Harley Lover

I call BS. The Camry will NOT have a diesel. PERIOD. Toyota is contracting to buy diesels for their trucks from Isuzu. Please get your facts straight.

What about the huge "V" shaped deformation between the A pillars, above the windshield?

I agree, this car most likely has similar styling to the Verve/Fiesta. I noticed the beltline on the camoed car, which the camo doesn't hide. It has a very pronounced wedge shape, just like the Verve. I'll agree with Watchdevil's assessment of the other areas. There's certainly no debate about the beltline and greenhouse styling being consistent with the Verve.

Owned.

I don't see why there is criticism of the interior. This is pretty impressive for a c car:

I would challenge his assertion that Mullaly hasn't run off some prima donnas - Phil Martens for one, and I think Nick Scheele also. And Alan Thursfield, as well. I can't remember the timing of their departures, but most were after Mullaly arrived, IIRC.

Agreed!

The grill is not a hardpoint, and the spyphotos show a smaller opening.

I hope you guys realize that this is a concept with exaggerated features, i.e. the grill. The spyshots seem to indicate a more subdued grill opening. OTOH, the spyshots also seem to indicate that the sheetmetal is just about identical to the production car. Chrysler couldn't come up with a car this attractive with their current "talent". See the Hornet concept for proof.

From the B pillar back, the resemblence stops.

I agree with you about the gaping mouth, but other photo angles mitigate its appearance: I don't see how the tribar grill can be integrated into this design. Frankly, I think it puts the Nissan Versa and Honda Fit on the trailer in terms of looks. A 5 door would kill them. Please don't screw this up, Ford NA.

Yeah, this really looks like a minivan:

Amen, brother. Best idea in this thread.

I still love this every time I read it. If the so-called analysts can miss so badly, what else are they completely wrong about? :shades:

I love it. I had been reading opinions from "experts" that Ford would lose $1.8 billion for the quarter. I don't think anyone expected results this favorable this soon. It's only one quarter, but still...I love it!

My understanding is that, according to Japanese law, owning 33% or more of a company is regarded as a controlling interest (as someone mentioned above). With a controlling interest, Ford calls the shots and doesn't have to invest the additonal $$ to buy 100% interest. So, AFAIK, there's no real need for Ford to own a higher percentage. If anyone doubts who is in control, look back at how many American executives Ford has placed in charge of Mazda (Mark Fields and Lewis Booth come to mind). Ford definitely pulls the strings at Mazda.

I can't provide a link because it's a subscription article, but AN quotes Derrick Kuzak as saying there will be two turbochargers on four-cylinder, V-6 and V-8 gasoline engines. I didn't recall reading about such a broad application of the "Twinforce" approach, so thought it might prove newsworthy. He also confirmed that Twin-force engines will use gasoline direct injection. Finally, the article quoted him as saying that Ford plans what they are calling a 'power shift' transmission (which the article describes as a manumatic), and variable displacement V-8 engines. Again, I don't recall someone at his level confirming what has been rumored. If this is all a repeat, please delete the post, MOD.

LOL A great line and rebuttal.

Insert Uranus joke here. Yes, I said "insert". :hyper:

You continue to flaunt your ignorance. Did you even attempt to read the story in my link? Here's an excerpt: So, NO, BMW's profits are not down, they're UP. If you can't get a fact as straightforward as this correct, why should anyone listen to your opinions?

I've read some uniformed opinion before, but when you think BMW is losing money, it's time to call it out: http://www.autonews24h.com/Auto-Industry/BMW/1642.html Really, take 2 minutes (or less) and find out some facts before you flaunt your ignorance.

Great comparison! It's very illuminating to see the products side to side. It's very interesting to compare the Taurus X and the Explorer's dimensions; I keep thinking about the rumor that the Explorer will move to a unibody chassis, and I think of a reskinned Taurus X. When you compare the dimensions, it's not that far to leap if indeed the Explorer moves to a unibody chassis.

The best rebuttal I've ever read on BON. It should be bookmarked. Great Job!