By the way...

This SSC was itself a (somewhat bloated at 3920 lb) lame response to awesome machines like the 276/360 hp/tq 1987 Buick GNX.

GNX too limited? Then let me introduce you to the 1987 Buick Grand National, 245/355 hp/tq. And still much lighter than the SSC.

I'd have mentioned the 00 Cobra R... but seriously - how many really consider that to be a viable street car? Squeeze-fit engine, holes cut in the windows, no AC or radio... so I didn't include that in my comparison.

 

I don't think Ford ever intended the SSC as a "response" to the GNX. There were 547 GNX's made. There were tens of thousands of SSC's - bloated as they were.

In a straight line, the SSC was no match for the GN. Then again, I don't think anybody ever tried to pretend it was. Also, by 89 - when the SSC debuted - the GN was (sadly) gone, and had been for 2 years.

I have no clue. Did I say or imply that? My statement (if I can remember back that far) concerned higher performance, very limited production versions of existing cars.

Ok. I would suggest that either I didn't convey the point I was trying to make very well, or you missed it. Either way...

Have a good evening.

 

I kinda see where Bob and scott are coming from. Their problem isn't with GM's future development, it is the notion that "Ford can't compete and GM can never lose" and the basis of this notion being "rumors". Pace does provide good info, and i respect him as an individual, as well as his contributions to the 5th gen/future vehicle forum. Having said that (and don't take it the wrong way pace) it seems like 50% of the time, he's trying to discredit Ford and their current achievements while putting GM on a golden pedastal. I remember a specific post where he regarded the GT (GT40) as a "thing". *shrug*.

I believe that's were Cosby is coming from.

Having said that, it'd be kind of nice if this forum went back to normal.

 

Rice - I see your point. Competitive banter, the way athletic teams rag on each other, doesn't play out well on the internet since some cannot tell when sarcasm is being laid on. I've been on teams and the other side can take a lot of ribbing if they can tell its meant in good fun... but sometimes its taken the wrong way on here. I hope people aren't misconstrueing my list of GM performance vehicles as a testament that Ford will never be able to 'keep up'... I was really intending it more to support my idea of the importance of achieving 'marketplace surprise'. Just like the military concept of 'tactical surprise', it behooves a carmaker to keep some innovations up their sleeve until production.

Ford's new supercooler is an example. There's an argument to be made that it helps Ford's performance image to show it off while in the concept stage. But it would be much more effective to have it available right away on a new Ford... why don't they?

Ford has made some magnificent contributions to affordable performance. Today's 03 Cobra is a great example. Let's hope they continue as they have done... I see no reason why they wouldn't.

 

[competitivebanter]
Hey, Dumass, that's what these things are for...
[/competitivebanter]

 

Thanks for the profound insight Werm.... ( )

Maybe I should have said, the dynamics are different. In real life you can quickly judge reactions and do things to buffer the ill effects of an unfortunate joke or dig. Here it is much more difficult to keep things stable.

I've toned down my responses... but I have a feeling there will always be fans of different makes trading a few jabs here, especially those who are envious of GM's fiscal health and global resources for making some outrageous performance vehicles. So be it...

 

LOL. Come on dude....it is highly unlikely that anybody here is actually envious of any corporation. Speaking for me, I might be envious of someone's car - but if a company produces a car that I like and can afford, it doesn't matter to me who's nameplate is affixed to it - I'll buy it. That's not envy, that's common sense.

 

True. It's easy to take some comments or part of a comment out of context seeing as how the discussion is online.

Yes, there'll always be such people. And on both sides of the camp might i add.

But I don't think any of us Ford guys who post here want GM to fail. I like their turnaround regarding quality, their vehicles seem to be getting better, and performance is once again making a comeback. Ford is trying to do a turn around as well although their resources aren't as deep/plenty. Personally, i'm a Ford guy 1st, a GM guy second, and everything else comes after that (as far as affordable performance).

Hopefully, everthing will get better for both GM and Ford.