RaZor

Nah, you're not lost. . . . but it (difficulty in accepting change) is definitely as sign that you're getting . . .old. I have owned 6 Mustangs - (4) GT's and (2) Mach I's - one I owned and drove for 35 years ( a '69). All this crap about the MachE can't (or shouldn't) be a Mustang . . .is just that . . . crap I just hope the Exec's and the Brd of Dir can find the strength to pull their heads outta their behinds. We're in critical territory (times) and there isn't any room for dicking around.

Maybe it's a top down rethinking that needs to be done. Sounds like there needs to be a return to "if we're going to build it, it better be the best in its class" - which, I don't think that Ford ever really achieved, even though it was a stated goal at one time. Quality and value needs to be their mantra (not only in commitment but in execution) IMO. My son recently passed on the Explorer and went a different route. That is the second time in a row as the same thing happened 4 years ago when it was time to acquire a SUV for the wife. Being in a longtime Ford family, he said that he gave the Explorer a good look - but the "quality and value" just wasn't even close (to the competition). He even stated that he was shocked that it was so noisy, the interior and fit & finish so poor, and the amenities that were included by the competition (at a lower cost). Sounds like there needs to be a revaluation of more than just QC employees. The industry is approaching a very turbulent time and if they can't design, engineer, and build such an important vehicle (in their line-up), then there is mucho trouble ahead.

No. They were not impressed (just didn't like) the Explorer's ride, sound level, interior quality etc. THEN, when you add on that they had done their research prior to beginning the test drives, and they knew that some of the competition offers some items as standard in comparable trim levels - that Ford doesn't (they didn't mention which ones), that didn't help either. From what I have heard / read of Hackett, he is not the one that will instill in Ford that every product should have the goal to be "best in class". His concentration on delivering profit level instead - probably means too much de-contenting. Add in all of the unnecessary expense of botched launches they've spent over recent times and competition offering better value in some cases, makes delivering that profit level tough IMO. Fortunately, this round will only be a 3 year lease so it's not like they are going to lose them for an extended period. Hopefully, in 3 years Ford will have the desired level of product that they want.

My son and his wife test drove one last week. They were not impressed. As they are planning to replace one of their SUVs later this month - they both are loyalists - but the Explorer is out of the running as of now. At today's prices, and with the competition including things as standard that Ford is optioning, AND considering Ford's build quality as of late, it's a damn shame. It should of been test driving a couple Explorers to confirm which trim pkg they wanted. Now it's not even under consideration and all the competition is getting test driven.

My experience with batteries has been pretty much the same . . . 3 to 5 years and that's about it. As I lived in SoFla, that seemed to be just about right (the heat takes a toll). I had the previous battery replaced by my local Ford dealer when a battery first showed failure symptoms and I was right across the street from the dealer. I normally have done it myself. A few months ago, my battery (the dealer installed one) failed to start the truck one morning and I called my son and had him pick one up from Costco (I knew he was going there). When I pulled out the dealer installed Motorcraft battery and installed the Interstate battery from Costco, I looked at the date guide on the Motorcraft - and couldn't believe it, so I checked my receipt that was in the glove department. Installed in 2007. The Motorcraft had lasted more than 11 years. I was shocked. And when you consider that I often leave the dash cam "plugged in" when I park the truck in risky places {which draws juice due to the motion detector activation}, that means that I had used it more than any battery that I have ever had. Interesting to say the least.

Isn't the engine in the GTLM Vette still installed a foot further to the rear than the production Vette? I haven't been able to attend races the last few years, and they no longer make the concessions given manuf's - public - so it is hard to find out now. But one check of the results of the 2018 season and the GT won the manufacturers championship for Ford. Yeah, a Vette team won the 'Team championship' (without winning a single race}, but the Manufacturers Championship is more important. Unless things have changed drastically recently, the only GTLM cars that come close to the production cars are the GT and the 488.

I am having a difficult time imagining that the price of oil won't be approaching $120/barrel in 2018. Which traditionally means that the price of a gallon of gas will be approaching / very close to $4/gal at the pump. I do agree that there are more than usual 'unknowns' this time around, but I am having a hard time not believing that we won't see barrel price around the $90 mark by the end this year ($91/bar translates to roughly $3/gal) and depending on what the effect of Capex will be in such an unpredictable climate. No doubt that with the policies of Trump's platform, there will be a good deal of corporate enthusiasm, but in the case of (reduced) petroleum production investment of the past few years, and how much it will take for producers to fund / invest to keep up with worldwide demand over (should a rise in demand actually occur) the next decade (we are talking in the trillions of dollars - as predicted by a couple of major players), then the question becomes - how long will it take for the funding to catch up to the rise in demand? However, it seems to me that the only way crude prices won't rise is if there is not any rise in demand - for any reason - and that is a possibility. But there would seem to be more of a possibility that there might be a crossing of the supply - demand curves. And when you add to that the amount of speculative money - if that actually occurs - which will undoubtedly be significant by the financial markets to take advantage of this possibility (and increased profits) - can only put even more pressure on rising prices of crude. So it seems to me that Ford's plans are 'right on'. Any changes in CAFE might in reality play a minor role in the reality of what people drive (lease/own). I can remember back when prices of oil was in triple digits, people were scrambling towards more fuel efficient vehicles in this area because their fuel costs per month were exceeding their vehicle payment. Commuter trains were packed and people were parking their SUV's at commuter train stations etc. Interesting and unpredictable times - but Ford appears to be on the right track (IMO) with their recent announcements. Now the question becomes, when do I replace my F150? I was thinking a 2017, but now may wait and see what shacks out and wait for the new lineup of the 2018, or even wait for the hybrid? Hmmmm . . .

http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/04/30/dear-ford-motor-company-i-was-wrong.aspx

Yeah . . . that's what I thought too. I received it in a couple of emails . . . both of which didn't cite source . . . and still can't. I just hope that the EB engine performs as planned. Ford has a lot 'invested' in it. Problem with turbo'd engines is that sanctions can really affect outcome by tweaking boost too easily. It would be great if the GT could win class.

No doubt some of you have heard the rumors that Ford is reconfiguring the GT with a V8 for Le Mans. One would assume that it would be the GT360 5.2L FPC engine, but then . . . Is it going to be only for Le Mans, or just for WEC, or for IMSA too?

It would seem to me that this is more of a reaction to the fact that the Silverado was discounted $9275 (off MSRP) pretty much all of last month - at least in my area (SoFla) - and according to a TV ad that I saw last night during the local news, $11,000 + this month. Also saw GMC trucks at $9307 (kinda of a strange number, no?) advertised as a "Total Value" - whatever that means. Could be just an area thing tho' as I have yet to see the new GMC P/U on the road and new Silverado's are few and far between. New F150's are quite common, on the other hand.

The only way that 'run what you brung' - as long as it fits inside a 'box' - would provide a good competitive race - is if they added a few tweaks to it. Like you are allocated only a specified amount of fuel (be it a gasser or an oil burner) for a race. Even then, a formula would be required to equalize the thermal properties of said fuel (and balance the differential b/w them). Problem is that the sanctions are way too influenced by manufacturers and have been historically. Porsche was saved from bankruptcy when the Euro sanctions outlawed the engines that powered the GT40 (and others) to dominance (they couldn't have that!) and then gave them the inside track for the next 30-40 years. Of course, Porsche had to pay for that inside track - which they did. Who do you think wrote the rules for the diesel for the ACO/FiA? Audi engineers. Of course, we could all watch bowling . . . and die from boredom.

I agree. I bought a '71 Mach I (bright blue metallic w/silver Mach I striping) new, in '71, and it was a wonderful car. (very much like this - http://classiccars.com/listings/view/621040/1971-ford-mustang-mach-1-for-sale-in-kissimmee-florida-34744 ) Problem was that I put on close 150k miles on it in around 3 years and it had a 351. I don't recall replacing a single part on it - just a lot of oil changes. . . and when the H.Kissinger oil embargo came about, then I had to trade it in for a '74 Capri 2800 (another great car) - 'cos I couldn't wait in line for an hour - for $10 worth of gas (which didn't get me very far). Great car, but if there ever was a car that needed a rear view camera - it was it.

Electrical system, utilizing multiple sensors, sometimes can be time-consuming headaches. I have a friend whose BMW X6 was in the dealer for a couple days short of six weeks whilst they tried to figure out some huge problem with the transmission, brakes, and engine. She had to had it towed in twice before that as it left her stranded roadside - and they thought that they had fixed it. Of course, she could not grasp what they told her was the problem but they had called her twice (IIRC) during that 6 week period (which was after the 2nd tow-in) saying that it ready, only to call her back the next A.M. and delay the pickup.

I suppose part of the problem is that tire manufacturers have pulled one on many - with their 'all-season' tires. That snow tires are not needed. Au contraire IMO. This is what I have heard from my friends that still reside in the north country. They (all season) were not even available (or even thought of probably) back in my day (up north). From I have been told - they have questionable value in snow conditions. Again, I can't speak from personal experience in this regard. But I do remember a couple of fairly large challenges that I conquered each and every time - back then. Our driveway was an elongated loop that had a significant incline to it with the loop starting round 30 to 40 feet up from the street. Just guessing but, IIRC there was about a 12-15 foot rise in elevation from the street to the level where the house was (in the loop area). At the top/end of the loop was the unattached 3 car garage. Per GoogleEarth, the length of the driveway is around 100+ feet - although a real accurate measuring (using their tool) is hard to get and use - as the lot (still) has many, many trees. But I suspect that you can get a picture / idea. The key was to get enough speed to start up the driveway AND then to maintain momentum whilst climbing the incline, taking the fork to the right where the driveway split, - without spinning the rear tires - as if you lost it, there was no restarting. Just back down and try it again. It made me a better driver. One year my best buddy and I traveled to the upper region of the Lower Peninsula to a hunting cabin - way back in the woods - to go deer hunting. Of course, as things often happen in life, as we approached the area of the cabin, the light snow storm (that was going on throughout the entire trip) turned into a near-blizzard. So much snow had fallen and accumulated, it was really difficult to even see where the road was (once we got off the main highway and began penetrating the forest area on the un-plowed roads). There was another problem. Night, and darkness was rapidly enveloping us, reducing vision even more, as we ventured further and further into the forest on what was just backwoods 2-lane gravel roads. At one point we left the forest and came upon an open area that was part of a farming area. I don't remember exactly, but it seemed that there was about a foot of snow on the ground. But we were doing good so far. As we both had been there before (in previous years), there was one big moment / obstacle that we knew was coming up. Right in the middle of this open area, the road came to a T - requiring a 90 degree turn - either to the left (towards a farm), or to the right - our route to the hunting cabin. But we were young (teenagers) and you know what that means - invisible / no hill is too tough to climb. As we approached this intersection. it became clear that the problem was going to be detecting exactly where the hell that intersection actually was to make that right turn. Hell, it was difficult to even see where the road that was under our tires. Being an open area, and with the wind blowing pretty good, it had filled the swales with snow and had caused drifting - creating false contours. So there wasn't any real contours visible to assist in defining the road / intersection. Oh crap! Where is that intersection? Well we found - but only after passing through it. Fortunately the swale was not that deep in that area and there wasn't a drift to stuff it in and we ended up in the field beyond the intersection. I guess that it was just instinct but I hit the throttle and was able to swing the car to the right (your damn right the rear tires were spinning now) and managed to get it back on the road without ever stopping. It was one of those "Holy shit! That was close!" moments. Long story short, we made it to the cabin and had a successful hunt. But it just goes to show you that RWD cars (esp Mustangs) can be driven in the snow - even in conditions that one might question even venturing out in. But I would recommend that you hydro-clean, at the least, the entire undercarriage and inside all fenders, side-skirts / rockers panels (etc) on a very regular basis. Gots to take care of your 'Stang.

It always amazes me when this topic comes up. I have numerous friends in Canada and we often discuss cars and invariably many of them state that they do not even consider a RWD car - because of the driving in snow "issue" - or park it for the winter. It always causes me to flashback to my 3rd car and first new car. It was a '65 Mustang GT. I lived in Michigan. Unless you owned a Olds Tornado (or a couple foreign jobs), everyone drove a RWD car. How the hell did we manage? Well, I bought 2 extra rims and had snow tired mounted on them and put them on with the first snow. Sand bags and a shovel in the trunk - yep. And if I even left town on even a short trip, the emergency kit was added to the trunk which included flares, even blankets and such. Back then there wasn't even high pressure car washes around to clean the underbody routinely - like there exists today. But there was Ziebart. The only time that I ever got stuck was in college when my attention waned when a very amorous girlfriend . . . shall we say . . distracted me from my driving . . . and I ran it into a ditch/snowbank. Even though I now live in sunny Fla, I have only owned two (2) FWD cars in my entire life (more than 2 dozen new car purchases during that time). As atomcat states, just learn how to drive in the snow. It can be done . . . millions of people did it in the snow belt.

Here is one source that is based on actual surveys (as opposed anecdotal regional impressions) with interesting results http://www.scribd.com/doc/162607816/AutoTrader-Millennials-Survey# I've seen other surveys that also identified cost as the main obstacle - esp regarding the purchase of new vehicles. But then, even in college, student loan debt was not common (unlike today) for the vast majority - back then. I too have very similar memories (we're probably from a similar demographic) and was the main reason that I started my first job two days after I was legally able to work. That first car? A '57 Nomad that had such a bad case of road cancer (perforating the inner wheel wells) that if it was driven down a dirt, or gravel road (anything that produced dust) - I had to drive with my head out to the window to see. Lesson learned.

A couple of years ago, a local gas station (a so-called premium supplier--Mobil) got some really badly contaminated gas. Apparently it was contaminated to such a degree that those that purchased gas - when the in-ground tank began running really low (therefore a greater degree of contamination), were literally unable to to fire back up - right at the station's pumps. Some made it a few miles before shuddering to a stop and had to be given a ride on a roll-back to their dealers etc. It hit the local news as there was a rather large number of engines that failed. Many were new M-B's, Audi's etc as the station is right at the Fla turnpike entrance/exit - right at the entrance to PGA National golf community. Because it was on all the local news reports, no doubt that many mechanics/dealers were able to diagnose the problem quickly. But what about all those cars that filled up there and then continued on their trip (due to proximity to the turnpike) that were out-of-town and then failed later on - out of range of the local media - especially, if they received a less contaminated fill-up when the stations tank had more gas in it? As usual there was little follow up by the media and nothing was every disclosed as to how many vehicles were affected, had to have their engine rebuilt/replaced - only that the station was shut down for a couple weeks to pump out the bad gas etc. Modern engines are manufactured to much closer tolerances and much more complex and are probably even more susceptible to such things, but whenever I hear about unusual engine failures now, that Mobil station's bad gas always comes to mind. Never did hear how much it cost them to replace/repair all those engines affected - probably tried to keep it on a very low key after all the bad publicity.

Pulled into the parking lot of the local Home Goods - as the GF just had to do some shopping - and right next to me pulled in a C-Max (had to step back so that she could pull in). It really is a good-looking car in RL. The first one that I've really seen up that close. Asked the woman that got out how she liked it. She responded (enthusiastically) that she absolutely loved it. And then added that she likes it much better than the Prius that she traded in on it. Didn't even have to ask her. Ford's got a winner there

My bro has a F250 6.0 and pulls a 5 horse trailer (w/horses) several times per month - sometimes fairly long distances and it's his daily driver. He is well over 100k miles now - and has absolutely NO problems with his 6.0 PS. You make it sound like people that "work" their 6.0PS all have problems. Not true. But then he knows how to take care of it - which may mean that he is smart enough to NOT buy diesel from a 'dirty' station. Kinda common sense IMO.

Not a nascar fan since '88 ( the year that Chevy shoe-horned in their Lumina and ended the "stock car" era). But thought that you might be interested in this summary from several years back. Had it bookmarked as I have several nascar fans friends and they often fall for the propaganda of that organization and I have had to refer to it occasionally. Have no idea of any updates since then - but I am sure that nascar has played with what is and can be done - as they like to dictate results. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/189676-the-new-nascar-engines-a-quick-look

Yeah, I was kinda surprised when I read your original comment too. I can easily remember what I had to do to fabricate a functional intake to cool the rear brakes for my '69 Mach I (that I owned for 35 yrs). It was quite an undertaking but it worked perfectly and I did it so that I could still reinsert the plastic plug in it when I wanted to. It would not be difficult to include a similar design in the new version and gain an important element for a performance car. It would be ridiculous to continue to design in a "fake" anything on any car today - especially one that is sold as a performance sporty car. It wouldn't need to be installed/included on versions that are not performance models, but could be easily purchased via the MS Parts catalog, should one desire it. It's not like there would any significant amount of weight involved either. Injection molded ABS plastic "tubing" is very light weight. I think what you are forgetting is that Ford would sell more Stangs in the performance class if they were more serious about their functionality in that regard. But then if you never owned a performance car, or raced one, you probably wouldn't understand.

My neighbor, who drives a white F-150 Platinum, would love to read these comments about unnecessary opulence etc. It would really give him a chuckle or two. I can just hear him say, "Platinum didn't make me think of cars . . . if you can afford a $45k p/u, what's the big deal?" etc Personally, I think it looks nice next to his 911 in his garage and I am glad that he saw the light when he decided to get a p/u . . . and bought a Ford.

Yeah, but . . . but . . . but . . . Borg doesn't want to miss any of those important communications . . . or have to hold his iPhone to do so

I don't know where you guys live, but around here (SoFla), a sizable portion of the cars that I see - no matter where I go :parking lots, every stop light, you name it - are 2 door coupes. Lots of 3 series, Audis, VWs, Honda/Acuras, Toyos/Lexus, again, you name the marque . . . I feel quite certain with the new styling for the Fusion, Ford could sell a lot of them here. True, this area is upscale, but my guess is that Ford could get a good portion of that market. They need another 2 door coupe to reach the market that wouldn't buy a Pony car.