $50k cars that don't have the baggage of sub-$20k base models to hold back their performance levels. I'd rather see the Mustang keep being the affordable pony car it has always been, and see something new go after the higher-end performance market.

PS - I think all of the Mustang vs. Vette hype of late would not exist if GM still had the INTENDED COMPETITOR available... :(
This goes exactly to the crux of my post... Since there is no F-bod or historical competition for the Mustang now, will Ford change it to go after the "new" market offerings like 350Z, and WRX-types or the high-end types like M3 or GTO? I hope not.

It's all marketing... A new "cossworth" mustang will probably sell more units, so that's why their doing it. What could you get with the camaro/firebird? either the stock one or a firehawk. For definately get the edge in markeing versus GM :bow:

It was said here already, but I think Cosworth will be more for Focus than Mustang. They have been doing 4 cylinder Fords in Europe for years.

Bringing some of that over here on a car like the Focus will still be affordable (SVTs cost what, $20,000?).

Seems like Ford is expanding performance across the board for everyone:

Maurader
SVT Lincoln LS (their current project)
Mustang GT, Mach (will be continued), & SVT Cobra
Focus SVT & Cosworth
SVT Lightning
Supercharged Thunderbird

Is there any price range they missed?