Ford Mustang's new European look: A big mistake?
The Detroit auto giant is preparing to overhaul an American icon, even though many middle-aged fans may not be ready for an update.
Few things are more classically American than a Ford (F) Mustang, the Pony car that spawned dozens of imitators after it was launched in 1964.
Today's Mustang still bears a strong resemblance to the original, part of a years-long attempt by Ford to ride a retro trend that saw baby boomers buying Volkswagen (VLKAY) Beetles and Chevrolet (GM) Camaros. But all that is about to change, says Mike Ramsey at The Wall Street Journal.
Ford is planning a sleeker, more European look for its new Mustang in a bid to attract younger consumers who have less affection for muscle cars of yore. The new Mustang will reportedly launch in 2014 and will likely look like a Ford Fusion or the Evos model that was unveiled by Ford in late 2011.
Will the Mustang's new look backfire?
Ford might destroy an iconic brand. "This is a scary moment for Ford, and it really needs to tread carefully," says Justin Cupler at TopSpeed. The last time Ford tried to remake the Mustang -- the zippy Mustang II in the 1970s -- it "nearly killed off the Mustang name altogether." The Mustang is a "muscle car," and Ford would be wise not to stray too far with its makeover.
But the Mustang's style is getting old. The automotive world's retro trend may have "finally run its course," says Paul A. Eisenstein at MSNBC. Ford is facing "increasingly stringent fuel economy standards" in the U.S., and intense competition outside North America, necessitating not only a new look, but a new paradigm. "There are even rumors of a Mustang hybrid." Ford does risk "a tidal wave of opposition from traditionalists," but a younger generation might "be more accepting" of a toned-down Mustang.
And Ford has to move beyond baby boomers. The average Mustang buyer is 51 years old, and is considered a "near-luxury" consumer in "terms of spending habits," says Mike Ramsey at the Wall Street Journal. While baby boomers are "still an important demographic," fueling sales in minivans and SUVs, "that generation is near the end of its run as hard-charging car consumers." Ford and others face the difficult challenge of tapping into Generation Y -- those born in the 80s and 90s -- many of whom are less excited about owning cars than their parents.
Because of this, the OLD car is still in high demand and holds a high retail price.
If ford would bring back say the Pinto wagon redesigned as small SUV with the features of the above described Subarus and the 2.5 EFI (Loved the power of it in my 98 Ranger).. They would have a winner!
However if it is a muscle car they wish to push (Such as the Mustang) They do need a complete redesign such as Euro, keep the pony, use a luxury interior and a dual OHC 4 valve EFI Hemi head 302, but don't call it "Mustang". The Mustang has had its place, image and time....
bmw guy
yeah, if you like a cramped, noisy, rough riding, overpriced nazi car. but most guys who aren't gay dont like paying $120 for $20 spark plug wires. then there's the thing about supporting americas workers since the nazis dont contribute anything to this country. the jap car snobs said the same sh*t, but face it, its all the same technology. maybe if the nazi cars had gas turbines or wings, but, no, its the same exact piston engine, water cooled sh*t at a premium price for the snobs with smaller than average penises.
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