By now, it is common knowledge that Ford's performance vehicle lineup is waning. The real question of its survival has been calmed ... for now. After the initial announcement of the "Way Forward" plan and the prior disbanding of the original Special Vehicle Team (SVT), Ford now has plans to continue the SVT line. Don't expect huge results or major surprises, however; announced plans are to have production scaled back with just two vehicles: a high performance Mustang and a high performance truck.

Ford expects each vehicle will sell anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 units, annually. Mark Fields, Ford's President of the Americas, declined to mention the specifics of what kind of truck SVT would release (rumors hint at an FX2 Sport), but he at least confirmed the overall direction of the performance division. "SVT isn't dying," he said. "Would I like to do more? Sure. But at the same time, we've got to balance our resources."

While only have two vehicles in the Ford Racing performance garage is meager in comparison to the projected five, it's still better than zero. With SVT's loss of substantial project and capital funding, it has been combined with Ford Racing's marketing group. The three-pronged strategy, which Fields outlined at the New York Auto Show, is to encompass SVT, Ford Racing, and special "personalized performance", in hopes of stirring interesting with the aftermarket and tuning clique.

Not Dead, but will SVT be "Alive"?

The fact is settled then; SVT is not a goner. The question of how well it will do looms in Ford fans' minds. If SVT is scaled back and absorbed, will they release the hits they once achieved? Fields believes so. He claims the direction of his strategy is airtight and states he is "from the school that says performance vehicles make brands stronger. I believe they (SVT & Ford Racing) have a critical role in our Way Forward because they challenge our designers and engineers to excel, they excite our marketers, and they make a strong emotional connection to customers."

Let's hope so, Mark. Ford fans are counting on you.