Mustang Dark Horse SC Chief Program Engineer Explains the Engineering Beind the Scenes

[andymarkv]

This is exactly where I'm at. As soon as I saw DCT, I was like "Ok, maybe I should start looking for a low mileage Mach 1 again."

For what these are going to cost...buy a lightly used Mach 1 AND a reg cab short bed F150....?

 

[jpro]

For what these are going to cost...buy a lightly used Mach 1 AND a reg cab short bed F150....?

Ain't that the truth! I'm actually surprised that the Mach 1's are holding their value so well. Car prices remain insane. $50K+ asking prices for a Mach with under 10k miles, HP, Tremec, and leather (Recaros or Elite). The cars are 4-6 years old at this point! Even asking prices on Machs with higher mileage are around $50K but as you mentioned, the price compared to the new DH SC will be small. At least the DH SC has a blower (unlike the Mach).

 

[blackbolt2003]

I'm still trying to figure out why we are discussing dark whores and not other
races as well.

 

[Slider]

I personally think they hit the nail on the head. I just wish I could afford one.

 

[Relaxed Chaos]

I realized I'm not the demographic Ford is looking for anymore a long time ago. Changes are most of us on this board aren't as well. When the S650 dropped there was a definite divide that I could see. I'd say anyone from mid 30's and up that I know isn't a fan. They might like bits and pieces, but for the overall thing, it's meh. The younger crowd loves it. There were a few debates in my garage between my friends and my son's friends.

But at this point I'm ok with it. I'm not shopping for a Ford anymore. Chances are my next ride is going to be rear engine and have a German accent.

My son's, in their 20's, think it sucks and do not have the money to buy it anyway.

 

[5.0 Hatch]

The younger crowd loves it. There were a few debates in my garage between my friends and my son's friends.

This is correct. Confirmed by the ipads on the dash, key fob revs, and drift stick. The only thing geared toward the older crowd was the fox gauge cluster. Where Ford went wrong is that we're the only generation who can afford these cars and we don't want what they're putting out.

 

[andymarkv]

Where Ford went wrong is that we're the only generation who can afford these cars and we don't want what they're putting out.

Sooooooo…this will be an interesting test. Will people pay the dealer markup in droves for this thing, or will they be sitting on dealer lots rotting until the prices get more reasonable?

 

[andymarkv]

SID’s been jamming out a helluva lot of good front page content this last month!

 

[robvas]

Engineer: how we basically copy/pasted the GT500 from 6 years ago

 

[Roots-type]

I think it looks cool from most angles, BUT they didn't give power numbers yet because they'll be disappointing (marginally better than a predator, if that) and they didn't give a price yet because it'll be atrocious. And **** the auto bs. It's supposed to be a car that's driven! Any monkey can hold onto a steering wheel.

(Yawn)

 

[snakecharmer]

I'm sure the price will be eye-watering. Especially after additional dealer greed is tacked on.

 

[svtrayo11]

Engineer: how we basically copy/pasted the GT500 from 6 years ago

If it only it was that easy lol

 

[Black Gold 380R]

Reading through this thread I completely understand everyone's perspective. However, collectively it doesn't make sense.

On one hand we are saying this car is being marketed to the younger generation. On the other hand we are saying the price is going to be astronomical.

This isn't going to work for Ford. There's no way this younger generation can afford this car. So, why market to them? I'm not saying Ford isn't marketing to the younger generation. I'm asking why do it if they can't afford it.

Hell, I'm a well established adult, make great money and have a pretty healthy car collection. And I can’t afford the $100K prices people are throwing out. Lol.

We'll see how it goes, I guess....

 

[ajaf1656]

This is what happens when people buy automatic GT500s. Way to go people.

 

[CobraBob]

This is what happens when people buy automatic GT500s. Way to go people.

Why blame the people who bought 2020+ GT500s (with an automatic transmission)? They bought them because that's all Ford offered from 2020 forward. And, there are a lot of owners who prefer the DC automatic (which outperforms the manual on the track and street). IMO the blame is solely on Ford marketing/engineers/designers for veering off onto this new path labeled Dark Horse SC.

 

[SID297]

SID’s been jamming out a helluva lot of good front page content this last month!

Thanks for noticing. I've been trying to churn out more meaningful content.

 

[capnkirk52]

Does Ford do any focus group testing? It seems like this is not what SVTP wanted and we all know that is the most important criteria when putting out a product.

The name is bad... Dark Horse SC.... Should have just called it the Darker Horse

 

[robvas]

Does Ford do any focus group testing? It seems like this is not what SVTP wanted and we all know that is the most important criteria when putting out a product.

The name is bad... Dark Horse SC.... Should have just called it the Darker Horse

Maybe they're just using the wrong focus groups.

Meanwhile they have dorks like Stangmode there interviewing Jim Farley

 

[robvas]

Someone over there said "I bet we could sell the GT500 for $125k now....let's do it"

Personally there's nothing wrong with this car. The S550 GT500 was impressive. Is it the ideal drag racing transmission? No. Is the engine ready to make a ton of power, even on pump gas? Yes.

Is it weird looking? Yes, all the S650's are.

Is it anything new? Not really. But then again the Dark Horse was just a facelift of the Mach 1.

 

[specracer]

FINALLY the end of Ford / Shelby branding. Waaaay overdue IMHO