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Sorry Guys, I got sick of talking about GM styling. I recon Ford AUS could do the 427 on a "LWB Orion" (not planned as yet). They could also use the Falcon's 111" WB for a Thunderbird coupe using that nose. I think that wold kill GM Zeta for looks:

I recon a lot of these plastic interiors are not UV stabilised. We have a lot more UV radiation down here in AUS and we find that most cars suffer "scorched dash" plastic that fade and crack after about 8-10 years.

So where does that leave the NA Ranger? Is there anything on the horizon as a replacement?

Pretty hard to draw any conclusions. Pity they didn't have a dummy/puck for people to see in the flesh at a motor show.

This quote is from the Ford Website:FORD AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES MAJOR NEW PROJECTS This is only at "project" stage so, significant engineering and design work over a number of years is still required before formal program approval will be granted by Ford. I would say a range of light commercial vehicles in more than 80 countries worldwide with expected sales of over 400,000 per year makes it a potential "Global Platform", chances are good that the USA would be one of the 80 countries. Ford and GM North American head offices are now entrusting their Aussie divisions with key engineering projects because they can do it quicker than the Americans (easier than teaching the elephant to tap dance).

They're RWD/AWD. Our 4cylinder petrol/diesels come from Thailland, V6 models from South Africa. The track is about 2" narrower than USA Ranger. Biker16, they all definitely have Rear axles driving, still have to lock in the front hubs for 4WD Have a look at the Frod Australia Website, I'll start you at this page Not implying to change the whole North American fleet, just one little truck.Your trucks are tailor made to North America's needs but not necessarily to the rest of the world. Ford is talking about using the T6 as a global platform and that is completely different to the Thai Ranger. Ford AUS is just doing the engineering, not building them.

We'd probably turn that trip it into a kegger too, LOL. Seriously, even if it does't place that high, it's still a good accomplishment. WCOTY Nominees Audi A6 Allroad Audi Q7 Audi TT BMW Z4 Coupe / Roadster Cadillac STS Citroen C4 Picasso Citroen C6 Dodge Caliber Fiat Grande Punto Holden VE Commodore Honda CR-V Honda FIT Jaguar XK Jeep Commander Jeep Compass Lexus LS460 Mercedes CL Mercedes GL Mercedes R Class MINI Nissan Note Opel Corsa Renault Clio Suzuki SX4 / Fiat Sedici Toyota RAV4 Volkswagen Eos Volvo C70 Volvo S80

The T6 project is not a mid-life refresh of the Thai Ranger, it's an entirely different platform. Ford Australia is employing 273 enginers on the development and they will be working with Mazda. If you think Ford USA is into duplicating a platform just for you, good luck. To save money Ford is looking to cut programs and platforms at every turn, Mulally is looking to reduce the number of global platforms.

Is it possible that only one Ranger platform survives under "The Way Forward" vision? Mulally has already stated he wants to get rid of duplication and streamline the business. Although he won't come out and say so immediately, if one platform gets all the money you can guess what happens to the other.

Rest assured "Homer" is designing a body for the Imparla as we joke!!!!

I really wish they'd use our Aussie I6 in a "Ranger truck". A longer nose wouldn't be much of a concern in a truck. 250 hp @5200 and 280 lb ft @ 2500 now that's gotta be a good start.

Commodore World Car of the Year finalist November 21, 2006 12:19pm Holden's new VE Commodore, developed at a cost of more than $1 billion, has been nominated for the World Car of the Year Award and is the only Australian-made vehicle among the 28 finalists. The award, presented by a worldwide jury of motoring journalists, is judged according to styling, performance, handling, comfort, value, safety and environmental responsibility. To be eligible, a new car must be available in a minimum of five countries on at least two continents. The Commodore is sold in Australia and exported to countries including New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Yemen, Lebanon, Oman, Fiji and South Africa.

Commodore World Car of the Year finalist November 21, 2006 12:19pm Holden's new VE Commodore, developed at a cost of more than $1 billion, has been nominated for the World Car of the Year Award and is the only Australian-made vehicle among the 28 finalists. The award, presented by a worldwide jury of motoring journalists, is judged according to styling, performance, handling, comfort, value, safety and environmental responsibility. To be eligible, a new car must be available in a minimum of five countries on at least two continents. The Commodore is sold in Australia and exported to countries including New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Yemen, Lebanon, Oman, Fiji and South Africa. Full article available at News.com.au Business This is pretty exciting for a small country like Australia. Now, if we could just get the 2008 Falcon to do the same..........

If the Zeta doesn't take-off, you might consider "The Homer"

OK, how about a narrow angle V4 or a SI 4? This would be a snap off VW V6 0r Ford SI6.

Gotta say my new company Hilux is a lot bigger than the old Courier and the turbo diesel goes good. Dual cab Courier/Rangers always feel cramped in the back seat, too little legroom. I'd have DVTs after an hour for sure.

From what we can gleen in AUS, the Orion Falcon whil continue the 111.375" wheelbase but probably wider with reduced overhang. The current cabin is very close to Crown Victoria (Fairlane kills it on leg room) so extra width will give big car feel. GM has jumped off a cliff with their Zeta RWD, with 50/50 weight distribution, I think they're hoping to win back some of the FWD crowd. The previous Commodore also had AWD variations in V6 and V8 so it's not hard to imagine the engineering sitting on the shelf until needed. No body really knows if NA will embrace or reject this resurection of RWD but, if they also offer AWD the could be on a winner. One things for sure, Ford at 12 months behind GM has time to put its house in order before either following or rejecting the GM strategy. On the Ranger, it's very confusing talking about NA Ranger when our "Thai Ranger" , a badge negineered Mazda is a pretty nice littlle truck. Can someone advise what the difference is, NA Ranger to Mazda?

Thanks for the informative article Biker 16. Most people don't know just how hard it is to win a manufacturers title. New Zealand is a beautiful country and it's on our to do list. Victory is sweet especially when it's a FORD!!!!!!

I don't mind either way, I like Fords what do I care! Like I said, this is the beautiful "Aussie styled car". North America will gets the butt-ugly version which all of you will love . Expect a barage of nationalistic advertisments, the American car and such. Just don't tell 'em who did the archetecture.....Shhhhhhhhhh!!!!!

That T6 program is going to take a while, no timeframe from Ford but could be a year or so away. The Territory is a close relative of the Falcon sharing quite a few parts but just as many are different. Now available with the 245 Kw turbo I6. Good articlereferenced from webwombat.com.au Porsche Cayenne S vs. Ford Territory Turbo Porsche Cayenne S Engine: 4.5L V8 Transmission: 6-Speed Auto Weight: 4950 lb Maximum speed: 150MPH Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 7.2 Sec Maximum power hp 340HP @ 6000 rpm Maximum power kW 250KW @ 6000 rpm Maximum torque ft-lb: 310 @ 2500 Maximum torque Nm: 420 @ 2500 PRICE: $129,000 AUD Ford Territory Turbo Engine: 4L I6 Turbocharged, intercooled Transmission: 6-Speed ZF Auto Weight: 4685 lb Maximum speed: ~140MPH Acceleration 0-100 km/h: ~7.3 Sec Maximum power hp 333HP @ 5250 rpm Maximum power kW 245KW @ 5250 rpm Maximum torque ft-lb: 354 @ 2000 Maximum torque Nm: 480 @ 2000 PRICE: $54,000 AUD http://www.fast-autos.net/forum/printthread.php?t=2835

Above Quotes From This Article Ford North America has entrusted Ford Australia to develop the engineering for the T6 Light truck platform, the likely successor to the Courrier/Ranger. So don't fret, help is on the way. And no, Australia is not building it, we're just doing the engineering workFORD AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES MAJOR NEW PROJECTS

Above Quotes From This Article Ford North America has entrusted Ford Australia to develop the engineering for the T6 Light truck platform, the likely successor to the Courrier/Ranger. So don't fret, help is on the way. And no, Australia is not building it, we're just doing the engineering work. FORD AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES MAJOR NEW PROJECTS

Hello from the other side of the planet, I've got an interesting tale for you. I see an LHD 2007 RX8 is about MSRP? USD$27,000 so I take it the Mustang is about the same. A work collegue here in Australia has placed an order for an '07 compliance plate RX8. Now ours has to be a RHD model same as Japan but, his OTR Price was AUD$60,000 - that's USD $45,000. Australia removed import duties years ago and even without our Goods and Services tax, that's still USD$40,500. The closest Fords we have to your RX8 is a couple of sporty Falcon Sedans, XR6 Turbo (USD$32,500) and XR8 (USD$33,500). Having seen the Mustang earlier this year in LA, Both of the Aussies' are well made and deserving of the extra cost. My point is: Don't focus on the Mustang being made down to a price of $27,000. Enjoy the value you get with an otherwise $40 -45K car for a competitive $27,000

In the flesh the roof line isn't as Volvoish as the Fivehundred, its abig fella, around 5 metres, nearly 16 feet. AND this is GM remember, they're not above copying other styles too! Don't be scared of the prices they say, in Aussie dollars, think about 2/3s for USD, this is upper end luxury spec. USA models could be more basic. 15.5 sec 1/4 mile for 3.6 V6 5-speed auto good as CV? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkSirm3otXc

Here's a review of the WM Statesman (Zeta long Wheelbase, it's over 5 metres long) I've attached a review of a 3.6 litre V6 version. Be aware the HFV6 pulls the near 2 ton car 0-60 mph in 7.5 secs similar to 4.6 CV. Enjoy, it's about 9 minutes long. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkSirm3otXc More great Holden test drives can be seen at www.seeitdrive.com