I'm thinking well over 200,000.

 

Believe it or not, I have heard projections are only 150,000 for '05. That could be because of the late SOP date. Also figure on sales going up in '06 due to the "special" packages.

 

I'm sure there are plenty of people waiting for the 2005 to come out to purchase their mustang.....

 

I will say 175k, not over 200k.

 

The even bigger question is how many 2007 Mustangs will be sold?

 

Let's put it this way, till something new comes up, only the new GTO is ahead of it on my next new car list.

 

200,000?!?!?! I think that is a bit of a stretch!

I'd say somewhere in the 140,000 to 150,000 range depending on when production starts and how long production runs for the 2005 model year.


And that is with no competition... at least none that matches up apples to apples... like...say... a Camaro or Firebird would.

 

8

 

I think They will sell everyone thay can make. The styling of the car will atttract people who want a flashy looking car. The new frame may take some Import coupe buyers. The new GTs will take old Z28 buyers. If the new Cobra has a S/C motor like the one out now the buyers will nevr go back to the Bowtie. The o3 Cobra and 02 Camaro SS sticker within 2 grand of each other. The quality is the same and the Cobra can make tons of power for 10s of thousans less than the NA GM smallblocks. Even if you dont ever "mod" the car people will buy knowing they can if they want to. More people than you think do little mods to the cars they own. 3-5 K into each and you have a mustang that will make over 100 more rwhp than the Camaro. With the new rumoras of a S/Ced Hemi SRT cars running around in 3 years time.... The Camaro better pack a Similar punch. Or They wont get me back as a customer.

- new owner of a 03 Cobra

 

I like how the car looks. But I think it will be in trouble with women buyers. The low roofline and macho stance will dampen sales to women. Don't get me wrong, I hope it does well since it will strengthen the business case for more new muscle cars... I just wonder how wide a net it can cast in today's marketplace. Does the rear seat fold?

 

I don't think 200,000 is a stretch. They've been selling 160,000 - 180,000 a year on a car with marginal fit and finish and a platform dating to 1979! They should at least be able to maintain the current volumes.

BDnF - I' m sure the rear seat will fold down (if not that would be one of the dumber things done in a vehicle launch) and I don't think it will be quite as low as the concept based on those spy shots..

 

I imagine it probably does fold... and agree the roofline will be higher than the backseat-less concept car. But the concept is an indication... an indication of a heavily swept roofline and thick rear pillars, a stern, masculine front end, a big hood and a fully retro dash - features a lot of men like but which will be a hard sell to many women IMHO.

 

In looking at the rear side windows, I don't see how they would be much worse than the current Mustangs. In fact, they appear to be larger.

The hood looks to be relatively flat like it is now - which means you will be able to see it - making it easier to park, and giving you that cool view of the road with the reflections in the hood. The roofline also doesn't seem to deviate much from the current car.

Actually, in my eyes it looks like a very much redone version of the current car. I bet the profile is very similar.

As far as the masculine style goes - the jury is out on whether or not it will appeal to women. I'm sure ford has done it's homework. Regardless, I am glad to see someone design a car that doesn't look like it was designed to specifically appeal to women and just be acceptable for men.

 

Even the most conservative projection I've heard, doesn't fall below 160,000.

 

Ding ding ding ding!!!

Jeff