Chrysler to Release a Cheaper SRT8...

[Bossxr8]

Where's the option to make it less ugly?

[Yellow_Festiva]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Where's the option to make it less ugly?

There is an aftermarket solution it seems:

[Wretched]

Looks of a car are subjective.
IMO the FPV range is tacky and dog ugly, further highlighted by the ghastly color combinations and $2 shop sticker pack.

However that doesn't mean that it is a bad car. Looks having nothing to do with how good the car is.

I like the look of the 300 but that wouldn't sell me on the car alone.
For me it is all about the drive, whether I could live with a car like that each day and what am I getting for the $$.
There are many points I don't like about the 300, while it handles well, still it floats about a bit though not a deal breaker for me as I am not inclined to be pushing my car to the limit each day. The only other thing I don't like is the steering wheel and stupid foot operated handbrake.

Value for money, the SRT has it in spades, good performance and the technology to back it up. Some here may consider it "gimmicky" but are those people still listening to cassettes and AM radio? How's that A/C going?
Once you have the performance down pat (or at a reasonable pace) what else do you offer the customer for the premium you are charging them? this is where IMO the locals suffer, with the SRT offering so much more kit I wonder how much longer before HSV/Ford do the same.

BTW neither the Falcon/HSV or SRT are in the scope for my next purchase. Long gone are the days of a large sedan for me.

[csv8]

Even the 300C has more Kit than a Calais or G6E for less $$$$$!!!!

A special edition 300C. http://www.chrysler.com/en/2013/300c...mited-edition/

[Bossxr8]

The last version handled pretty poorly and ride was harsh, fitting the switchable dampers seemed to help fix this, but now they want to drop them and fit non adjustable shocks. Interesting to see how this will affect it, wether it will go backwards.

[Au_Wagz3]

That's a lot of car for comparatively very little money.

Why buy an SS Commodore when for an extra few grand you can get one of these? Hell why by an XR6 Turbo or a GS if this things under 60 grand.

Shame it doesn't look as good as the old one

[fordlova8]

Originally Posted by Au_Wagz3

That's a lot of car for comparatively very little money.

Why buy an SS Commodore when for an extra few grand you can get one of these? Hell why by an XR6 Turbo or a GS if this things under 60 grand.

Shame it doesn't look as good as the old one

No offence but that comment right there is the reason why our beloved Falcon is going down the gurgler.

[steve.zissou]

Originally Posted by fordlova8

No offence but that comment right there is the reason why our beloved Falcon is going down the gurgler.

exactly - maybe , just maybe ford aus should listen.

I love my fg xr6 turbo ute - because i have a 700 hp manual ute (i have it tweaked, didnt cost that much to do either). its cheap to fix and reliable (200,000kms)

but we are behind. have you been to the US recently.

Why havnt we got ford sync
why dont i have auto down windows (or auto up?) basic stuff
do fords have usb plugs on the stereo yet
why do our sound systems suck dog balls
why do the US get things like the mustang 500gt and the CTSV Challenger STR8 camaro ZL1 which is real power in a factory car with bells and whistles . (sure you can tune a GT falcon - but then its not stock is it)

Their performance versions actually have more than just sticker packs.


ford need to get their hands on some of the US tech goodies for our cars.

plus a bit of passion -

how about some of these:
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIBoG5cBPa0[/media]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIBoG5cBPa0

[Wretched]

Originally Posted by fordlova8

No offence but that comment right there is the reason why our beloved Falcon is going down the gurgler.

Is it?
Besides a bias towards a make, why should an average buyer automatically purchase a Falcon/Commodore over the 300? Or in this instance why a Ford/HSV over the SRT?
yes they may like the drive of the Ford/HSV or they may not.

[Rodge]

Originally Posted by mcnews

What do you most want?I like the not having to put a key in the ignition bit the best. The nicer stereo would be nice all the time though I have no doubt. Pretty much all the other useful stuff I want I already have in current ride.

Its no Jaguar XFR to look at, that's more sure Trev BUT for $9,000 Kiwi less than a SC GT-P a fully loaded 2014 model SRT8 will probably get the new ZF8 speed as well which is Chrysler's experience shows a 16% fuel economy gain over the anchient but still, effective Mercedes-Benz 5G tronic that's presently in there, so that should reduce fuel consumption to around 10-9-11.0 L/100 km's, that's attractive to me. The SC 335's use too much fuel IMO.

Other key technologies that I like compared to my MK1 GT-P are:-
19 Speaker Harmon Kardon sound
Adaptive cruise control
Directional Bi xenon lights, (try some of these on a lonely back country winding lane at night and you'll be sold),
Paddle shifters on the steering wheel,
Adjustable suspension, superb ride when on the standard suspension setting, almost limo quality which I'd use most of the time
Heated and cooled / ventilated seats
Heated steering wheel, (gets bloody cold in winter here),
Key less start,
Blid spot assist
Reverse Camera
GPS system
8.4 inch touchscreen with playstation grapics and stuff, yes i know tacky but a bit of fun

That's about it for the key stuff, acknowledge your MK2 has the reverse camera and GPS and smarter DSC which this SRT8 probably has too, in fact i think it has 3 way switchable DSC, probably something else to add to the key technologies that I'd like....ohhh did I mention all this is $9,000 less than a stock GT-P

TBH there's lots of other nice little touches that go together to making the car a level clearly above where the Australian manufacturers are at, at present, e.g. real carbon fibre trim, nice meaty sports steering wheel. heated and cooled cup holders, one touch up and down windows and all that sort of general stuff that whilst few would list them as speratly desireably key features its the way all that gear comes together with the key technologies above and probably considerably better fuel economy advantage with the 2014 model which together with the bigger fuel tank and vastly more comfortable ride all combine to make this a highly desireable car and really great value for money to boot.

I'm really looking forward to reviewing the fully loaded 2014 model which I expect to be released here in Winter 2013.

[pottery beige]

please go buy one.. it would make us all very happy..

[nstg8a]

So one of the reasons it's better than a gtp is the 8 speed auto? Which it doesn't have?

Odd logic that.

I'm picking the 2014 falcon will look a squillion times better than the 300 (and I am actually a 300 fan) and with the rumoured tech updates then it could well narrow the gap.

The 300 may have got the jump on the locals for now, but the Vf and fu updates should significantly narrow any perceived short comings.

[fordlova8]

Originally Posted by Wretched

Is it?
Besides a bias towards a make, why should an average buyer automatically purchase a Falcon/Commodore over the 300? Or in this instance why a Ford/HSV over the SRT?
yes they may like the drive of the Ford/HSV or they may not.

Its about supporting your local industry.

[galaxy xr8]

Originally Posted by mcnews

Here they are then. I like the bigger fuel tank, that would be useful.
image
image
image
image
image

Bigger by 4 Litres, you call that usefull ?.

[Wretched]

Originally Posted by fordlova8

Its about supporting your local industry.

So how is your new FG2 GT going? Supporting the local industry?

The SRT is probably the best thing that has happened to the local V8 sedans. It will steal sales from them and it deserves.
Hopefully it will force the locals to up their ante, bring out something that people will see as value for money, a quality product.

The public don't expect an Audi interior or the technology of a BMW 5 series in the local cars for the price they pay, but when you're paying above 65k for a car that on paper (and on track) gives a better value for money you'd be a fool to not look at it.
Personally I go for value for money, quality, how the car makes me feel when driving and whether I can live with it each day. Brand and location of assembly doesn't bother me.

I hope the local car makers pull their thumb out with the next generation of each car, if they don't they'll only have themselves to blame. The ball is in their court.

[pottery beige]

Originally Posted by fordlova8

Its about supporting your local industry.

but lets beat the crap out of our unique locally made products..

constantly beating them down in comparison with cars on the big wide world market..

we are in rocking good times right now FPV or HSV....

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Where's the option to make it less ugly?

I'll go against the grain. I like it, but I've always liked the 300C and loved the SRT8, I'm a ford fan at heart but if I were in the market I reckon I'd be swayed towards the 300C it has some awesome technology and is quick aswell, ill have one in white thanks.

[Ben73]

I also think the new 300c looks good. But that is just my opinion.

Notice that there are currently 2 threads about the 300c on page 1 of The Pub forum and both of then have a common word in the title.... "Cheaper"

The average income is called average for a reason, Most people don't have loads of money to blow, so when they want something, they look at what they can get for a cheaper price. Especially these days with everything else seaming to cost more and more each month.

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by Wretched

So how is your new FG2 GT going? Supporting the local industry?

The SRT is probably the best thing that has happened to the local V8 sedans. It will steal sales from them and it deserves.
Hopefully it will force the locals to up their ante, bring out something that people will see as value for money, a quality product.

The public don't expect an Audi interior or the technology of a BMW 5 series in the local cars for the price they pay, but when you're paying above 65k for a car that on paper (and on track) gives a better value for money you'd be a fool to not look at it.
Personally I go for value for money, quality, how the car makes me feel when driving and whether I can live with it each day. Brand and location of assembly doesn't bother me.

I hope the local car makers pull their thumb out with the next generation of each car, if they don't they'll only have themselves to blame. The ball is in their court.

Maybe .... just maybe some people do actually prefer the GT335 over other cars including the 300C (as totally mad as that sounds) and actually put their hands in their pockets, buy one and thoroughly enjoy them? Shocking truth!

Many here are pushing their tastes on other people and in turn are ridiculing those on AFF for actually buying an FPV. It is a Ford site (I will check) and some here are actually FORD enthusiasts (nothing wrong with that?) hence why many are here.

Fine to love other brands as much as its fine for some to have a passion for a brand ...... but the FPV is THE car for many here. Pretty buttons and dials are not for everyone or a priority for some. Many go for looks, performance, quality ... then worry about the other things towards the bottom of the list. FPV's are still very good value for money for what you get for many.

Yes they could have keyless entry, would love that .... but not a deal breaker. The way it looks, drives, performs ..... and its TECHNOLOGY .... and for many, its badge is the reason why so many have been bought by people here. The way some prattle on its like the FPV has vinyl floors, 3 speed column and AC as an option!

After near on 18 months, it is the only car that I have owned that I can say I absolutely love to get into everyday and drive. Get bored quickly with cars .... but not this one.

Don't like the FPV? Fine ...... but just remember that this is a Forum dedicated to those who do buy, drive and have a passion for them.

[big_landau]

i just done the v8 supercar experiance at qld raceway on the weekend,went in the falcon and they seem to go and handle well

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by big_landau

i just done the v8 supercar experiance at qld raceway on the weekend,went in the falcon and they seem to go and handle well

Bet you wish it had heated cup holders though!

[Wretched]

Originally Posted by Auslandau

Maybe .... just maybe some people do actually prefer the GT335 over other cars including the 300C (as totally mad as that sounds) and actually put their hands in their pockets, buy one and thoroughly enjoy them? Shocking truth!

Many here are pushing their tastes on other people and in turn are ridiculing those on AFF for actually buying an FPV. It is a Ford site (I will check) and some here are actually FORD enthusiasts (nothing wrong with that?) hence why many are here.

Fine to love other brands as much as its fine for some to have a passion for a brand ...... but the FPV is THE car for many here. Pretty buttons and dials are not for everyone or a priority for some. Many go for looks, performance, quality ... then worry about the other things towards the bottom of the list. FPV's are still very good value for money for what you get for many.

Yes they could have keyless entry, would love that .... but not a deal breaker. The way it looks, drives, performs ..... and its TECHNOLOGY .... and for many, its badge is the reason why so many have been bought by people here. The way some prattle on its like the FPV has vinyl floors, 3 speed column and AC as an option!

After near on 18 months, it is the only car that I have owned that I can say I absolutely love to get into everyday and drive. Get bored quickly with cars .... but not this one.

Don't like the FPV? Fine ...... but just remember that this is a Forum dedicated to those who do buy, drive and have a passion for them.

never said I didn't like FPV.
Also I did say you'd be a fool not to LOOK at it; didn't say you'd be a fool not to buy it.

You're right everyone does have different preferences for purchasing a car (thank god for that). We have a great market of good cars out there from the 65k+ bracket to suit most buyers.
It is now up to the locals to convince buyers why they should be looking at their product. Let the battle begin.

I am a fan of the Ford brand, I come from a family that has owned many of them, actually going on the weekend to trade the father's XR8 in for a new Focus ST after he he'd driven my XR5/ST.

Glad you still like your car and I hope that continues well into the future.

[flappist]

I drive an FG2.

It has a touch screen that I use to change the radio station.
It has a climate control that I set back in April.
It has a nifty digital speedo that is quite accurate and it complains when I am running short of petrol.
It has a very powerful engine with a smooth manual gear box, is comfortable and fast and I enjoy operating it.

I went past a gamer store recently. They sold playstations with games where one can pretend to drive while operating thousands of gizmos, widgets, throbotrons, HUDs, automatic everything and other aids and compensatory systems.
There were kids in there who, I suspect, thought they were driving.

I really don't want to drive a playstation.

I drive an FG2.

[69Mach1]

Hadn't heard about this potentially cheaper SRT8. This will certainly be on my list for next daily driver. I hope to compare against VF SS and probably GS around mid next year. Frankly I love the way the 300 looks, its different, stands out amongst the other "white goods" on the road. Saw a black SRT8 with black chrome wheels the other day....one tough looking machine!

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by Rodge

Other key technologies that I like compared to my MK1 GT-P are:-
19 Speaker Harmon Kardon sound
Adaptive cruise control
Directional Bi xenon lights, (try some of these on a lonely back country winding lane at night and you'll be sold),
Paddle shifters on the steering wheel,
Adjustable suspension, superb ride when on the standard suspension setting, almost limo quality which I'd use most of the time
Heated and cooled / ventilated seats
Heated steering wheel, (gets bloody cold in winter here),
Key less start,
Blid spot assist
Reverse Camera
GPS system
8.4 inch touchscreen with playstation grapics and stuff, yes i know tacky but a bit of fun

How do you like it now?

__________________________________________________

What I don't want to hear is another Ford exec say that no one wants a RWD anything anymore, even performance. RWD is making a comeback, and Ford would be fools to throw Falcon away (even though it's starting to look like they won't necessarily.)

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by Buntz

How do you like it now?

Still like it, what you removed really doesn't change anything in my eyes.

[XWGT]

I think this whole discussion is a distillation of the entire Falcon issue at the moment.

Quite bluntly, if the 2014 Falcon does not come with a seriously good audio system, adaptive cruise control and improved interior materials, its all over.

The 300 is serving two purposes.

1) Its highlighting the equipment FG should have had from the start. Falcon suffers because of it across the range.
2) Its highlighting the fact that if you want horespower, you can get it cheaply from a number of sources, including Holden, Ford and Chrysler. What once was the domain of specialty manufacturers and tuning shops can now be had for relatively cheap money in many forms. That means that one of Falcons long held aces is now gone. Dosnt leave much to fight with.

And dont forget the less versions of the 300 are fighting with the G6 etc. Its an competitor that has to be dealt with now by Ford across the Falcon range.

Just as I think the FT86 is great for the sports car segment I think the 300 is great for the sedan segment. In a nutshll the locals have to LIFT or get out or get left behind.

[Rodge]

Originally Posted by Buntz

How do you like it now?

Lack of adjustable suspension wouldn't worry me really, they'll probably spec it with the stock comfort setting and still be using the Bilstein shocks so it'll have a good ride handling compromise and i'd imagine if I had the full spec one with adjustable susepnsion it would spend 95% of its time of the softer setting.

Dropping the forged 20 alloys would actually be a plus for me as I like the standard 20 inch alloys on regular 300C product a lot more.

Losing adaptive cruise control presents more of a conumdrum, this is something I want on my next car.

[2011G6E]

I think they're clever doing this...think of it this way: A Ford person or a Holden person, if they can't find what they ae looking for in their preferred badge, most likely isn't going to go to "the opposition" for a V8 sedan. Well, I would, but I'm not badge-blind and like everything...but there are plenty of people who wouldn't even consider anything from "the other guy" if their make didn't produce what they were after. A Ford fan annoyed at the lack of an XR8 is hardly going to go to Holden for an SS, in other words, and vice-versa.

However, throw in an "impartial" third party, to whit, Chrysler, who offers a cheaper V8 sedan. They can sit back and reap the benefits.

[GQ_Smooth]

I for one would chose a GT-P335 over a SRT8, or a G6E turbo over a 300C. I still beleive they are better value over the whole ownership of the car.