2008 Marauder

[Chuck]

I had lunch with a Ford Motor Company executive. The Marauder will return in model year 2008 under the guise of X-100. It will boast a de-tuned version of the 5.4 DOHC (375 HP) currently slotted to fit in the Mustang Shelby GT500 and will be available with a 6 speed manual transmission (assuming the cluth linkage can be reworked). It will be based on the Panther platform and a convertible may be offered if consumer demand is there. The resurrection of the Marauder is in response to the popularity of the Dodge Charger, DCX300 and Impala SS.

Start saving your $$$.

[Redster]

I had lunch with a Ford Motor Company executive. The Marauder will return in model year 2008 under the guise of X-100. It will boast a de-tuned version of the 5.4 DOHC (375 HP) currently slotted to fit in the Mustang Shelby GT500 and will be available with a 6 speed manual transmission (assuming the cluth linkage can be reworked). It will be based on the Panther platform and a convertible may be offered if consumer demand is there. The resurrection of the Marauder is in response to the popularity of the Dodge Charger, DCX300 and Impala SS.

Start saving your $$$.

I hope your are right, I'll buy one.

[UAW 588]

I hope your are right, I'll buy one.
As an employee of FMC, I'll believe it when I see it. :lol:

[crimzon]

lol.......... Thanks for registering on the board to tell us!

[STLR FN]

As a FOMOCO employee also, I'll second that idea
As an employee of FMC, I'll believe it when I see it. :lol:

[Pat]

Current events may alter that plan. One of the top 10 things Americans want to see, in a recent poll, is the elimination of gas guzzler SUV's and by extension big motored cars.

Congress will probably be sympathetic and may mandate better gas milage cars by 08.

What FLM may do is offer a 6 cylinder supercharged engine and downsize the car in weight and exterior dimensions and call it a "Rapparee". My :twocents:.

[RoyLPita]

As an employee of FMC, I'll believe it when I see it. :lol:

Welcome aboard. Thanx for the info. Keep us posted on anything else related to this.

[Jerry Barnes]

I am sorry to say, "It ain't going to happen". The Panther Platform will be replaced with the extended Ford 500 platform for the Continental and other large cars. Front and All-Wheel drive.

And know that gas is pushing $3-$4/gallon, you can bet on it.

I would like to see it happen, but the world is changing.

But, what about a nice size sedan, Supercharged and all wheel drive? It could kick butt, stay tuned!

Jerry

[stevengerard]

But, what about a nice size sedan, Supercharged and all wheel drive? It could kick butt, stay tuned!

Jerry

OK Jerry tell us - we are waiting. Why don't you open another user account under another name and give us all your secrets.

[DEFYANT]

OK Jerry tell us - we are waiting. Why don't you open another user account under another name and give us all your secrets.
He'd get one good tell all and then he'd be out of the FMC loop. But what a thread that would be!

Who is this guy? He shows up here to start a rumor? Puleeze :shake: I dont believe it.

Ummm, Jerry... are you this new poster???

[Leadfoot281]

Hey Chuck, there's an Impala SS, AND it's popular? Wow, I'm really out of the loop. I guess ya really do learn something new everyday. Maybe I've been reading Hot Rod and Car Craft magazines too much lately....


Thanks for the info.

[SideshowBob]

I am sorry to say, "It ain't going to happen". The Panther Platform will be replaced with the extended Ford 500 platform for the Continental and other large cars. Front and All-Wheel drive.

And know that gas is pushing $3-$4/gallon, you can bet on it.

I would like to see it happen, but the world is changing.

But, what about a nice size sedan, Supercharged and all wheel drive? It could kick butt, stay tuned!

Jerry

Leave it to Ford to take a giant step backward after Chrysler proves the demand for full size RWD cars. I guess they are no longer interested in the police market either.

[BillyGman]

But, what about a nice size sedan, Supercharged and all wheel drive? It could kick butt, stay tuned!

Jerry Sorry, but AWD just doesn't cut it for me. Count me out. Nothing short of a V8 powered RWD car will do for me. If I want AWD or 4WD, I'll buy a truck and put a plow on it.:rolleyes:

[Petrograde]

Welcome Chuck,....

We've heard these tales before, so I hope you don't take some of the responses personally.

I hope your info is correct. But, unless a complete redesign is planned the 5.4 will not fit in the current Panthers (without some major work)

[Cobra25]

I had lunch with a Ford Motor Company executive. The Marauder will return in model year 2008 under the guise of X-100. It will boast a de-tuned version of the 5.4 DOHC (375 HP) currently slotted to fit in the Mustang Shelby GT500 and will be available with a 6 speed manual transmission (assuming the cluth linkage can be reworked). It will be based on the Panther platform and a convertible may be offered if consumer demand is there. The resurrection of the Marauder is in response to the popularity of the Dodge Charger, DCX300 and Impala SS.

Start saving your $$$. First post and he say's this. I just don't believe it. :bs:

[Mike Poore]

But, what about a nice size sedan, Supercharged and all wheel drive? It could kick butt, stay tuned!

Jerry
So, Jerry, ..........Steve let the cat out of the bag, huh?

Watch for it, folks.....


THE 2007 SVT FUSION :D

[03SILVERSTREAK]

Welcome Chuck. So the first thing posted is the return of the MM in 2008. good way to get about 100 post or more on this thread. anyway welcome and enjoy...

[Glenn]

I would love to have the MM come back, but folks FLM blew it big time by coming out with the MM ahead of all of the current big powerful Chryslers and then killing it when the S/C was about to be given the O.K. Very sad! Ford was well ahead of the competition and lost the lead. You do not get a second chance in the competive auto world. And as Jerry said, times have already changed. I believe the time for big powerful RWD sedans is already behind us. I agree with Billy, give me a V-8 and RWD, not interested in FWD or a V-6.

I wish S/C was a more affordable option. It is easier for me to deal with family matters and trade-in my MM and buy a new 2007 Cobra Shelby and lose alot of $ on my MM then buy a S/C for the MM. When all I want is the S/C and not necessarily the Cobra. Difficulties of life!

Glenn

[jgc61sr2002]

Chuck - Welcome to the MM site. :D :welcome:

[Jerry Barnes]

Yes, some of you are correct. We frequently see data that talks about the future of Ford and its products. And yes, if I mentioned what I saw, I would be dropped from the Ford supplier list like a hot potato!!! I like paying my bills and eating too much to do something stupid. However, my wife is an Exec at Chrysler(DCX) and they are firmly commited to RWD cars for some time. I used to work with Bob Lutz at Chrysler and I know Bob likes RWD cars, so GM will definately be using RWD. That is evident in the Solstice, Z06, Cadillac's, etc.

I also have heard that Toyota may offer all of their vehicles with hybrid technology. And look at their sales and profitability. They are kicking our a$$es. This last gas price jump makes the argument even worse! The research I have access to says that gas will return to $2.00-$2.50/gallon by the first quarter 2006. This will help, but the momentum of the average non-car enthusiast will be toward fuel efficient cars with hybrid technology. Not a bad thing, but the trend is difinately moving toward less dependence on foriegn oil. Again, not a bad thing.

And all is not lost. There are too many car people out there. Don't be surprise to see a hybrid hotrods. Take a look at BusinessWeek, September 26, page 74. An article about Ford being the leading green car company in the U.S.

And for all you RWD Ford people, there will always be the Ford GT, Mustang GT/Shelby, Harley Truck, etc.

And those Marauders will be very valuable one day!!

See ya!

Jerry

[GreekGod]

I want what he's drinking-in fact, make mine a double:<TABLE class=tborder cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR title="Post 294423" vAlign=top><TD class=alt1 align=middle width=125>Chuck</TD><TD class=alt2>I had lunch with a Ford Motor Company executive. The Marauder will return in model year 2008 under the guise of X-100. It will boast a de-tuned version of the 5.4 DOHC (375 HP) currently slotted to fit in the Mustang Shelby GT500 and will be available with a 6 speed manual transmission (assuming the cluth linkage can be reworked). It will be based on the Panther platform and a convertible may be offered if consumer demand is there. The resurrection of the Marauder is in response to the popularity of the Dodge Charger, DCX300 and Impala SS.




Start saving your $$$.


</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE class=tborder cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR title="Post 294560" vAlign=top><TD class=alt1 align=middle width=125>Glenn</TD><TD class=alt2>I would love to have the MM come back, but folks FLM blew it big time by coming out with the MM ahead of all of the current big powerful Chryslers and then killing it when the S/C was about to be given the O.K. Very sad! Ford was well ahead of the competition and lost the lead. You do not get a second chance in the competive auto world. And as Jerry said, times have already changed. I believe the time for big powerful RWD sedans is already behind us.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Well put, Glenn. Oh, and Chuck, was that the ghost of Henry Ford you had lunch with? Because my neighbor's dog said the new Marauder would be called the "7 Litre"! Here's a picture of the secret new retro look engine:http://www.karkraft.com/REAR_LH1.jpg

[Ezbok58a]

Welcome Chuck,....

We've heard these tales before, so I hope you don't take some of the responses personally.

I hope your info is correct. But, unless a complete redesign is planned the 5.4 will not fit in the current Panthers (without some major work)
Actually a 2003 and up Panthers engine bay can pretty much do a direct swap with a 5.4l Hood clearance is the biggest hurdle, but Putting a 5.4 into a 03+ CV, GM,TC or MM can be done.

It would be difficult and time consuming, but it fits better than a -02 panther.

[Bradley G]

Good thing we put that nasty rumor, to rest! :banned:

I would love to see a blown 6.8L V-10 Marauder, that takes no prisoners.:coolman:

For now, I am working on 12's

[GreekGod]

<TABLE class=tborder cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR title="Post 294609" vAlign=top><TD class=alt1 align=middle width=125>Ezbok58a</TD><TD class=alt2>Quote:

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">Originally Posted by Petrograde

Welcome Chuck,....

We've heard these tales before, so I hope you don't take some of the responses personally.

I hope your info is correct. But, unless a complete redesign is planned the 5.4 will not fit in the current Panthers (without some major work)

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

"Actually a 2003 and up Panthers engine bay can pretty much do a direct swap with a 5.4l Hood clearance is the biggest hurdle, but Putting a 5.4 into a 03+ CV, GM,TC or MM can be done.

It would be difficult and time consuming, but it fits better than a -02 panther."........Well now, IF a 5.4 can be done in our MM's, why is it no one seems to have done it? No pictures? OF COURSE it CAN be done, especially if you remove the heater/air cond. plenum AND the wiper-system! No heater, air conditioning, or windshield wipers? I don't think so! Hood clearance? We don't need no stinking hood! Or a/c or wipers or heat!
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Ezbok58a]

Hey, I said getting the damn thing in was easier. I didn't say that it is a direct bolt in replacement. If it was everyone would have one!:P

I believe the 02 and lower years you had to ax all that stuff. (heater,AC and Wiper assembly)

I don't think you have to for 03+. But I am speculating as no one Has ever attempted a 5.4l Swap into a 03+ Panther car.

[cyclone03]

Hey, I said getting the damn thing in was easier. I didn't say that it is a direct bolt in replacement. If it was everyone would have one!:P

I believe the 02 and lower years you had to ax all that stuff. (heater,AC and Wiper assembly)

I don't think you have to for 03+. But I am speculating as no one Has ever attempted a 5.4l Swap into a 03+ Panther car.

OH no.Here we go again......


Before firing up this debate again everybody search the site,just plug in "5.4 Steve Babcock" and start reading.

[StevenJ]

I am sorry to say, "It ain't going to happen". The Panther Platform will be replaced with the extended Ford 500 platform for the Continental and other large cars. Front and All-Wheel drive.

And know that gas is pushing $3-$4/gallon, you can bet on it.

I would like to see it happen, but the world is changing.

But, what about a nice size sedan, Supercharged and all wheel drive? It could kick butt, stay tuned!

Jerry First, you're wrong. Yes the Town car is being replaced and that Ford officially said that the panther cars will be around till atleast 2010 and possibly later in an offical press release statement. That's fact number one, the other fact is that they recently invested $300,000,000 into the St. Thomas plant where the Crown Vic and Marquis are built. So we do know that while the Town Car will no longer be on a panther platform, the Vic and the Marquis will live. We also know that the 06' Crown Vic and Marquis civillian models are now getting slight interior updates.

For instace, both cars will finally have a tachometer and no more digital gauges! Sorry for thoose Marquis fans out there. We also know that the Explorer recently got the new Mustang 3v V8 with six speed auto so it is reasonable to assume for 07', 08', that the Vic will get it too. Now, does this mean this Marauder is true? No, but we do know that the Vic is currently recieving a significant overhaul.

[GreekGod]

Very interesting-a 20 year old "techy" student correcting a 54 year old Detroit "insider" executive about future plans of FMC!:
First, you're wrong. Yes the Town car is being replaced and that Ford officially said that the panther cars will be around till atleast 2010 and possibly later in an offical press release statement. That's fact number one, the other fact is that they recently invested $300,000,000 into the St. Thomas plant where the Crown Vic and Marquis are built. So we do know that while the Town Car will no longer be on a panther platform, the Vic and the Marquis will live. We also know that the 06' Crown Vic and Marquis civillian models are now getting slight interior updates.

For instace, both cars will finally have a tachometer and no more digital gauges! Sorry for thoose Marquis fans out there. We also know that the Explorer recently got the new Mustang 3v V8 with six speed auto so it is reasonable to assume for 07', 08', that the Vic will get it too. Now, does this mean this Marauder is true? No, but we do know that the Vic is currently recieving a significant overhaul.

[StevenJ]

If you really want, I'll look up the press releases again but you can search for yourself at the Ford media site. It should all be there. I'm just taking all this from Press releases I remember reading from Ford. Except the last part about the 3v V8, that was just a logical assumption.

Here's the press release I found about the St. Thomas upgrade btw. Though, it wasn't at Ford's Media site, sorry.

http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/LondonFreePress/Business/2005/02/09/924824-sun.html


Ford plant to get $300M boost

The automaker will invest the cash in its St. Thomas operation over the next 3 years.

NORMAN DE BONO, Free Press Business Reporter ****
2005-02-09 03:22:39 ****

Ford of Canada's St. Thomas assembly plant will get a $300-million US investment over three years as the automaker gives its vehicles a facelift, a Canadian Auto Workers union official said yesterday. The news comes as the plant is facing a serious downturn in production and employment, assembling 80,000 fewer Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles this year than just three years ago, said Whitey MacDonald, president of CAW Local 1520.

The plant is also shutting down one week a month until July and maybe longer, MacDonald added.

"Any time they spend money, it's a good feeling, but a lot more needs to be done over the long haul," he said.

"They are putting some money into it, hoping sales pick up. And the best-case scenario will be we work with less downtime."

MacDonald said the plant needs a long-term commitment from Ford that will see the plant either be revamped into a flexible manufacturing plant -- meaning three or four different vehicles could be assembled there -- or get a new car to build along with the Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis.

"Our No. 1 priority is flexible manufacturing or additional product. That will get us long-term stability," he said, adding that those will be key issues when collective bargaining begins in the fall.

But the plant only has "an average" shot at getting another vehicle because Ford is making fewer vehicles and not expanding production, says automotive analyst Dennis DesRosiers.

"Retail sales for those vehicles are very small. It is primarily a fleet plant," DesRosiers said.

"I always worry about a plant near the end of the life of a vehicle. It is a very old platform."

In 2002, the plant assembled 235,000 cars. Last year that figure dropped to 198,000. This year production is expected to plummet to about 155,000, MacDonald said.

Still, there is chance vehicle sales will not drop much below 155,000, as the Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis enjoy a loyal client base and a strong position in the North American fleet market, DesRosiers noted.

"It may level off. I can't see the market for that coming down much more."

Ford of Canada's Laren More declined comment.

In 2006, a $100-million US investment will see changes to the cars' grilles, bumpers and front ends.

In 2008, another $200 million US will be spent on a more extensive redesign, MacDonald said.

Copyright © The London Free Press

I also found this nice little article from Edmunds...
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Articles/articleId=104825


The Crown Vic and Grand Marquis live on

Date Posted 02-25-2005

DEARBORN, Mich. — Inside Line has learned that Ford Motor Co. once again has reversed course and now is planning to extend the lifespan of its long-running Crown Victoria and the Grand Marquis to 2010 and beyond.

The full-size rear-wheel-drive sedans date to the 1979 model year, and have been updated — but never fully redesigned — several times in the past 26 years.

Ford had planned to replace the Crown Vic and the Grand Marquis in 2008 with new front-wheel-drive models based on a stretched version of the Five Hundred chassis.

Instead, according to suppliers who spoke with Inside Line, the automaker now plans to face-lift the current cars in 2008, with no direct replacements planned before the end of the decade.

The company still plans to introduce an all-wheel-drive successor to the big Lincoln Town Car, which currently shares its basic rear-wheel-drive "Panther" platform with the Crown Vic and the Grand Marquis.

The next-generation Lincoln will ride on a stretched Five Hundred platform beginning in 2008-'09.

What this means to you: If you're a fan of big rear-drive Detroit hardware, give thanks to Ford

[AzMarauder]

I would love to have the MM come back, but folks FLM blew it big time by coming out with the MM ahead of all of the current big powerful Chryslers and then killing it when the S/C was about to be given the O.K. Very sad! Ford was well ahead of the competition and lost the lead. You do not get a second chance in the competive auto world. And as Jerry said, times have already changed. I believe the time for big powerful RWD sedans is already behind us. I agree with Billy, give me a V-8 and RWD, not interested in FWD or a V-6.

I wish S/C was a more affordable option. It is easier for me to deal with family matters and trade-in my MM and buy a new 2007 Cobra Shelby and lose alot of $ on my MM then buy a S/C for the MM. When all I want is the S/C and not necessarily the Cobra. Difficulties of life!

Glenn
Losing money and trade in .... would seem that financing would be involved. If that is the case then you just need a good banker that can be a bit creative ... and finance the supercharger for the MM. Then you don't lose the money on the trade and keep a bigger car for the family.

[Fastronald]

Maybe Chuck can tell us when Elvis gets here too?

[Blackened300a]

I had lunch with a Ford Motor Company executive. The Marauder will return in model year 2008 under the guise of X-100. It will boast a de-tuned version of the 5.4 DOHC (375 HP) currently slotted to fit in the Mustang Shelby GT500 and will be available with a 6 speed manual transmission (assuming the cluth linkage can be reworked). It will be based on the Panther platform and a convertible may be offered if consumer demand is there. The resurrection of the Marauder is in response to the popularity of the Dodge Charger, DCX300 and Impala SS.

Start saving your $$$.
This Must be the guy Who Swears his Mother Has a White Marauder!!

I have To call Bravo Sierra On this one :bs: If Ford Is Planning to make a Return with the Marauder, Chances Are it will be the 3v SOHC 4.6 thats found in the new Mustang, They will Join it with the 5spd Auto, Add Dual Exhaust, Maybe Revise the God's Head Emblem to make it more Modern Looking, Make it only 4 colors, Limit its Production Numbers, and slap a $40k Window Sticker on it and Call it a Day.

Thats Business as Usual at FMC...

[Chuck]

I want what he's drinking-in fact, make mine a double:<TABLE class=tborder cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR title="Post 294423" vAlign=top><TD class=alt1 align=middle width=125>Chuck</TD><TD class=alt2>I had lunch with a Ford Motor Company executive. The Marauder will return in model year 2008 under the guise of X-100. It will boast a de-tuned version of the 5.4 DOHC (375 HP) currently slotted to fit in the Mustang Shelby GT500 and will be available with a 6 speed manual transmission (assuming the cluth linkage can be reworked). It will be based on the Panther platform and a convertible may be offered if consumer demand is there. The resurrection of the Marauder is in response to the popularity of the Dodge Charger, DCX300 and Impala SS.





Start saving your $$$.



</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE class=tborder cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR title="Post 294560" vAlign=top><TD class=alt1 align=middle width=125>Glenn</TD><TD class=alt2>I would love to have the MM come back, but folks FLM blew it big time by coming out with the MM ahead of all of the current big powerful Chryslers and then killing it when the S/C was about to be given the O.K. Very sad! Ford was well ahead of the competition and lost the lead. You do not get a second chance in the competive auto world. And as Jerry said, times have already changed. I believe the time for big powerful RWD sedans is already behind us.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Well put, Glenn. Oh, and Chuck, was that the ghost of Henry Ford you had lunch with? Because my neighbor's dog said the new Marauder would be called the "7 Litre"! Here's a picture of the secret new retro look engine:http://www.karkraft.com/REAR_LH1.jpgNo it was not a ghost, it was a real person. A person, like many others at FoMoCo who would like to see Ford regain profitability and market share so the maybe the company stock can stay above $10.00 a share.

[BillyGman]

No it was not a ghost, it was a real person. A person, like many others at FoMoCo who would like to see Ford regain profitability and market share so the maybe the company stock can stay above $10.00 a share.The pic of that engine is a joke, right? Sorry if I'm a little slow on that, but it isn't always easy to pick-up on someone else's humor via the net. I'm saying you're joking because what car is that engine going to fit in w/out a huge hole being cut in the hood? Those intake runners would probably only fit under a truck hood. Again, sorry if I'm missing something here.

EDIT: okay, maybe what I'm missing is that the engine in that pic is carbureted, so ofcourse that wouldn't be an engine that would be used for a production car.

[Dan]

Sorry, but AWD just doesn't cut it for me. Count me out. Nothing short of a V8 powered RWD car will do for me. If I want AWD or 4WD, I'll buy a truck and put a plow on it.:rolleyes:

Billy,

Do you really mean this?

I know that you love US RWD sedans but on a track an AWD car will take out an RWD car almost any day.

Dan

[BillyGman]

Billy,

Do you really mean this?

I know that you love US RWD sedans but on a track an AWD car will take out an RWD car almost any day.

Danyep, I meant what I said. track shmack....what about street driving? IMO AWD=BORING....

And although I've seen a lot of 9 second RWD cars at the dragstrip, I haven't seen any 9 second AWD cars there. And the AWD foreign beer can cars on wheels that are moded enough to get into the low 11's and high 10's often have a weak link in the drivetrain (namely the transfer case). And that's usually a $2,000 item to replace. But either way, they're still boring for street driving IMO.:down:

[Mike Poore]

Billy,

Do you really mean this?

I know that you love US RWD sedans but on a track an AWD car will take out an RWD car almost any day.

Dan
Oh Yeh! I just put down my issue of Car and Driver, where they just drove/tested the new Corvette Z-06. :eek:

Let's see your AWD car smoke one of these little darlings.

For 60K you get a car equal to the mighty Ford GT. (and you can step right up to your local chebby store and order one up)

I'll have mine in red, if you please. :D

Oh, yeh, and um, Ford SVT? Please cancel my order for the Shelby GT 500. K? :rolleyes:

[johnfain]

Billy,

Do you really mean this?

I know that you love US RWD sedans but on a track an AWD car will take out an RWD car almost any day.

Dan

That would depend on the track.

For example: at Road Atlanta, an equally powered Audi AWD will beat an equally powered Marauder.. badly. I know I drove it. :drive:

However on less twisty tracks the equally powered Marauder would eat the equally powered AWD up all day long.
:burnout: :burnout: :burnout:

[BillyGman]

Oh Yeh! I just put down my issue of Car and Driver, where they just drove/tested the new Corvette Z-06. :eek:

Let's see your AWD car smoke one of these little darlings.

For 60K you get a car equal to the mighty Ford GT. (and you can step right up to your local chebby store and order one up)

I'll have mine in red, if you please. :D

Oh, yeh, and um, Ford SVT? Please cancel my order for the Shelby GT 500. K? :rolleyes:I share your sentiment for everything in your above post^ with the exception of that last line....... the Ford Shelby GT500 will be marked way above MSRP for the first 6-8 months, but after all the weirdos suck up the first ones at $50K or more, there will likely be some around for the MSRP, and that's supposed to be about $25K less than the new Vette MSRP is. the point being, that for $25K more, I would hope that the new Vette is more car.

But as much as I like the idea of 427 cubes of displacement under the hood, what I don't like is that they had to cramp such a big bore into a small block. The cylinder sleeves (which are cast iron instead of steel BTW :eek: ) are so close together on the new LS7 engine that they're literally butted-up against eachother!! There isn't any cylinder block material between each of the cylinders at all!!:eek: And the piston skirts literally come out of the bottom of the bores during bottom-dead-center!!!! And the pistons are so short that it looks to me like the wrist pin bores actually cut into the ring landings. None of these things look like the makings of a durable engine. Correct me if you think I'm wrong......and BTW the floor boards have been made of BALSA WOOD (:eek: :eek: ) for weight savings!! Yes, the Balsa wood is sandwiched between carbon fiber which is aircraft material, but I've never heard of using balsa wood between two layers of carbon fiber before!!!..... Below are some pics of the LS7 engine internals incase you haven't yet seen them......

[MarauderMark]

Its 5.4-litre capacity, 32 valves and double overhead camshafts per bank therefore work in concert to produce 290 kilowatts of power and a phenomenal 520 Newton metres of torque. So not only is there free-revving top-end power but a wall of torque at low speeds as well. In combination with the tuned stainless steel exhaust system, it produces the trademark rumble that lets you know you're driving a real, blue-blooded Aussie V8. It has a quality that clearly communicates who exactly owns the road.
http://www.fpv.com.au/upload/image/346_1x24x2003115651AM.jpg



all wheel drive like this<a href="http://videos.streetfire.net/iPlayer.aspx?fileid=1E68B53D-62FF-46AC-9F40-A49F5E262015" target="_blank"><img src="http://thumbs.streetfire.net/1E68B53D-62FF-46AC-9F40-A49F5E262015.jpg" width="115" height="86"></a><br><a href="http://videos.streetfire.net/iPlayer.aspx?fileid=1E68B53D-62FF-46AC-9F40-A49F5E262015" target="_blank">Click to see Video</a>

[BillyGman]

Its 5.4-litre capacity, 32 valves and double overhead camshafts per bank therefore work in concert to produce 290 kilowatts of power and a phenomenal 520 Newton metres of torque. So not only is there free-revving top-end power but a wall of torque at low speeds as well. In combination with the tuned stainless steel exhaust system, it produces the trademark rumble that lets you know you're driving a real, blue-blooded Aussie V8. It has a quality that clearly communicates who exactly owns the road.
http://www.fpv.com.au/upload/image/346_1x24x2003115651AM.jpg



all wheel drive like thishttp://thumbs.streetfire.net/1E68B53D-62FF-46AC-9F40-A49F5E262015.jpg (http://videos.streetfire.net/iPlayer.aspx?fileid=1E68B53D-62FF-46AC-9F40-A49F5E262015)
Click to see Video (http://videos.streetfire.net/iPlayer.aspx?fileid=1E68B53D-62FF-46AC-9F40-A49F5E262015)The car in that video^ not only looks ugly,:puke: but sounds like two giant hedge trimmers going at the same time, or like dual milkshake blenders set on puree. :rolleyes:

[Mike Poore]

BALSA WOOD (:eek: :eek: ) for weight savings!! Yes, the Balsa wood is sandwiched between carbon fiber which is aircraft material,.
Billy, my friend, I don't care if they make the damned thing out of toothpaste; it's faster than stink, and I want one! :D

[johnfain]

The car in that video^ not only looks ugly,:puke: but sounds like two giant hedge trimmers going at the same time, or like dual milkshake blenders set on puree. :rolleyes:


You have to admit that the last burnout was :rock: :banana2: :beer:

[Dan]

"On the street"???? Street driving???

That could mean a lot of things. There are lots of different types of streets. City streets, country streets, etc.

Put corners in the mix and the AWD car cleans up nearly every time. If you are talking about strictly light to light you may have an advantage but toss a corner or two in there and the game changes.

Guys, I drink the Kool Aid but only to a certain extent.

Dan

[BillyGman]

"On the street"???? Street driving???

That could mean a lot of things. There are lots of different types of streets. City streets, country streets, etc.

Put corners in the mix and the AWD car cleans up nearly every time. If you are talking about strictly light to light you may have an advantage but toss a corner or two in there and the game changes.

Guys, I drink the Kool Aid but only to a certain extent.

DanDan Dan Dan, you're comparing lightweight cars to heavy cars aren't you? Mike had a good point there about the handling of the new Vette...it's a RWD vehicle and pulls over 1 G around the twisties. What more can you possibly use on the street? And how many places will you ever find on the public roads to even pull 1 g??? I think that's more than enough for street driving, don't you? How many times during the life of the car will you pull 1 g??? Twice perhaps? .....earth to Dan....come in Dan.....:P

[BillyGman]

Billy, my friend, I don't care if they make the damned thing out of toothpaste; it's faster than stink, and I want one! :DYep...very fast in deed!! But for how long will it be fast? Did you look closely at those engine pics? They came out too small, so here's them again, but bigger.....take a look at those cylinder walls. And unlike aluminum racing engines that are sleeved with steel, those sleeves on that aluminum block are cast iron..... Furthermore, Ive never seen interrupted cylinder walls like that!!! How long will they last???!!!??? And again, look at that puney compression height of that piston. Not much meat to those pistons at all..... reminds me of that old commercial in the 80's...."where's the beef?"......I like the fact that this is a pushrod engine, that it has a forged crank, titanium connecting rods, and that it has some serious displacement. But I suspect the block and pistons to be very weak links. Only time will tell I guess.

I hope for the sake of the LS7 customers, Chevy will be giving one very long warantee on these engines, since Vettes typically aren't driven very much since they're basically fair weather cars. So after the usual three or four year warantee expiration, many Vettes would only have 10-15K on their clocks. And looking at these engine internals makes me wonder how long the LS7 will survive 505 HP.:confused: It seems to me that this car was engineered with two things in mind, and two things only......HP to weight ratio, and handling. I wonder about endurance and dependability.

Sorry to get so far off-topic guys....:o

[StevenJ]

Billy,

Do you really mean this?

I know that you love US RWD sedans but on a track an AWD car will take out an RWD car almost any day.

Dan
No they don't. AWD won't make a lick of difference on the track. The only time it really shines is in extreme off road racing like rally racing. However, on normal paved tracks, a RWD car will be equally as fast through corners and straights.

[Merc-O-matic]

I am sorry to say, "It ain't going to happen". The Panther Platform will be replaced with the extended Ford 500 platform for the Continental and other large cars. Front and All-Wheel drive.

And know that gas is pushing $3-$4/gallon, you can bet on it.

I would like to see it happen, but the world is changing.

But, what about a nice size sedan, Supercharged and all wheel drive? It could kick butt, stay tuned!

Jerry
Looks like I will finally be forced to put that 455 C.I.D.
"Big Block Buick" in my '72 Skylark (GSX Clone) and kick some ass!

Gotta Love It! :rasta:

[BillyGman]

Looks like I will finally be forced to put that 455 C.I.D.
"Big Block Buick" in my '72 Skylark (GSX Clone) and kick some ass!

Gotta Love It! :rasta:YEAH!!! Now you're talkin'!!!!!

[Leadfoot281]

I'll get a front/awd driver when..

When Ferrari, changes, so will I.

When F1, or Top Fuel, does.

When NASCAR does. (They pretend to, but they havn't fooled me yet).

When nearlly all automotive record books get re-written, I MIGHT consider it.

When Harley Davidson goes front drive. When pigs (hogs?) fly!

[Jerry Barnes]

If you really want, I'll look up the press releases again but you can search for yourself at the Ford media site. It should all be there. I'm just taking all this from Press releases I remember reading from Ford. Except the last part about the 3v V8, that was just a logical assumption.

Here's the press release I found about the St. Thomas upgrade btw. Though, it wasn't at Ford's Media site, sorry.

http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/LondonFreePress/Business/2005/02/09/924824-sun.html


I also found this nice little article from Edmunds...
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Articles/articleId=104825

StevenJ,

Thanks for posting the articles. We can talk about something that is in the public domain. The original comment was "2008 Marauder", everything I know says it will not happen. Second, the Panther patform will stay around until they find out how to address the Police car requirement, which the Crown Vic accounts for 80% of that market. I was at the Michiagn State Police Test Sessions last summer and the Crown Vic was the clear winner. But, Chrysler had a Magnum and Intrepid for testing. They did not do well, but they are coming with the Magnum.

Don't get me wrong, I like the Panther platform, but I am only listening to the logic Ford is using when deciding what to do with those vehicles. I know Lincoln is moving to the Ford 500/Volvo FWD/AWD platform. I donated both of my Marauders to the assembly plant in Canada for two different car show and the plant manager after driving both of our cars over the weekend said, "And why did we cancel this vehicle, I love it!!!".

Ford is trying to deal with the Toyoda formula where several vehicles are built off of one platform to improve quality and reduce product development costs. I will share what I know when it enters the public domain, but the gas prices, the diminishing production volumes and age of the platform says a lot! Ford Fusion is built on the Mazda 6 platform, the Ford 500 is built off the Volvo platform and they are only doing minor freshening on the Panther platform. Don't confuse the investment in the plant as a move to keep the Panther platform alive, it reflects the move, by Ford, to address flexible manufacturing in all of the plants they plan on keeping. And in my frequent discussions with key members of the Ford Team tell me that there is NO Marauder in the works, because if it was in the works, they would have to be working on it right now to make 2008 model year. And if it were in the works, I would love it, because we are close to being done with our 4.6L 3V supercharger kit and the 5.4L 3V supercharger is done.

Our stock Trilogy 5.4L 3V Supercharger Kit was just dynoed for the first time a couple of days ago. The results on the F150 4X4 :

1. 346 RWHP
2. 426 RW FT LBS Torque
3. 408 HP at the crank
4. 506 FT LBS Torque at the crank
5. 9.5 lbs of boost at 5,200

Have a good one!

Jerry

[RR|Suki]

No they don't. AWD won't make a lick of difference on the track. The only time it really shines is in extreme off road racing like rally racing. However, on normal paved tracks, a RWD car will be equally as fast through corners and straights.
Agree AWD cars understeer... some of us didn't read where the subaru STi couldn't hold off a Mustang cobra on the track. RWD owns, mid engine rear wheel is the destroyer... mclaren, zonda, keoenseig, gt, every porche, most ferrari and on and on and on. Although I will say lambos are fast, and are AWD. oh and also an equally powered audi... come now, weight, suspention... we are considering very different animals here. oh and FWD fails, I have a 300hp 1600lb fwd car I would know :cry: that's ok though I still love her

[Tallboy]

"On the street"???? Street driving???

That could mean a lot of things. There are lots of different types of streets. City streets, country streets, etc.

Put corners in the mix and the AWD car cleans up nearly every time. If you are talking about strictly light to light you may have an advantage but toss a corner or two in there and the game changes.

Guys, I drink the Kool Aid but only to a certain extent.

Dan

Pick the AWD vehicle of your choice and meet me at Sebring. I'll grab a Porsche Carrera [not a "4"] and run circles around you.

[Bradley G]

After you get your excercise, will you actually fit in the Porche? :nono:
Pick the AWD vehicle of your choice and meet me at Sebring. I'll grab a Porsche Carrera [not a "4"] and run circles around you.

[GreekGod]

[quote]"I would love it, because we are close to being done with our 4.6L 3V supercharger kit and the 5.4L 3V supercharger is done.

Our stock Trilogy 5.4L 3V Supercharger Kit was just dynoed for the first time a couple of days ago. The results on the F150 4X4 :

1. 346 RWHP
2. 426 RW FT LBS Torque
3. 408 HP at the crank
4. 506 FT LBS Torque at the crank
5. 9.5 lbs of boost at 5,200

Have a good one!

Jerry" THAT'S WHAT I'M TALK'N ABOUT!

[Dan]

I'll take the AWD vs RWD conversation to a new topic.

[rookie1]

And know that gas is pushing $3-$4/gallon, you can bet on it.
Jerry


I might take that bet. At $3-$4/ gallon alot of alternative fuels become more viable. For the first time in history our gasoline consumption decreased as a nation when the price hit an average of $3/gallon. It's hard to say how much Katrina contributed to the reduction in demand but it's an interesting fact to say the least. I live in Indiana and by the end of this decade there will be over a dozen brand spanking new ethanol plants in the state(we already have 4-5). Ethanol is 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline and becomes profitable at around $2.50/gallon. Here we have groups of farmers coming together and forming co-ops and building Ethanol plants creating their own captive market for their corn. The fuel plants are being built with Fed/State assistance and bank loans.

[StevenJ]

StevenJ,

Thanks for posting the articles. We can talk about something that is in the public domain. The original comment was "2008 Marauder", everything I know says it will not happen. Second, the Panther patform will stay around until they find out how to address the Police car requirement, which the Crown Vic accounts for 80% of that market. I was at the Michiagn State Police Test Sessions last summer and the Crown Vic was the clear winner. But, Chrysler had a Magnum and Intrepid for testing. They did not do well, but they are coming with the Magnum.

Don't get me wrong, I like the Panther platform, but I am only listening to the logic Ford is using when deciding what to do with those vehicles. I know Lincoln is moving to the Ford 500/Volvo FWD/AWD platform. I donated both of my Marauders to the assembly plant in Canada for two different car show and the plant manager after driving both of our cars over the weekend said, "And why did we cancel this vehicle, I love it!!!".

Ford is trying to deal with the Toyoda formula where several vehicles are built off of one platform to improve quality and reduce product development costs. I will share what I know when it enters the public domain, but the gas prices, the diminishing production volumes and age of the platform says a lot! Ford Fusion is built on the Mazda 6 platform, the Ford 500 is built off the Volvo platform and they are only doing minor freshening on the Panther platform. Don't confuse the investment in the plant as a move to keep the Panther platform alive, it reflects the move, by Ford, to address flexible manufacturing in all of the plants they plan on keeping. And in my frequent discussions with key members of the Ford Team tell me that there is NO Marauder in the works, because if it was in the works, they would have to be working on it right now to make 2008 model year. And if it were in the works, I would love it, because we are close to being done with our 4.6L 3V supercharger kit and the 5.4L 3V supercharger is done.

Our stock Trilogy 5.4L 3V Supercharger Kit was just dynoed for the first time a couple of days ago. The results on the F150 4X4 :

1. 346 RWHP
2. 426 RW FT LBS Torque
3. 408 HP at the crank
4. 506 FT LBS Torque at the crank
5. 9.5 lbs of boost at 5,200

Have a good one!

Jerry
I see what you are saying, that the $300mill went towards flex manufacturing so they could keep the plant open in the future and just build a different vehicle there. I agree with you that the panthers won't recieve a total make over. I still have a very strong feeling that around 07', 08', Ford will update the car with the Explorer's powertrain with the new V8 and six speed auto. I don't think there will be another Marauder but there will be a very fast LX Sport in the not too distant future. Afterall, isn't the 2v V8 production going to stop sometime soon? It only makes sense that they would can the 2v V8 infavor of the newer 3v. It shouldn't take too much work to make that powertrain fit in a panther and Ford seems to be moving in that more sporty direction. Haven't you seen pictures of the new Marquis? It has a tach plus optional fog lights and no more rear antenna! It has the antenna in the back window.

[CBT]

Soooooooo....they AREN'T bringing back the '73 Gremlin?

[Dark_Knight7096]

God, i know i'm probly going to wind up getting shot for this one but I feel I have to mention the Nissan Skyline GT-R. Yea I said it Nissan. This is an insane car. From the factory it was detuned because of self-imposed horsepower restrictions on Nissans cars for the Japanese market. All that need be done is retuning the computer, tweeking the turbos a bit and opening up the exhaust and youre looking around 400hp with minimal mods. It is the best of both worlds: AN INTELLEGENT AWD SYSTEM. Nissan realized that for racing use RWD is one of the best configurations, however sometimes for the tight curves AWD could be better. Also too when you are talking that much power and torque hard acceleration could cause the rear wheels to slip. If AWD was used all the time the off the line acceleration may be better because of improved traction but the parasitic loss from running the AWD later down the line would hurt performance. The Skyline GT-R (in R34 form anyway not sure of earlier ones) is a RWD car normally but as soon as there is any loss in rear wheel traction a processor detects it and immediately shifts up to 50% of all power and torque to the front wheels as needed. Then when the loss of traction is over, the computer begins transferring power back transforming it once again to a 100% RWD car. It also has a setting to have it be AWD all the time, if that's what floats your boat. Not necissarily on topic but i felt i should add that to the RWD vs AWD argument here. Now I await the flames for confessing my love for a Nissan. (Give me a break there are only 130 R34s in the US, and if I had won the 250 million dollar mega million jackpot this past friday there woulda been 131)

Have a great day all!

[DEFYANT]

Well "Chuck"?

What have you got to say? This thread has gone on for a long time now with out a follow up comment from you.

I guess you really are BS.

[BillyGman]

God, i know i'm probly going to wind up getting shot for this one but I feel I have to mention the Nissan Skyline GT-R. Yea I said it Nissan. Nissan you say? All I have to say is one thing..... :puke:

[Ezbok58a]

Nissan you say? All I have to say is one thing..... :puke:
I actually have to agree with DarkKnight, the GT-R Skylines can make 1000hp easily, The only foriegn car I would consider owning.

[Dark_Knight7096]

Wow that actually wasn't that bad, i was expecting worse. Yes Billy I know, I'm in a 12 step program right now but think about it, it coulda been worse, I coulda said EVO or STi. Brings me to a point WHAT IDIOT WOULD NAME A CAR STi? Hey what do you drive? A WRX Sexually Transmitted infection version. Bad marketing, sorry for going off topic but that's been bugging me and my friends for a while. Skylines are pretty sweet, it is the only japanese car I would consider owning besides the NSX ZERO, but that's something totally different, that's on par with porsches and the like.

[Tallboy]

After you get your excercise, will you actually fit in the Porche? :nono:

LOL! I have had much better success in TipTronic cars, as my long legs are a tight fit in the Carrera while working a clutch pedal. Strangely enough, I was quite comfy in the '05 Boxster S 6-Speed they gave me this year. Such fun!! :)

[RF Overlord]

The only foriegn car I would consider owning.I agree...and the older Skyline is one of the best looking Japanese cars I've ever seen...all the others look like they belong in a bad video game.

[Bradley G]

Actually, My next door neighbors' pal has a newer Carrera, he is 6'5 and I saw he was not all contorted sitting in the passenger seat.
I don't think they had us in mind, when they were engineering those cars!
Makes my list of fun to try, Don't really care to own one!:coolman: :coolman:



LOL! I have had much better success in TipTronic cars, as my long legs are a tight fit in the Carrera while working a clutch pedal. Strangely enough, I was quite comfy in the '05 Boxster S 6-Speed they gave me this year. Such fun!! :)

[Mike Poore]

Makes my list of fun to try, Don't really care to own one!:coolman: :coolman:
Well, you know what they say about those cars and Porcupines.;)

[Svashtar]

Funny, I remember reading way back when that "if consumer demand was there" FMC was going to make our cars in a convertible trimline, 350 HP engine and a 6 speed manual. That was at an estimated 18,000 MM's a year for 5 years.

If it didn't happen in '03 and '04, I don't know why it would happen in '08 even if the price of gas only adjusts a bit for inflation. I'll bet it will be quite a bit higher than $3.00 a gallon in 3 more years though!

I'm continuing to mod mine and take care of it and will keep it as long as I can...

[GreekGod]

Nissan! Skyline! That's what I'm talkin about! If Ford becomes the truck division of Honda by 2010 I will consider Nissan at that time. By then my MM will have 50,000 miles on it (and 500 hp?). Q's-does a Skyline have room for a wheelchair? Will the AWD handle this?.....

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif 675 hp/fuel injected




<HR style="COLOR: #dddddd" SIZE=1><!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->http://www.genesis427.com/images/barryfemed.jpg

[Dark_Knight7096]

Nissan! Skyline! That's what I'm talkin about! If Ford becomes the truck division of Honda by 2010 I will consider Nissan at that time. By then my MM will have 50,000 miles on it (and 500 hp?). Q's-does a Skyline have room for a wheelchair? Will the AWD handle this?.....


http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif 675 hp/fuel injected






<HR style="COLOR: #dddddd" SIZE=1><!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->http://www.genesis427.com/images/barryfemed.jpg




Considering as how the Skyline GT-R used in the movie 2Fast 2Furious (:puke: ) was Paul Walker's (:puke: ) personal Skyline and (just what i've heard from the DVD commentary and web sources) was producing around 900hp, i'd venture to guess, yes. If you are talking about the specific engine, no, but the RB26DETT motor has been tuned to provide much more power than that. Some of the so called "Jap-crap" will surprise you. I used to read Import Tuner every now and again as a way to spy on the the enemy, and there was one issue (figures i've misplaced it or else i'd give issue number page number, etc.) where they took a MK IV Supra Twin Turbo and totally redid it. It was given 2 HUGE turbos, a 75 shot of N2O to reduce the turbo lag, and a host of other stuff i can't remember off the top of my head. This car was an Auto transmission from the factory, they left the factory trans in along with most (if not all, sorry don't have the article so can't remember everything) of the drivetrain parts. The car was dynoed at 986 RWHP!! That's on the stock drivetrain. They could have gotten more power out of it too, they just left the tune conservative for now. The guy has been driving it around for over a year on the stock trans and he says he knows it's gonna go one day and he has the replacement for it but until then he's just gonna drive it around and brag that he's running over a 1000 HP Supra on the stock drivetrain. Some of the things they do are amazing, not saying I would own one, but kinda makes you notice that, I don't know too many people who could claim to have put down 986hp to the rear wheels of an American car on the stock trans for almost a year. Don't get me wrong, I love domestic and I don't ever seeing it be any different, just something I thought i would point out though.

[GreekGod]

Thanks, Martin/Dark Knight for the young person's perspective and commentary on the Japanese car subculture. Your viewpoint is very mature and observant. We ADG's need the balance of youth on these forums. My understanding is that Japan is far more car crazy than we myoptic Americans would ever know. Certainly their 4 cylinder motorcycle engines with American "tuning" are amazingly powerful and their auto engines could be sleeping giants and soon to wake-up.

[Dark_Knight7096]

I love being Idiot Savant, I'm a wealth of useless information and this is one of the few places I can actually put it to use LOL.

[stevengerard]

I love those twin turbo supra's - great cars - though I still wouldn't own one.

[Last Mrk]

Well "Chuck"?

What have you got to say? This thread has gone on for a long time now with out a follow up comment from you.

I guess you really are BS.OOPS (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showpost.php?p=294935&postcount=33)

[sfsv]

:rolleyes: It is sad that FMC keeps missing the boat when it comes to the automotive market. GM and DCX caught FMC flat footed with their powerful push rod V-8 engines(HEMI, LS6, and LS7). Ford of Australia appears to be the only division within FMC that they know what is going on. Ford of Australia (www.ford.com.au (http://www.ford.com.au/)) does not even waist their time with the 4.6 engine, they start directly with the 5.4 3-valve 230kw (300 hp) as their base engine and they have two 5.4 DOHC in the Ford Performance Vehicle line (FPV) (www.fpv.com.au (http://www.fpv.com.au/)) Boss 260kw (348hp) and Boss 290kw (388hp). The Boss 290 is very similar to the old 2000 Cobra R engine and I will post the spec's in the future. FMC should had put the Boss 290kw (388hp) engine in the MM and bet they would have sold much better.

The Panther chassis as we know it does have some short comings and advantages. The chassis does not have the interior volume as it should for a car of it's size. The Ford 500 has the panther chassis beat for interior volume and ergonomics hands down. What FMC keeps quiet is that the panther chassis is a very profitable chassis for them (approximately $7,000 per unit according to Blue Oval News). The technology and tooling expense has been paid off years ago and only thing that really cost them is when their aggressive cost cutting backfires and increases their warranty claims (rear axles, shocks and struts). The 03 and up panther chassis is the most cost efficient chassis to operate and maintain, which is a fact that many fleet managers will attest to. I personally do not feel that the Ford 500 has capability to replace the panther chassis in the commerical (police/taxi) applications because the previous attempts by FMC and other manufactuers to make a front wheel drive chassis durable enough to with stand the everyday abuse.

The Chrysler 300 proved that America wants a car that looks good and performs. May be the reasons why SUV's sell is because the way they look and feel, rather than how they perform?

MM did not cost that much for FMC to enginner or build and wouldn't cost them that much to do it again. The 2006 Explorer has the 300hp Mustang GT engine a close ratio 6-speed transmission. This combination would make a great combination, that would out perform the 03-04 MM and burn regular gas.

But Jerry Barnes is correct about the modified 500 chassis replacing the panther chassis. FMC is trying to revive it's car lines like DCX did with the 300, Magnum, and Charger. But I wonder if they are going about in the right way. I remember great flop of Cadillac back in 1984 when they went to fwd only Cadillacs.

Well folks that my .02

[BillyGman]

The Panther chassis as we know it does have some short comings and advantages. The chassis does not have the interior volume as it should for a car of it's size. The Ford 500 has the panther chassis beat for interior volume and ergonomics hands down. The panther cars have enough room for me. Anytime they try and increase the interior room of a car, they wind up with a car that looks like the Ford 500 (egg shaped!:puke: ). Not to mention that it cuts down on trunk space and engine compartment space.

[BillyGman]

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif 675 hp/fuel injected






<HR style="COLOR: #dddddd" SIZE=1><!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->http://www.genesis427.com/images/barryfemed.jpg



WOW!!! How many cubes of displacement does this^ engine have??? Looks very interesting.... I don't think those bag of snakes headers would fit in any street vehicle though.

[GreekGod]

[quote]"WOW!!! How many cubes of displacement does this^ engine have??? Looks very interesting.... I don't think those bag of snakes headers would fit in any street vehicle though. " I can't remember which magazine ran this photo and article. The FE engine is 100 lbs lighter than the 385 (429/460) series and is capable of well over 500c.i. with Genesis or Shelby aluminum or iron blocks and Scat cranks.<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

[Mike Poore]

Thing is, when guys like GreekGod and Jerry Barnes have things to say, we ought to listen. Much is said between the lines, and careful attention to what's not being said can be as important as the message itself.

I applaud Chrysler for giving us their huge inventory of hot street machines, but once again, just like the 70's, they got caught with their pants down, and are gonna take it in the shorts because of the oil issue.

Although we, as gearheads, are not happy with some of Ford's offerings, there's always the SVT program, and the Ford GT to keep us happy. Otherwise give them credit for the vision and good sense to design and build cars (read transportation appliances) that the other 95% of the public will buy.

As far as General Motors is concerned ...just send me one of them 'Vette Z-06 things.

Any bets on a new '07-08 SVT Fusion? :D

[Brother Mike]

OK...I ask you to **consider** the following (not saying I am correct or that anyone is wrong of what they have said):

I keep hearing about gas prices and how the Big 3 are losing SUV sales as people shift. What about the imports- esp. Nissan & Toyota?? The Armada, Toyota's full size pick up and the Nissan Titan? Nissan built a hige factory in Mississippi(?) to produce V8 vehicles and from what I have heard they are not even close to capacity. But I do not hear Toyota or Nissan discontinuing their big pickups or SUV's.

Hell I own 2 Marauders and have driven a Panther platform car all my life (25 years of driving). My first was a ''77 Merc with a 460. But I digress..

The Panther platform is a great platform but seriously needs to be updated... CAFE requirements are not helping either....Ford alraedy has the various drivetrain parts to make another Marauder type vehicle...but they are too dumb to see it....Visteon or one of the suppliers should keep keep producing the platform and update a few things....only way they might make enough $$ to survive

[StevenJ]

If you actually went back and read the whole post, you would of spotted the two articles I have posted. One from edmunds saying the panther will be around until atleast 2010 and another from the London Times in Canada mentioning the the St. Thomas plant will recieve $300 million for funding an extensive redesign. The Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis are already recieve extensive interior make overs for 06' and the Marquis is recieving an exterior styling update as well. This update includes, new instrument panel with a tach and a spedo, no more rear radio antenna, it's in the back window again, as well as fog lights, and a number of other smaller trim pieces. In 07, 08, it mentions even more serious updates but doesn't say what they are. I'm assuming it's referring to newer powertrain.

[jgc61sr2002]

If you actually went back and read the whole post, you would of spotted two two articles I have posted. One from edmunds saying the panther will be around until atleast 2010 and another from the London Times in Canada mentioning the the St. Thomas plant will recieve $300 million for funding an extensive redesign. The Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis are already recieve extensive interior make overs for 06' and the Marquis is recieving an exterior styling update as well. This update includes, new instrument panel with a tach and a spedo, no more rear radio antenna, it's in the back window again, as well as fog lights, and a number of other smaller trim pieces. In 07, 08, it mentions even more serious updates but doesn't say what they are. I'm assuming it's referring to newer powertrain.


Sounds good. :D Can't wait to see the 2006 GM.

[StevenJ]

Sounds good. :D Can't wait to see the 2006 GM. http://us.tnpv.net/2005/WKA200509/WKA2005091552062_pv.jpg
http://us.tnpv.net/2005/WKA200509/WKA2005091552183_pv.jpg
http://us.tnpv.net/2005/WKA200509/WKA2005091552194_pv.jpg
http://us.tnpv.net/2005/WKA200509/WKA2005091552987_pv.jpg

[DEFYANT]

http://us.tnpv.net/2005/WKA200509/WKA2005091552062_pv.jpg
http://us.tnpv.net/2005/WKA200509/WKA2005091552183_pv.jpg
http://us.tnpv.net/2005/WKA200509/WKA2005091552194_pv.jpg
http://us.tnpv.net/2005/WKA200509/WKA2005091552987_pv.jpg
I can see the Marauder in these pics!

[STLR FN]

The steering wheel has to go. If you cut the top third off, it looks like an airplane "steering wheel"


http://us.tnpv.net/2005/WKA200509/WKA2005091552194_pv.jpg

[Mike Poore]

The steering wheel has to go. If you cut the top third off, it looks like an airplane "steering wheel"
That sucker's got an airbag in it big enough to blow you clean through the rear window. :eek:

[RCSignals]

That's the new for '05 Ford 'corporate' design type steering wheel. I agree it could be better looking.

[RCSignals]

I can see the Marauder in these pics!

You can see better than I then :lol:

[STLR FN]

So much for Ford's reputation in having tastefull and well executed interiors.
That's the new for '05 Ford 'corporate' design type steering wheel. I agree it could be better looking.

[GreekGod]

WOW!!! How many cubes of displacement does this^ engine have??? Looks very interesting.... I don't think those bag of snakes headers would fit in any street vehicle though. <TABLE style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" height=46 borderColorDark=#666666 width=602 align=left bgColor=#ffffff borderColorLight=#cccccc border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width=91 height=65>
http://genesis427.com/images/BarryFETN.jpg (http://genesis427.com/images/barryfemed.jpg)<!--mstheme-->
















</TD><TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" width=495 height=65><!--mstheme-->Barry Rabotnick's "675 HP Dinosaur" based on the Genesis 427 FE Side Oiler Iron Block, as seen in the July 2004 issue of Hot Rod Magazine.<!--mstheme-->







</TD></TR><TR><TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: right" width=91 height=70><!--mstheme-->
http://genesis427.com/images/HotRodCoverTN.jpg (http://genesis427.com/images/Hotrodcovermed.jpg)<!--mstheme-->










</TD><TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" width=495 height=70><!--mstheme-->July 2004 Hot Rod Magazine featuring the Genesis 427 FE Side Oiler Iron Block.<!--mstheme-->







</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!--mstheme-->












http://genesis427.com/images/FRPPLogo1sm.jpghttp://genesis427.com/images/NHRA3.GIFhttp://genesis427.com/images/HotRod.jpghttp://genesis427.com/images/MusclecarEnth.GIF




























As Seen In

[BillyGman]

<TABLE style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" height=46 borderColorDark=#666666 width=602 align=left bgColor=#ffffff borderColorLight=#cccccc border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width=91 height=65>
http://genesis427.com/images/BarryFETN.jpg (http://genesis427.com/images/barryfemed.jpg)<!--mstheme-->





















</TD><TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" width=495 height=65><!--mstheme-->Barry Rabotnick's "675 HP Dinosaur" based on the Genesis 427 FE Side Oiler Iron Block, as seen in the July 2004 issue of Hot Rod Magazine.<!--mstheme-->









</TD></TR><TR><TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: right" width=91 height=70><!--mstheme-->
http://genesis427.com/images/HotRodCoverTN.jpg (http://genesis427.com/images/Hotrodcovermed.jpg)<!--mstheme-->













</TD><TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: left" width=495 height=70><!--mstheme-->July 2004 Hot Rod Magazine featuring the Genesis 427 FE Side Oiler Iron Block.<!--mstheme-->









</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!--mstheme-->












http://genesis427.com/images/FRPPLogo1sm.jpghttp://genesis427.com/images/NHRA3.GIFhttp://genesis427.com/images/HotRod.jpghttp://genesis427.com/images/MusclecarEnth.GIF




























As Seen In




Okay...thanks for the info....cool!!!