I'll very likely be talking with John Coletti from Ford's SVT within the next day or so for a small project I'm working on.

If I get more time speaking with him than I expect, if anyone has any REAL questions they want answered, I'll see if I can throw them in, and send an answer back to ya by P.M. or e-mail.

Just for the record, John Coletti ISN'T the person who decides which Ford concepts get made, and he ISNT the guy who determines what happens to any Fords outside of the SVT organization, so don't think he can (or will) answer those types of questions.

So if you have anything, post them before midmorning west coast time, and I'll see what I can do.

 

hmmm good idea..first part of the "?" of a 2 part one..With SVT covering the nitch market of pocket rockets to Muscle Car to Muscle Truck..do you see the brand bringing diffrent levels or "stages" to there performance options and not just having 3 diffrent autos..and therefor offering a more diverse product to people that might have the budget for say a Cobra "light" or a higly modded Focus SVT...to a Lightning that is prepped for all out racing.for example as something out of history a GT350 to a GT500 to a GT500KR.. and go fro m there on the likes for all of SVT lines..offer diffrent trims to exsisting SVT vehicles, With those 3 cars taking the nitch market up for Ford what about intermidiate sedans like the Taurus..or even large one like Crown Vic. could something like that get SVT'ed along the lines of the Taurus SHO or the Merc. Marauder. Just to broaden the base of SVT to make it a brand within a brand.

and ask him is a SVO Mustang turboed V6 is an option of comming back..
hope you can understand my question.

 

1) Different levels of individual SVT models
2) Return of an turbo SVO type Mustang (SVO Mustangs had a blown 4, not a V6 )

Think that summerizes it?

 

*shrug* Ask him what would it take to get him to work for GM. Then email that requirement to B.L.

But seriously, that question may lead to some interesting comments.

 

Why would we really want him in GM though??

 

Because he is at least partly responsible for a 25 year old platform being able to pace a Z06 in the 1/4 mile. Because he is at least partly responsible for a full size pick-up being able to pace a C5 coupe in the 1/4 mile. Because the organization that he is responsible for turns out the vehicles that we criticize GM for not having.

Because he is a "car guy" with gasoline in his veins. Just like us. So what if he talks. It ain't bragging if you can back it up.

 

Yeah guys, GM has a performance division that rocks my socks these days, what would we need a guy from FORD for?

I'm going to drive around in my Monte Carlo....SS!!!!

vroom vroom!

 

So is RP. Im sure if it were up to him we'd be driving 390 HP Fbodies. There are enough car guys in GM, just not in the right place (ie bean counter world).

 

Yeah, we can use more people like that alright.

RP's job is a little different, I'm sure he doesn't have as much control on the creative.

 

I know the SVO was a 4 banger turbo...I almost bought one..I wanted one so badly back in the 90's to show my buddy up in his GT..but anywho..thats something diffrent..I was refering to todays Stang offered in V6 and turbo it..a NEW SVO turbo-V6

 

guionM, ask his opinion on the recent Det News article that said SVT may be sucked back into Ford Engineering to cut costs. Is this true and will the integrity of SVT be the same after or if this happens.

-doubt he can answer this but its probably a question he has heard quite a bit lately.

 

...me too.

 

The latest I've heard (with fair credibility) is that the '05 will be ready to go by June '04. This poises a quandry - as the 40th anniversary of the official intro is April 17, 2004 - meaning that Ford would miss the TRUE anniversary date by just under 2 months.
Question - "Would that be an important date to hit with the reintro and can Ford do it?"

Given the level of performance we see in the '03 Cobra, and also given that Ford is looking at the 5.4 block/BOSS platform seriously...
Question - "Will SVT continue to utilize blowers as power makers even if the 3V or BOSS engines become available, or will we again see a N/A engine in a Cobra with aftermarket blower support?"

And lastly, over a beer or something, rib the guy and ask him what ol' Shelby has been up to while back in the house?

I'd love to be in the conversation with you... I think he's a great guy to be around - "lively" for sure! Unfortunately, I'm a little "removed" from your location where I am...
Have fun and keep me posted!

 

I've heard something about Cosworth engineering coming to the states, where does Cosworth fit into the picture since SVT is supposed to be the "Performance division". Will Cosworth be positioned above or within SVT?

Someone in the lounge posted something on Ford pulling out of their contract with Eaton(LINK). The Lightning concept also featured the more efficiant Twin screw blower. Will the Eaton stay the blower of choice or will Ford switch suppliers and go with a twin screw design? Is there truth to the stuff the board member posted or is all BS?

 

Talk's been delayed till Friday, so if ya got anything, post it by Thursday night.... still west coast time.

Thanx