2018 + rumor mill... let's hear it!

So I'm very curious to find out about what everyone has heard for GT350/R production for 2018 and beyond; several conflicting reports, but would be interesting to compile what people are hearing and from where/whom.

So far I have heard that the GT350/R will continue into the future, interpreting a section of the UAW contract regarding vodoo engine production. Then, others have commented that they have been told by Ford execs that GT350 production will end after 2017 when the GT500 steps in at 2018. However, at the GT350 Track Tour event, Jim Owens mentioned 20 or 21 (can't remember the exact figure) different "Ford Performance" vehicles will be produced by 2020, so that tells me the GT350 is a long term product.

What say you?

Doesn't appear to be much by way of a rumor mill. 2 year run and the 500 and Mach 1 will be coming back in 18+

No dice on a 2018. Rumor is that "only a handful of 2017 gt350R's will be made" and the 5.2L block was commissioned with the UAW, which could be FPC or CPC variations. If the Voodoo is continued in production it will be for possible replacement of the existing 350's and the specialty market.

50 Deep said:

Doesn't appear to be much by way of a rumor mill. 2 year run and the 500 and Mach 1 will be coming back in 18+

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I'm not sure if it's certain either way; haven't seen anything confirming production will continue or end beyond 2017? :shrug:

smbstyle said:

I'm not sure if it's certain either way; haven't seen anything confirming production will continue or end beyond 2017? :shrug:

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Yes we have, actually... About 5 months ago two members confirmed a dealer document stating 2016/2017 MY production limited to 3600/360 for nonR/R. That's pretty darn good evidence that it's a 2-year limited run.

DrumReaper said:

Yes we have, actually... About 5 months ago two members confirmed a dealer document stating 2016/2017 MY production limited to 3600/360 for nonR/R. That's pretty darn good evidence that it's a 2-year limited run.

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Well I stand corrected then, thanks. I did not see that.

DrumReaper said:

No dice on a 2018. Rumor is that "only a handful of 2017 gt350R's will be made" and the 5.2L block was commissioned with the UAW, which could be FPC or CPC variations. If the Voodoo is continued in production it will be for possible replacement of the existing 350's and the specialty market.

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This. I believe the next GT500 will be a forced induction version of a non-FPC 5.2L.

garagelogic said:

This. I believe the next GT500 will be a forced induction version of a non-FPC 5.2L.

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Agreed. This is the only shred of hope I'm holding onto as well that the GT500 will be a V8.

DrumReaper said:

Yes we have, actually... About 5 months ago two members confirmed a dealer document stating 2016/2017 MY production limited to 3600/360 for nonR/R. That's pretty darn good evidence that it's a 2-year limited run.

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but we have already exceeded those numbers, so not sure how much weight that rumor has. i never saw the document either, just sayin

krt22 said:

but we have already exceeded those numbers, so not sure how much weight that rumor has. i never saw the document either, just sayin

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I think those were baseline numbers... If there are truly only a handful of R's being made for 2017, 360 is a handful, and who knows, they could average the years together.

The GT350/R will not be a competitive choice in 2018 compared to their crosstown rivals. Sure it has the flatplane, it's more special etc. However, these cars are sold on the specs and track times, special only goes so far. Ford knows this which has something to do with a two year run.

The GT500 will have everything that the GT350 has but it will be faster and have even more power. The Mach 1 may be targeted to compete with the ZL1, whereas the GT500 will take on the Z/28. And who knows if Mopar will ever release a truly competitive 'Cuda. I'd really like to see that.

I thought that there was a very reputable dealer that confirmed a 5 year run for the GT350/R. I am betting there are going to be 2018's.

DrumReaper said:

Agreed. This is the only shred of hope I'm holding onto as well that the GT500 will be a V8.

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A GT500 without a V8 wouldn't be a GT500 imho...

DrumReaper said:

Yes we have, actually... About 5 months ago two members confirmed a dealer document stating 2016/2017 MY production limited to 3600/360 for nonR/R. That's pretty darn good evidence that it's a 2-year limited run.

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Maybe it depends how you read that. I think it could be read to mean that those are the production numbers for those two years - not necessarily that they will not continue into 2018+.

Just have to say - as a previous Mach 1 owner.... The 350 is so much car - so much more than the Mach was to the Terminator. It's going to hold it's own as a very desirable car, IMO.