I don't think they programming for a unique set of gauges would be all THAT difficult. Would be cool if they did. The GT font is very attractive. The steering wheel I'd like to have too ;)
Or they could make it really special and use this cluster!!!!!
While I agree that you are most likely correct that Ford has everything set in place for the new GT500, it wouldn't be beyond them to make last minute changes.Yeah, that's not how OEMs do product development, though. Powertrain specs are frozen >2 years from J1, even for specialty/performance products like this.
Nearly 50 year old anecdote doesn't represent how modern cars are designed, tested and produced. Yes, things like that happened in that era, but I can assure you that they don't anymore.New guy here, I've been lurking for about the last year looking to pick up a gt350 or premium GT around February of March.
While I agree that you are most likely correct that Ford has everything set in place for the new GT500, it wouldn't be beyond them to make last minute changes.
Cases in point.
In 1968 Ford had every intention of putting a de-tuned 427 into their line up, built prototypes, cast all the unique parts, put out literature and even printed shop manuals showing a W code 427 in the Mustangs and Torino/Fairlanes. In the end only about 300 Mercury Cougar received the 427's.
Later in 1968 Fords engine choice for the Mustang in the Tran-Am series was a tunnel port 302. Two versions were designed, an all out race version and a street version. Ford built test cars and even had a head to head in magazines with the Z-28 Camaro. In the end Ford decided not to produce a tunnel port 302 Mustang as the development of the Boss 302 had begun. All of the street version motors that had been produced - quite a few of them - were sold off as crate motors.
1971. After two successful year of Boss 302 production Ford began development of a 1971 Boss 302. Again a test car was built and all of the unique parts were designed and made for production. At the last minute it was decided to build a Boss 351 instead.
I know it is easier for a manufacture to not make an engine/car at the last minute then it is for them to add something but think of the millions of dollars that went into these projects that got scrapped at the last minute.
This.Nearly 50 year old anecdote doesn't represent how modern cars are designed, tested and produced. Yes, things like that happened in that era, but I can assure you that they don't anymore.
That's the biggest reason, as well as APQP. You have to have finished your calibration and run the emissions cycles with aged catalysts before you submit to the EPA. And then not long after that, the CAFE testing. You have to submit to the EPA anywhere from 6 mo. to 1 year before J1.This.
Just the boondoggle of emissions certification for one thing these days, which wasn't on the map back then....