Edstock

IMHO, it seems like GM still has too many CUV/SUV's, and uneven product development for C-D size cars for Buick and Chevrolet. But I could be mistaken.

U.S. closes Ford Explorer investigation without recall http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/ford/2015/02/07/us-closes-ford-explorer-investigation-without-recall/23034385/

Tata Motors slumps as Jaguar sales decline in China http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/foreign/2015/02/08/tata-motors-slumps-jaguar-sales-decline-china/23048957/ Tata Motors posted the steepest decline in profit in seven quarters and trailed analyst estimates after deliveries at its Jaguar Land Rover unit fell and “unfavorable revaluation” of foreign currency debt weighed on earnings.

Maybe somebody'll do a study on The Real Costs of Believing Edmunds' BS?

" Leo’s Coney Island"? Is that where they make Coney Island White Fish?

Um, from the established demographics of ST owners, both Fiesta and Focus, "the general mainstream folks" aren't part of the purchasing crowd, so I would expect no change with the RS.

Another take on wagons and minivans and CUV's. From Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/2015/02/05/mazda5-may-not-be-long-for-this-world/ Mazda5 may not be long for this world Autocar from the UK reports that company officials confirm the Mazda5 is being discontinued there, with no replacement planned. Autoblog reached out to Mazda North America, but the company would not verify future product changes in this region. Though, the model's cancellation would hardly be a surprise to follow in North America, as well. The minivan market is a tough place these days, and dealers tend to prefer more expensive models for their high margins. Even FCA US is abandoning the inexpensive portion of the segment for the next-gen Chrysler Town & Country. The Mazda5 isn't exactly a sales standout, either. Mazda sold 11,613 of them in all of 2014, which was a 16.4 percent drop from 13,884 in 2013. http://www.autoblog.com/2015/02/05/mazda5-may-not-be-long-for-this-world/

Well, with Toyota getting back into WRC, we might just see more accessible WRC rallies through streaming feeds, which would be nice, IMHO.

You're entitled to your opinion. Considering your knowledge about costs and value about the ST, well, opinions may differ: the ST's I've seen don't seem to need many options, some fine interiors, IMHO. Then again, how much frou-frou do you need?

Then Ford Racing will get around to offer its tuning kit for the engine management system, which gives the ST an extra 80 ft-lb of torque, IIRC, so it might be good for an extra 100+ in the RS?

You can import a 2-dr Fiesta hatch from Europe. They even make a commercial version with no rear side glass, perfect for that mid-engine Coyote conversion.

From Detroit News: Ford to add 1,550 new jobs for F-150 production Ford Motor Co. said Wednesday it will add 1,550 jobs — 650 of those in Michigan — through March. As a result, 300-500 hourly workers at three plants outside Michigan will receive raises, the automaker said. That's because Ford already has exceeded the number of second-tier hourly workers it's allowed under its contract with the United Auto Workers. Ford's announcement came days after the UAW confirmed 55 hourly Ford workers will receive pay raises this week. Those 55 are counted in the figures Ford announced Wednesday. Of the 1,550 new jobs, 500 will be added at Dearborn Stamping and Dearborn Diversified; 150 jobs will go to Sterling Axle; and 900 will go to Ford's Kansas City Assembly Plant. All will support production of the 2015 F-150.

Negatards gotta be negatards. You should know that ST buyers (Focus and Fiesta) have by far the wealthiest demographics of all Ford buyers. The point is they can buy = no wannabe Personal Contract Purchase = any Audi RS3, 1 series M or A-Class AMG they want — and they buy the Ford ST's. You'll have to try a lot harder, dude.

Then there's that chip-tweaker from Ford Racing; maybe they'll have an 'optimized' tune for the RS eventually?

Not too likely to happen, IMHO.

That's right. You see, IIRC, the Fiesta was out in the ROW a year before it arrived in North America. IMHO, the aggressive angled "rake" of the wedge-type styling is getting dated, but I could be mistaken. But that's why I wonder if a new top hat might be in the works.

I don't think this needs a separate thread. Lincoln in China http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/ford/2015/02/02/lincoln-scrubs-new-car-smell-china/22724131/ Walk into a Lincoln dealership in China, and you'll find a living room-like atmosphere, with elaborate tea selections, interactive LED televisions and a lounge where you can watch as your car is worked on. If you'd rather leave the dealership, you'll receive a password to access a live video stream from your smartphone, tablet or laptop to watch the work. Lincoln allowed Chinese customers to watch their cars being worked on after learning they are unusually distrustful of dealer repairs.

Isn't the Fiesta due for a new top hat? Anybody know when? Just wondering if the next re-do would be the time for an RS and AWD?

Something like 2-3 years ago, maybe 4 years, now, but I could be mistaken.

Because the WRC is B-size specific, IIRC, because it's ROW-oriented, where people drive B-size, instead of Hemis. Fortunately, Ford makes a 2-dr Fiesta to compete with the 2-dr hatches from the competition. http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/teams/page/18-94---.html

Toyota confirmed today that it will return to the FIA World Rally Championship with a Yaris World Rally Car in 2017. So now there's Toyota and VW and Ford . . . With AWD an essential in WRC, this might help Ford commit to an AWD RS Fiesta. While WRC isn't that big in North America, the Rest-of-the-World market may be sufficient, IMHO.

Sorry for being obtuse.

From Intrepidatious' post: The LincStang chop looks they are going that last mile to turn the horizontal grille into BMW kidneys.

"they are going that last mile to turn the horizontal grille into BMW kidneys." — the Lincoln studio wouldn't do that, yet you suggested they are doing so. English has a built-in vagueness unless you are specific: little, undefined words like "They" and "chop" can be a challenge.

That's not from the Lincoln studio, that's a drawing done by an independent 3rd party, so whether the REAL Lincoln designers agree with you, you'll just have to wait. Chances are they will not be going that last mile to turn the horizontal grille into BMW kidneys.