I spotted at new 2009 GT/CS on the lot of Worthington ford. So I pulled in to get a better look. I was very disappointed after looking it over. Here is a summery of why.
1) no GT/CS marking on side scoops
2) no rear fender logos anywere to be found even on trunk.
3) same V8 as GT package just $1000 more. it did have the GT fog lights
4 no hood locks like orginal
5 not even some carbon fiber for the hood and trunk like the KR-500.
6 GT looking wheels.
7 Two tone interior OK may be ?
8 no special tailights
Has anyone also got some feed back. I think Ford is streaching its mustang line a tad to much. Like a rubber band it bound to snap.
Bob Geco
I'm not sure I understand your disappointment with the late model GT/CS. Are you saying that you are disappointed that it does not have more of the attributes of the original (1968) GT/CS? Or, are you saying that the late model GT/CS package doesn't offer anything special over the standard Mustang GT package?
If the latter is the case, I could not disagree with you more. Let me assist you with taking a closer look at the current GT/CS and help you understand why this appearance package is a screaming bargain.
1. You get the same body kit and wheels as a Shelby GT. Take a good look at the front bumper, rear bumper, and side scoops. They are all exactly what is used on the Shelby GT. The bumpers are more aggressive and completely different from a standard GT. Yes, you can get the same wheels on a Mustang GT, but I believe they are a $900 option the last time I looked.
2. The two-toned interior. The GT/CS is the only Mustang model in which you get this interior. The only exception would be the red seat inserts that can be ordered with the Shelby GT500. Personally, this was one of the biggest draws to the GT/CS for me. It makes the standard interior look bland.
3. All of the other little GT/CS touches such as special floormats, the GT/CS stripe, rolled exhaust tips, and the "California Special" faux gas cap on the trunk.
4. It is much more limited than a Mustang GT. As Paul has shown us, there were 7,653 produced in 2007. Heck, that is much less than even the Shelby GT500 which was a little over 12,000 units if I remember correctly.
Add it all up and I'm sure you will understand why the GT/CS package is well worth the $1800 or $1900 that it costs.
Now, you may have a bit of an argument if you are saying that Ford should have applied more of the 1968 attributes to the current GT/CS, but, let's revisit your summary:
1) no GT/CS marking on side scoops
No markings on the sides scoops, but they are on the fenders. I think Ford would have had a hard time making the GT/CS marking fit well on the current side scoops.
2) no rear fender logos anywere to be found even on trunk.
As mentioned earlier, the faux gas cap on the trunk reads "California Special"
3) same V8 as GT package just $1000 more. it did have the GT fog lights
Yes, it is the same V8, but remeber, the GT/CS package is an appearance package, just as it was in 1968.
4 no hood locks like orginal
I don't know of many modern production cars with hood locks, but not a bad idea.
5 not even some carbon fiber for the hood and trunk like the KR-500.
This would be cool, but I think that would have raised the price quite a bit. I do wish they would have done something different with the hood. A hood with dual air extractor scoops similar the '68 cars would have been great.
6 GT looking wheels.
As mentioned previously, this is an expensive option that comes standard on the GT/CS.
7 Two tone interior OK may be ?
Maybe? I have gotten tons of compliments on my two-toned seats, including standard Mustang GT owners who wished it was an option for their car.
8 no special tailights
No production Mustangs have "special" taillights, not even the Shelby cars from which the GT/CS shares its parts.
One more thought. Although I can understand your disappointment over the current GT/CS not having more attributes of the 1968 version, I'd like to point out that it does embody the same principles of the original. Like the original car, the current California Special is an appearance package that shares many of the physical characteristics of the Shelby Mustangs of its day.
Regards,
Skip