Didn't Ford just announce the replacement for the Taurus at one of the auto shows? I can't remember the name of the car, *someone help here*, but all they provided was a picture of the car. It looked pretty hot to me, nice smooth lines. Now if we good get an SVT version of that, 4 doors, phat V8 or HO-V6, maybe that Marauder engine, or maybe a Turbo-6. When is SVE going to start getting into turbos? I understand they would prefer to crank as much power possible NA, but they decided to slap that Eaton on the Cobra to sway their power woes! And they obviously had that option for the Foci, I know 0-60 v.s. handling, but seriously, we do want power.
Look at the current market: Audi S4, VW Passat W8, 4 door speaders coming like EVOVII, WRX STI. The market exists for a 4-door fast sedans. I think the Contour came out before its time.
I'm sorry, but the Focus is a horribly unpleasant styled car. Its hurts the eyes to look at it. But Ford hit a homerun, why? Because it appeals to the general public. We, I'm afraid, are not the general public. And for people looking to by compacts, the Focus is a good alternative to the thousands of damn Civic SIs out there.
BUT, what about us 4-door power hungry MOFOs. I don't like people badmouthing the CSVT because they didn't sell well back in the day, because it simply was not the cars fault. We can argue about it all we want, but everyone I know who owns a CSVT, gets good comments about it all the time. As far as 4-doors is concerned, if Ford thinks that the 4-door Focus SE is an good alternative to the Tour, someone remind me to kill myself. Its a box-on-wheels, no smooth lines like the Tour, stupid 130Hp Zetec, and even if they put that SVT engine, which they obviosuly wont, in that box, I still wouldn't want it.
As far as the future is concerned, we'll have to wait and see if they do anything with that Taurus replacement, 'cause if not, I can't see myself buying a Ford in the later future.
Did anyone else see the CarandDriver TV review of the FSVT? I thought they presented it well, and I think the car has a good place in the 2-door hatch performance niche.
Feel free to disagree in the thread, but keep flames to a PM.