Ford’s Extreme Makeover, 2009 Mustang Revealed
--The 2009 Mustang is in for a radical change and New Tech Spy’s got the scoop. The recent unveilings of the Camaro and Challenger concepts at the Detroit Auto Show has Ford scrambling to come up with a viable defense against the competition. GM is completely sold on the idea of retractable power hardtops, with the introduction of the Pontiac G6, and the success of the Cadillac XLR. GM knows that a power folding hardtop is the killer feature that would vault the Camaro ahead of the Mustang. Ford is taking no chances in their redesigned Mustang, and will include a retractable hardtop.
--Many executives at Ford wish they could have a do-over on the 2002 Thunderbird. The one piece removable top was a disaster and killed the Thunderbird right from the start. GM has raised the bar in sport coupes with the low end Pontiac G6 and Ford does not want to be in a Model T trap, where the rest of the auto world changes and Ford holds onto the past. Ford’s first test for the retractable hardtop will be the European Focus CC, shown at the 2006 Geneva Auto Show. If all goes well, look for the all new Mustang convertible in January of 2009.
--Many executives at Ford wish they could have a do-over on the 2002 Thunderbird. The one piece removable top was a disaster and killed the Thunderbird right from the start. GM has raised the bar in sport coupes with the low end Pontiac G6 and Ford does not want to be in a Model T trap, where the rest of the auto world changes and Ford holds onto the past. Ford’s first test for the retractable hardtop will be the European Focus CC, shown at the 2006 Geneva Auto Show. If all goes well, look for the all new Mustang convertible in January of 2009.
March 3, 06