Chat with Tom Scarpello, Special Vehicle Marketing Manager, Ford Motor Company

Chat Log from #scoa 7/25/00

[19:58] *** SVT has joined #scoa
[19:58] <AlanC> welcome Steve
[19:58] <SVT> Hi
[19:58] <AlanC> hi Tom!
[19:58] <slf93> hello
[19:58] <philsag> hi Tom
[19:58] <LazerSnak> Hi Tom
[19:58] <_STU_> Hi Tom
[19:58] <slf93> hello Tom
[19:59] <AlanC> we have a bunch of heavy hitters here Tom :)
[19:59] <AlanC> what are the ground rules?
[19:59] <SVT> Ok bring on the heavy hitters!
[19:59] <AlanC> how about first we all introduce ourselves, what year we have, and where we live, in order of the nick list?
[20:00] <SVT> Of course I can't talk about future products and I'm not the right guy to talk tech.
[20:00] <AlanC> Alan Chavis, 96 Coupe, Edmond, OK
[20:01] <jeff> Jeff Fisher, '99 coupe, Austin TX. car used for open track events, heavily modified. http://jwfisher.home.texas.net
[20:01] <LazerSnak> Dell Hughes, 96 Coupe, Broken Arrow, OK
[20:01] *** Blk99 has joined #scoa
[20:01] <philsag> Phil Saglimbene NYC 95 R and 94 Indy pace car ex 4.6 DOHC owner
[20:01] <MarkWilso> Mark Wilson, 93 Cobra, Louisville, KY & SVT Contour
[20:02] <_STU_> David Stuart Sturgis, Mi 1994 red coupe
[20:02] <Blk99> Peter Reckmann, 99 Cobra Convertible
[20:02] <slf93> steve felde, 93 coupe, Tucson, AZ
[20:02] <SVT> Tom Scarpello, '99 SVT Contour
[20:02] <AlanC> Welcome everyone!
[20:03] <SVT> So, what's on your minds?
[20:03] <_STU_> any taboo areas Tom?
[20:03] <SVT> Just anything that would give our competition a clue as to what we are up to.
[20:04] <_STU_> any idea when job one will be yet
[20:04] <AlanC> how about we all ask questions, one at a time, in order of the nick list
[20:04] <SVT> We will be announcing soon, it will be November
[20:05] <AlanC> if you dont have a question, say "pass"
[20:05] <Blk99> Tom, how serious are you guys taking the Z06?
[20:05] *** sfuller has joined #scoa
[20:06] <sfuller> hi all
[20:06] <sfuller> welcome Tom :)
[20:06] <AlanC> hi Steve :)
[20:06] <sfuller> have we started?
[20:06] <LazerSnak> yes
[20:06] <sfuller> or am I the straggler you've been waiting for? :)
[20:06] <AlanC> heh
[20:06] <slf93> we started without you
[20:07] <AlanC> you were late
[20:07] <AlanC> shining up those new rims I'm sure :)
[20:07] <SVT> We think the Cobra R does a pretty good job, but you can't really compare the two, their missions are very different.
[20:08] <Blk99> Tom, so what is the mission for SVT?
[20:08] <slf93> Tom, could you quickly define your perception of the two missions
[20:09] <slf93> Tom, or perhaps the differences, if that is a shorter answer
[20:09] <SVT> The R is a track vehicle you can drive on the street. The Z06 is a street vehicle you can drive on the track. Both have strengths and weaknesses, it is really a matter of what you want.
[20:09] <jeff> For what I do, the full suspension from the R should be a regular option. I'm sick of having to modify every Mustang/Cobra I've had for open track events, I want it off-the-shelf. Take this as a customer requirement. But befoe in the meantime, when will the parts catalog folks have *all* the suspension parts available to us civilians?
[20:11] <SVT> Many of the parts are already available from the original suppliers, such as Bilstein shocks and Eibach springs. Ford Racing Performance Parts is working on getting a number of popular (based on past experience) R parts to market. Any FRPP parts retailer can provide specifics on what and when is/will be available.
[20:12] *** Ekim has joined #scoa
[20:12] <AlanC> hello Mike
[20:12] <AlanC> we are taking turns after asking questions
[20:12] <jeff> Eibach won't talk, all they sell now is their standard springs 9 which have distinctly different rates. Nobody else I've talked to is talkeing either...
[20:13] *** jon has joined #scoa
[20:13] <jeff> I desparately need those springs.....
[20:13] <AlanC> hello Jon
[20:13] <jon> hey all
[20:13] <LazerSnak> Tom, thanks for your time this evening. I keep hereing talk of a national club for SVT owners. Is this in the works and what will be the benefits..
[20:15] <SVT> We are in fact looking at forming a national club. The reason for this is simple...There are currently around 2,000-2,500 people involved in SVT vehicle clubs around the country. These club members are the most involved, enthusiastic owners, and they really know how to get the maximum enjoyment from their vehicle. We want to introduce more people to the benefits of club membership. We have over 80,000 SVT vehicles on the road, so
[20:16] <MarkWilso> I would like to know why SVT can't offer modifications which would be covered under the factory warranty period if installed by a dealer the same way Toyotas TRD program does. I can't believe you can get a dealer installed supercharger on toyota truck with the factory warranty but we get harrassed for installing a cats back exhaust. Please explain why we also catch flake for driving the vehicles the way they were intended
[20:17] <MarkWilso> when we bring the vehicle in for warranty work and what SVT plans on doing to address this
[20:17] <SVT> a lot of owners who are missing out. The idea is to enhance the club membership experience, e.g. through economies of scale, and SVT support.
[20:17] <jon> dang, you guys are hitting hard for :15 into this:)
[20:18] <philsag> Question #1 Does Ford think that this group of open track junkies is not mainstream ( or large )enough to market a vehicle tailored to our wants and needs. Question #2 Ford Racing Performance Parts Markets an HI PO upgrade EEC V for the 4.6 SOHC , would it be posible to market one for the 4.6DOHC. The 4.6 DOHC would really come alive with an OFF ROAD EEC V, one which come labled not legal for use on public roads.
[20:18] <SVT> I think it would be a tremendous competitive advantage to be able to keep the factory warranty if a person installs FRPP parts. We need to convince the FRPP guys it makes business sense...
[20:18] <AlanC> one question at a time please :)
[20:19] <MarkWilso> thats what I want!!
[20:19] <MarkWilso> just tell them to look at toyota
[20:19] *** tomshep has joined #scoa
[20:19] <AlanC> welcome Tom... you're late :)
[20:20] <slf93> nice of you to join us, tomshep
[20:20] <SVT> They know about Toyota!!!
[20:20] <AlanC> well thats 2 out of 3 SCOA National Directors :)
[20:20] <LazerSnak> Bob's probably doing homework....
[20:20] <slf93> so, where's Bob???
[20:20] <tomshep> sorry
[20:20] <SVT> How would you like a factory competition package, it would have NO engine mods, only suspension.
[20:21] <tomshep> 5 lashings
[20:21] <AlanC> yeeehaaaa
[20:21] <tomshep> TRYING
[20:21] <sfuller> Tom: YES to the competition package
[20:21] <MarkWilso> I would love it if it was hardcore and relatively inexpensive
[20:21] <_STU_> yes Tom!!
[20:21] <AlanC> suspension package would be great!!!!!
[20:21] <LazerSnak> That would help..
[20:21] <jon> z06 for us little guys:)
[20:21] <AlanC> help for FS autox class please :)
[20:21] * sfuller notes that hardcore and inexpensive are not synonymous
[20:21] <sfuller> :)
[20:21] <philsag> just suspensions mods would be fine
[20:21] <sfuller> thanks alan ;)
[20:21] <SVT> Like throwing a hunk of meat into a pool of hungry sharks...
[20:21] <Blk99> Yes Yes Yes
[20:21] <AlanC> hahahah
[20:21] <_STU_> heheh
[20:21] <LazerSnak> heh
[20:22] <MarkWilso> what kind of price...if it is Cobra R price I am DEFINITELY not interested
[20:22] * sfuller offers his beautiful 96 Mystic as a test bed :)
[20:22] <SVT> I would like to do one of these.
[20:22] <MarkWilso> and how would you control dealer gouging of price
[20:22] <tomshep> I drove the candy cane with the stock motor. That would be a fine car for the street. As I understood it, it was mostly R suspension components.
[20:22] <slf93> make sure they are applicable to us fox body cobras
[20:22] <SVT> Keep in mind, without powertrain modifications it would be much more affordable
[20:22] <philsag> what we need is a SVT version of the old GTS PKg with the suspension mods
[20:22] <LazerSnak> Steve, my son would like that also.
[20:22] <tomshep> That was very liveable and handled well at hallett.
[20:23] <MarkWilso> ballpark price?
[20:23] <jon> I'd just be happy to know what general price range I can buy a bolt in IRS kit for:)
[20:23] <jeff> It's a matter of using the RIGHT parts - especially the full R set of bushings. The current stock bushings are terrible
[20:24] <tomshep> Tom, do you have a Job 1 for 2001 models?
[20:24] <jon> Alan, why don't you play chair and offer up the floor one at a time? this could get out of hand
[20:24] * AlanC was trying to do that :)
[20:24] <AlanC> its Steve Felde's turn
[20:24] <SVT> Would anyone be interested in a complete aftermarket FRPP suspension upgrade kit designed for track use? What would the kit contain?
[20:24] <LazerSnak> Poor Alan..
[20:24] <slf93> i've already asked my turn, out of turn
[20:24] <AlanC> ok.. Tom Shepherds turn
[20:25] <LazerSnak> Tom, that would be a great idea. A complete package for all years of the Cobras.
[20:25] <slf93> yeah
[20:25] <philsag> I like the pkg idea
[20:25] <AlanC> ok.. Dave Stuarts turn
[20:25] <tomshep> oops:-) (latecomer)
[20:25] <MarkWilso> ekim says he wants all the goodies available for his 99 convertble
[20:25] <jon> kits with instructions:)
[20:26] <_STU_> Tom I think a lot of us track guys would be willing to settel for a one year warranty on a factory packeage if Ford would stand behind it for one year
[20:26] <slf93> make that BETTER, decipherable instructions
[20:27] <tomshep> Ok, how about Job 1 for 2001 models?
[20:27] <_STU_> heh
[20:27] <AlanC> tomshep.. we covered all this at 8PM :)
[20:27] <LazerSnak> Asked and answered tom
[20:27] <SVT> Tom if you had not arrived late, you would know that answer :)
[20:27] <jon> right after job1 for 2000:)
[20:27] <slf93> tomshep, see what happens when you arrive late...
[20:28] <slf93> the sharks turn on YOU
[20:28] <SVT> November Tom
[20:28] <AlanC> :)
[20:28] <sfuller> woah
[20:28] <tomshep> Tom, FRPP has a tremendous advantage over all other aftermarket parts by being Ford.
[20:28] <MarkWilso> next question "W"
[20:29] <tomshep> Ford has not figured out how to use that to the fullest
[20:29] <AlanC> W doesn't count
[20:29] <MarkWilso> STU.....
[20:29] <SVT> I agree 100%.
[20:29] <tomshep> hehe
[20:29] <tomshep> is this going to be archived>
[20:29] <tomshep> ?
[20:29] <AlanC> yes :)
[20:29] <sfuller> I'm archiving it
[20:29] <sfuller> I think alan is too
[20:29] <AlanC> me too
[20:29] <jon> "
[20:30] <_STU_> I allready asked pass
[20:30] <sfuller> tom: position us as a plump cherry waiting to be picked by FRPP :)
[20:30] <MarkWilso> ekim
[20:30] <SVT> I will let the FRPP guys know tomorrow first thing
[20:30] * AlanC says its Jon Wilson's turn
[20:30] <jon> I'd just be happy to know what general price range I can buy a bolt in IRS kit for, and when? I know that is a little out of scope
[20:30] <jeff> Package: too much of a bandaid. There are too many R partsthat would be almost impossible to replace separately, but are critical (every bushing changed, upper arm camber mod, etc). Plus, would have to be entirely diff for solid axle cars (whcih need an IRS) and IRS cars. Make it a factory option instead so that it can be thorough and designed as an integrated system. And include the diff cooler!. Stocker cost to me: 4k.
[20:31] <jon> so I'll settle for, is a kit really posiible?
[20:31] *** Modcoupe has joined #scoa
[20:31] <SVT> Do you guys want to invite FRPP to a chat?
[20:31] <AlanC> you betcha Tom
[20:31] <LazerSnak> Yes...
[20:31] <philsag> yes
[20:31] <jon> y
[20:31] <tomshep> next question
[20:31] <AlanC> some of us are here every night :)
[20:31] <jon> or could be:)
[20:32] <MarkWilso> yes
[20:32] <_STU_> yes
[20:32] <SVT> I'll get them to shake loose a guy to do it and have him get in touch with Alan.
[20:32] <jon> tell FRPP to send a typist to transcribe, this is a fast group:)
[20:32] <AlanC> great!
[20:32] *** Modcoupe is now known as way2wild
[20:32] <way2wild> hi guys
[20:32] <AlanC> hi there Linn!!
[20:32] <LazerSnak> Hi Linn.
[20:32] <_STU_> we all REALLY need those brake ducts off the R
[20:33] <slf93> just be sure and advertise when it is, i think we can guarantee an enthusiast audience
[20:33] <jon> the backing plates? oh yeah
[20:33] <AlanC> definately need the backing plates!!!
[20:33] <LazerSnak> I agree with Dave on the brake ducks. Will they be available Tom?
[20:33] <tomshep> Oh yeah
[20:33] <tomshep> ...ON TIME!
[20:33] <way2wild> how are you guys
[20:33] <AlanC> doing good Linn
[20:34] <SVT> Alan, if you can send me the transcript to this chat I'll give it to the FRPP guys so they can answer your FRPP questions when they chat w/ you.
[20:34] <_STU_> not availabe anywhere else Tom Ford should capatilize on that
[20:34] <sfuller> hi Linn
[20:34] <AlanC> Tom Scarpello with SVT is here with us tonight
[20:34] <LazerSnak> How are you Linn.
[20:34] <_STU_> Hi Linn
[20:34] <Ekim> where are we in the order?
[20:34] * sfuller also would like those cool 2000 R ducting plates
[20:34] <way2wild> im good..finally got a motor for my cobra
[20:34] <LazerSnak> cool
[20:34] <jon> next.......
[20:34] <MarkWilso> did ekim ask his question?
[20:35] * AlanC say Peter Reckmann is next
[20:35] <Ekim> Tom, in regards to service are you planning anythin different for SVT customers?
[20:35] <way2wild> we found a 98 with 20k on it
[20:35] <Ekim> to differentiate them from Ford customers
[20:35] <way2wild> should be back on the road in a month or so
[20:35] <LazerSnak> Good question Ekim...
[20:36] <SVT> We will be announcing some special service actions to SVT dealers next week.
[20:36] <Ekim> Kinda like Honda and Acura...better warranty...loaners..etc.
[20:36] <jon> around here, that means the service writer doesn't go 4 wheeling in your car at lunch:)
[20:36] <tomshep> top of the list, I believe for next ?
[20:36] <tomshep> that would be alanc
[20:36] <MarkWilso> and crash it
[20:36] <Blk99> Tom, I think that we all want is lighter, faster, more rigid. All of us here want real performance that starts with the basics. We are tired of getting beat on the street and on the track. Are we in the minority according to your demographics?
[20:37] <AlanC> I'll pass.. too busy moderating :)
[20:37] <jon> (you da man alan)
[20:37] <SVT> We had a lot of good feedback to some of the special things we did for the 1999 Cobra ONP.
[20:37] <Ekim> ONP?
[20:37] <slf93> what be ONP
[20:37] <MarkWilso> Owner Notification Program
[20:37] <SVT> Sorry, it is Fordspeak. That is "Owner thanks
[20:37] <SVT> slow typist
[20:37] <Ekim> I am pleased with my 99 and the program. Thanks!
[20:38] <MarkWilso> thats what the power upgrade was
[20:38] <Ekim> mine worked!
[20:38] <jon> that seemed like a well executed program
[20:38] <slf93> as in notification for power upgrades and vibration fixes
[20:39] <SVT> Thanks. I hope people took note that we want to do the right thing for our customers.
[20:39] <jon> few whiners on the list, but most pleased with their fix and their treatment
[20:39] <_STU_> yes we noticed Tom
[20:40] <slf93> whose next?
[20:40] * AlanC says its LazerSnak's turn
[20:40] <LazerSnak> Tom, since I probably wont be bying a new Cobra in the immediate furture, what will be done for us older owners as far as SVT is concerned.
[20:40] <tomshep> is the IRS vibration included in that?
[20:41] <MarkWilso> next question
[20:41] <jon> ( hour not much, unless this is a regular event:)
[20:41] <SVT> To answer blk99, the answer is if we don't offer a vehicle that appeals to this group, we have failed. You folks define the center of the bullseye, the epitome of what we are about.
[20:41] <MarkWilso> if that is true then why does the vehicle have a 4X4 stance?
[20:41] <MarkWilso> I havent met anyone who brags about how high there SVT vehicle sits
[20:42] <MarkWilso> jeff
[20:42] <Ekim> nope never done that
[20:42] <_STU_> any other vehicales SVT is considering for their program?
[20:42] <SVT> Great question. I agree. Somebody apparently thought that was the right thing to do at the time.
[20:42] <tomshep> moderator?
[20:42] <AlanC> sorry
[20:43] <SVT> I think the club will offer some great benefits to owners of older SVT vehicles.
[20:43] <tomshep> blk99 asked a ?, but didn't get answered. Can you reask?
[20:43] <LazerSnak> Thanks Tom
[20:43] <MarkWilso> With the cancellation of the SVT on Track program for this year can you tell us what changes will be incorporated next year to actually allow SVT owners to participate in the event of their choice?
[20:43] <SVT> Oops taboo topic
[20:44] <LazerSnak> Shame on you Dave...
[20:44] <LazerSnak> Don't bring up the Focus that way...
[20:44] <AlanC> heh
[20:44] <SVT> The idea is to develop the club idea, then put the club in charge of SVT On Track.
[20:45] <_STU_> had to try :)
[20:45] <philsag> What steps are being taken to avoid problems like the 1996 cooling problem and the 99 HP and vibration issue in future models, are you commited to doing R&D before job 1SVT should team up with a company like "Track Time" to run SVT on track
[20:46] <LazerSnak> Great Idea Phil..
[20:46] <MarkWilso> I believe its Phils turn
[20:46] *** Blk99 has joined #scoa
[20:46] <AlanC> wb Peter :)
[20:46] <SVT> The Focus would make a VERY cool SVT product by the way. It has an awesome chassis.
[20:47] <LazerSnak> There is your answer Dave..
[20:47] <way2wild> does the FR500 fit under the SVT umbrella?
[20:47] <tomshep> mark
[20:48] <MarkWilso> yes?
[20:48] <SVT> We have made a number of internal process changes and otherwise to ensure that these types of problems do not ever reoccur. The Cobra is just too important to take chances with. If anybody didn't believe that two years ago, they sure as heck believe it now.
[20:48] <Blk99> Or how light it is
[20:49] * AlanC says its Jeff Fisher's turn (we skipped him) :(
[20:49] <SVT> FR500 was put together by the FRPP guys. SVT and FRPP are not formally connected (by org structure) but we say hi to each other in the hallway.
[20:49] <SVT> Although I suppose if you go high enough we're all connected by org structure...
[20:49] <MarkWilso> Nassar
[20:49] <MarkWilso> ;)
[20:50] <jon> (hint, pretype your question and be ready in queue please:)
[20:50] <AlanC> lets try this...
[20:50] <AlanC> if you have a question ready, type in ?
[20:51] <jon> ?
[20:51] <slf93> but that will stifle spontaneous outburst
[20:51] <AlanC> go Jon
[20:51] <jon> I bought a 96 that has spent an absurd amount of time in shop (think months, and insert joke about "every available defect":) , yet still hasn't had the cooling upgrade, and kicks off the A/C every time I thrash it in the AL heat, ONP was terrific for 99, why aren't we treated as well?
[20:51] <jeff> I'll say (as input to future product) that I am not interested in the FR500 package on this chassis. I say start over. As far as questions, again, I have talked to bilstein and the springs folks, and they "know nothing". Is there a legal issue here, or am I just not talking ot the right people? I *need* springs, it is my worst inhibitor now. I had some custom springs made up, but want the R rates (and the R height).
[20:52] <sfuller> ?
[20:53] <SVT> Q1. I encourage you to have the cooling upgrade done to your '96. As for the level of treatment, I consider that an example of continuous improvement.
[20:53] <slf93> ? (after sfuller)
[20:53] <_STU_> ?
[20:54] <philsag> If the 96 is out of the warranty period how can he get it done at Fords expense
[20:54] * AlanC says, if you have a question, type ? then start typing your question in and be ready to press ENTER I will tell you when its your turn
[20:54] <SVT> Q2. I really don't know the details about Eibach's plans to market the R springs, other than they plan to do it. They have even gone so far as to run ads touting their involvement in the R program, so I am really surprised to hear the springs are not available.
[20:54] *** TomTbone has joined #scoa
[20:54] <MarkWilso> ?
[20:54] * AlanC says go sfuller
[20:54] <sfuller> Tom: It's a widely held belief that the stock Comp T/A tires are mediocre at best. What would it take for Ford to consider a different model or mfg for the tires on the Cobra?
[20:55] <jon> It seems the directives to dealers are "prove the problem exists", none will intentionally force a car into "protect" mode
[20:55] <SVT> Philsag please call 800-FORD-SVT, ask to speak to Troy or Bob, tell them you talked to me.
[20:56] <jon> guessing "?
[20:56] <TomTbone> Hi Tom, how long does it take to receive a svt owner's cert. after svt gets the proper info?
[20:57] <SVT> The chassis engineering team always considers different brands of tires and chooses what they feel is the best tire. Currently we use BFG on Cobra, Cobra R, and SVT Contour and Goodyear on Lightning.
[20:57] * AlanC says go slf93
[20:57] <slf93> regarding 96 cooling upgrade, and other warranty work. is there going to be any efforts to bring SVT service dealers into a better education regarding working on SVT products... I hear many stories regarding dealer ignorance regarding upgrades, TSB's, etc.
[20:57] <LazerSnak> Amen to that Steve..
[20:57] <SVT> The owner's certifications go out after the last vehicle of the model year is built, so it depends on when you submit.
[20:58] <SVT> YES! We started just this year a comprehensive SVT dealer technician certification program for SVT vehicles. It is conducted over the Ford proprietary satellite network. this is a big step in the right direction.
[20:58] * AlanC says go _STU_
[20:59] <_STU_> Back to Peters question.. according to your demographics are we enthuisits who use our cars for track events and such a small minority?
[21:00] <SVT> Yes fairly small minority (2000 vs. 80,000 sold) but I want to introduce more owners to the thrill of track time. They have no clue what they are missing.
[21:00] <TomTbone> what engine are they planning on using in the 2001 cobras?
[21:00] * AlanC says go MarkWilso
[21:00] <MarkWilso> I would like to know my the SVT experience costs so much to attend? It seems that for $150 we are not getting much. i believe the high cost and the fact that the tours filled the first day caused ALOT of people to drop out.
[21:00] <SVT> 320hp 4.6L 4v
[21:00] * AlanC says if you have a question, type in ?
[21:00] <MarkWilso> any comments
[21:00] * AlanC says then type it in and be ready to press enter when it is your turn
[21:01] <LazerSnak> Mark, that is one reason that I backed out..
[21:01] <SVT> All I will say about the SVT Experience is when you go there you will see why it costs so much. Believe me, you can't imagine how much it costs. Really.
[21:01] <jon> ?
[21:01] * AlanC says go jon
[21:01] <jon> How about an option delete package to go with suspension pack. No radio, cloth interior, etc?
[21:01] <jeff> Tom: there seems to be a problem with SVT handling Change of Address. I got my '99 Cobra in march (#104), moved to a new house a few months later, never got anything from SVT - never. No jacket (despite calling the jacket folks and the SVT folks and providing the new address) , no magazines, no event mailings, nothing. This process needs to be fixed. This is my 3rd SVT, 3rd move, 3rd no-stuff.
[21:02] <SVT> Sounds like the R without the engine?
[21:02] <jon> hehe
[21:02] <AlanC> heh
[21:02] <philsag> the $150 fee and the Hyatt Hotel rate are way out of line
[21:02] <jon> only have the 30K to part with
[21:03] <jon> my fairmont with the cobra package ate all my funds:)
[21:03] * AlanC has a ?
[21:03] <SVT> I am surprised to hear about the address problem. Typically we can manage that pretty well. Please call 800-FORD-SVT and ask for Troy, he is the InfoCenter manager and will make sure it gets done right. Sorry.
[21:03] <MarkWilso> go alan
[21:03] <AlanC> :)
[21:03] <jon> hehe
[21:03] <LazerSnak> go Alan
[21:04] <AlanC> Tom, can you give us a simple breakdown of what made the Cobra R so expensive?
[21:04] <jon> it was the backing plates:)
[21:04] <slf93> other than the dealer markups???
[21:04] <SVT> I will be very much looking forward to hearing the response from the attendees to the Experience as to whether it was worthwhile.
[21:04] <TomTbone> does the 98 cobras have stock rubber bushings or polyurethane ?
[21:05] * AlanC says anyone else with a question, please type in ?
[21:05] <SVT> Basically, a lot of expensive parts and extensive R&D fixed cost spread over very few units.
[21:05] <MarkWilso> ?
[21:05] <AlanC> go Mark
[21:05] <MarkWilso> do you think that the R was really a success given that dealers are selling them for $80k?
[21:05] <MarkWilso> is that what SVT wants to sell?
[21:05] <jon> dealers say so:)
[21:05] <SVT> Sorry, I'm not sure on the bushing question.
[21:06] <jon> high margin on new car sale at Ford dealer like a gift from the almighty:)
[21:06] <philsag> I will post my fellings about the EXP on the msg board when I get back from the event, I promise to give you a fair evaluation.
[21:06] <MarkWilso> I love the car but the price is WAY out of line...I was all ready to but one until I saw the price then there was no way to justify it
[21:06] <SVT> We don't support dealers selling over MSRP. Hindsight is 20/20, we should have built more.
[21:06] <AlanC> go Ekim
[21:06] <MarkWilso> but that was said in 93 and 95 too
[21:06] <Ekim> with a gear change more difficult in the IRS cars is there any plan to offer factory gear options?
[21:06] * AlanC says anyone else with a question, please type in ?
[21:07] <MarkWilso> ?
[21:07] <SVT> 107, 250, 300. When the decision was made (about two years ago) there was a lot of concern about even selling 300 at $55k.
[21:07] <Ekim> maybe oohh 4.10's?
[21:08] <SVT> The problem with gears is it negatively impacts fuel economy. We have to meet these reqs
[21:08] * AlanC says go Mark
[21:08] <philsag> How many R's would you have to build to drop the price to around$40K
[21:08] <Ekim> but is 3.27 the steepest you can go?
[21:08] <jon> ?
[21:08] <philsag> Give us a 6 spped with a higher gear
[21:09] <Ekim> I second that
[21:09] <SVT> Rather than dwell on the past, perhaps you can tell me what your vision for a future R would be. After all, this would be the group that would really use the car.
[21:09] <sfuller> no deal price gouging
[21:09] <TomTbone> does the 4.6 4v have forged pistons?
[21:09] <sfuller> 1000 built
[21:09] <jon> no cap up front
[21:09] <jon> sell to marker
[21:09] <Blk99> ?
[21:09] <MarkWilso> the power is fine but the chassis needs lots of work...the R should work on the chassis
[21:09] <jon> market
[21:10] * AlanC says go Mark Wilson
[21:10] <LazerSnak> I would assume that the next R will be on the new chassis. Is that correct Tom?
[21:10] <MarkWilso> why was SVO ablet o sell a competion package SVO at a lower cost than the regular SVO and SVT changes $25k for the R?
[21:10] <MarkWilso> it seems now that we pay more for less
[21:11] <slf93> excellent question!
[21:11] <jeff> Future R - regular option, track-optimized suspension/steering/brakes/seating/cooling, same engine! Air conditioning standard.
[21:12] <Blk99> ?
[21:13] <way2wild> nite all..thanks Tom for stopping by..we appreciate your time...
[21:13] <LazerSnak> See you Linn good luck on the engine swap..
[21:13] <MarkWilso> I agree with Jeff
[21:13] <jon> way overrun, when are you really leaving Tom?
[21:13] <way2wild> ill keep you guys posted on the progress
[21:14] <SVT> Sorry, had to take a call.
[21:14] <AlanC> np Tom..
[21:14] * AlanC would like to thank Tom Scarpello for joining us tonight!!!
[21:14] <LazerSnak> Glad you are putting up with us, Tom
[21:15] <LazerSnak> I second that Alan..
[21:15] <philsag> Tom SVT thanks for your time and intrest in our group
[21:15] <MarkWilso> thanks To,
[21:15] <MarkWilso> Tom
[21:15] <sfuller> Thanks Tom. I look forward to my ride in the FR500 in August (Helmet rental) :)
[21:16] <_STU_> yes Tom line up the FRPP folks far a chat if you can
[21:16] <_STU_> Thanks
[21:16] <LazerSnak> Yes, I also would be very interested in talking with the FRPP people.
[21:16] <jon> no doubt
[21:16] <SVT> One thing I would like to say in closing is that we really do hear you, and do understand what is important to you for future Cobras. The process of developing something as complex as an automobile takes time, and perhaps we're not the fastest on the face of the planet either. So, please be patient, stick with us, I am sure we will be able to offer you tantalizing new Cobras for many years to come.
[21:16] <jon> thanks for being here to talk to us Tom
[21:17] <slf93> ?
[21:17] <LazerSnak> Thanks again Tom
[21:17] <tomshep> hhmmm
[21:17] <jon> still got a ? or so in queue, (6 actually:)
[21:17] <TomTbone> ?
[21:17] <SVT> Thanks for the honesty, I prefer that to B.S. (or nothing at all) any day.
[21:18] <tomshep> no forged piston
[21:18] <SVT> Good night everyone!
[21:18] <MarkWilso> night
[21:18] <jon> nite
[21:18] <sfuller> we're not prone to BS :)
[21:18] <LazerSnak> night.
[21:18] <AlanC> goodnight Tom!
[21:18] *** SVT has quit IRC (Leaving)