plev72

I loath the Prius, it screams pretentious, it's not simply a matter of driving a hybrid and (arguably) doing a good thing for the environment, it is the need to be in your face about it --- I consider myself a political moderate, but nothing screams more to me 'liberal hippy do-gooder I want to show the world I am better than you' than a Prius. Did I mention I really hate the Prius? (Not hybrids in general btw, just that one).

The more I think about it, the more I think Lincoln will be hard pressed to (assuming the corporate desire exists) to compete with sporty-luxery brands. I certainly see Lincoln as a direct (or potential direct) competitor to Cadillac and Mercedes, but somehow I can't see myself driving a Lincoln - the same way I could driving a BMW, an Audi, or an Infiniti. One of the concerns repeatedly presented has been with the 'rebadging' of Fords as Mercurys or Lincolns, as opposed to actually having unique prodoctus. In addition, concerns have been raised about lack of volume through former Lincoln-Mercury dealerships with the imminent demise of Mercury. What about the following as a solution - The SVT 'brand' is already known and respected. What about turning the Lincoln-Mercury dealerships into Lincoln-SVT dealerships? While Lincoln (at least to me) will likely always be perceived as, well... stodgy, SVT speaks performance and high-end --- and a product that I would be willing to pay a premium for over a 'regular' Ford product. There possible SVT products that immediately sprint to mind for me are the following (and I haven't quite worked through the product line, but I figure this is a good place to start: The 'Lincoln' Compact car (Focus equivalent) - it would make more sense as an SVT product than a Lincoln product - w/ an AWD version, possibly also with a retractable hard-top convertible (this could target the 1-Series - realizing that the 1-series is actually sub-compact and not compact). A Mustang equivalent - but in Sedan form and retractable Hard-Top Convertible - powertrains could remain with the 3.7 as a base and then use a 3.5 or 3.7 ecoboost for the higher end model. Possibly also w/ AWD version. (This would directly target the 3 series). Products could be identified as (for example in the 4-door 3 Series competitor) the SVT Marauder --- or (although I have mixed feelings on this) the cars could simply have their names Marauder (with manufacturer in small print) by SVT. Just remember to leave a manual transmission option! Paul

While I haven't had the opportunity to drive an LS, I've heard that (despite the fairly bland exterior) they were terrific to drive --- I'd like to see a Lincoln MKM (possibly MKM2 for coupe and MKM4 for sedan? or an MKMx for all wheel drive) based on the Mustang platform (a la LS), at a price point near the Infiniti G37 (sedan and coupe) and aimed at the BMW 3 series (hell... you could even make a slightly bigger one and aim it at the 5-series). No reason why the Mustang powertrains couldn't be used, including using whatever ends up going in the new GT500 to compete directly w/ the M3 and M5.

I wonder if anyone would buy a 'secretary's mustang' in this day and age, or whether it would just undermine the nameplate? I would think they could offer a low end mustang --- smaller wheels, softer suspension, etc. around $18,000 --- and if it got 30mpg --- 210 hp would be plenty. (I wouldn't buy one myself... but... people did buy the fox mustang convertibles w/ 88hp engines (drove one... awful)....) Also - I can't see them dumping the Shelby w/out putting out a replacement (Boss, whatever) - nor can I see them only tuning the V8 for 350hp... that wouldn't make much sense when the camero v6 will probably be bumped to 325 in the next year or two...

I was figuring that the 3.5 EB would fit in the lineup (I know, apples and oranges... but not really) as the 3.0 Twin Turbo in the BMW 5-series line-up. They currently run: (328/528) 3.0 liter = 230 hp (335/535) 3.0 liter twin turbo = 300 hp (claimed - apparently the real number is above that) (550) 4.8 liter = 360 hp According to all of the car mags, the twin turbo is the best bang for the buck in as much as the 4.8 liter is more powerful, but the 3.5 liter is lighter and better balanced... (not to mention chipable to 387 hp)

Hey all, I'm looking to consider a 2011 Mustang when I get back from deployment --- from what I'm reading online, it looks like there is a possibility that there will be 3 new engines in 2011? (and hopefully a 6-speed - finally!) 3.7 (~280hp) 3.5 (???) ecoboost (~350hp) 5.0 (~400hp) One of the websites was saying the info came from looking up 2011 Mustang engine part numbers and descriptions. Any updated information?

I was lucky enough to get a 2010 coupe as a rental - I definitely liked the car. If I decide to buy one though, it will definitely be a 2011 once the (3?) new engines are available.

actually - my question was more of an "if" than a "when" --- as in I didn't think there were any rebates available at all to special orders... but I got it. Thanks.

somehow I can't ever see AWD being an option on the Mustang --- adding weight for what purpose? winter drivability??? Maybe if they wanted to make a lux version w/ different sheet metal as a lincoln I could see AWD...

I have a clarification question - I thought that "From dealer stock" meant that the vehicle had to be purchased from the dealers current inventory (or the inventory of another dealer) and thus could not be custom ordered --- does dealer stock simply mean that rebates, etc. are effective from the date that the dealer actually has the vehicle?? Thanks

Now that Ford appears to be turning things around (I bought stock at $1.66 :-) I'd like to see commercials using the "Have You Driven a Ford Lately" slogan - I realize it's old, but I think it would play well into Ford being reinvigorated --- and the fact that folks who a few years ago would not have considered driving a Ford (or not in decades...) are now giving Ford a look... Any other suggestions for slogans from past years that could be brought back?

I thought Ford was trying to streamline the engine offerings... I would expect to see --- 2.0EB will probably have slightly bumpted HP by then... maybe 250? Shared as SVT engine for Fiesta and high end engine for Focus, base engine for Fusion, base engine for Ranger replacement (?) --- http://wot.motortrend.com/6560835/auto-new...gine/index.html 3.0EB or 3.5EB for 350HP SVT engine for Focus (?) SVT engine for Fusion (?) base or optional engine for anything bigger (Taurus, Ranger, Explorer, F150 etc). 5.0 minor updates for power and fuel economy to ~425HP Then who knows for specialty engines... a 5.0EB I would think could easily be good for 600? (Good for new SVT Lightning w/ 650hp?)

I like the 2010 rearend - and the rest of the car as well. Just spent a few days with a 2010 V6 Hertz Rental. I think overall the aesthetics of the car are excellent (and the sync is terrific for handsfree). Will seriously consider a 2011 GT or speciality once the new engines come out...

Unfortunately I'm finding it a challenge getting up my driveway in my '05 Focus with snow tires... thus much as I'd prefer rwd, and thought it would be good to go - the driveway is what it is...

thanks! that's good info - I probably would have missed it if you hadn't pointed it out... will add the Acura to the test drive list when I come back from deployment... if I move someplace with less snow I will go RWD which makes things a bit easier (well, adds the G35(37?) Sedan in any case as an option), otherwise... Acura, BMW... probably about it.

Ford has absolutely nothing in the stable in terms of all-wheel drive stick-shift sedan... I wouldn't think it would be that difficult?? Take the 6-Speed that had been used in the Volvo S60R - which we know can handle the all wheel drive, the torque, and the horsepower, and put it in the Fusion Sport --- You can even charge the same for the stick and the automatic... Otherwise my options end up being Subaru (?!?), BMW, or... actually, that's about it...

great thread - my first car was a 1979 Fairmont Station Wagon (Red w/ woodgrain) 6 cylinder automatic. Came complete with a giant dent in the right rear passenger door that my mother picked up when she went to get my father from one day. Someone had failed to secure the gates at Greenfield Village in a storm, and as my mother was passing through one of the gets swung loose and hit the car. We get a new refridgerator, my mother got another car, and I inherited the fairmont as my first car in 1988 or 1989 (can't remember).

2.5l Ecoboost 4 cyl w/ ~225-250 hp and comparable torque 6-speed transmission all-wheel drive fully loaded - w/ Leather DVD/NAV Stability Control etc... <$26,000 out the door ...

Just read an article on the Volt - and that Ford is planning on offering the Fusion as a Hybrid in the next few years. I don't know what the new Focus trunk will look like - but my 2005 has a cavernous trunk - which is cool - but also means that I could assumably have an "ok" trunk with a few batteries in it as well - and it would even out the weight distro assumably. I'd love to see a Focus w/ better mileage than a Prius and a Fiesta with better mileage than that - even better if the car could run 40 or 50 miles battery only.

Love it - my first car was a '79 Fairmont Wagon, red with the faux woodgrain side ---- and a big dent in the door from when the gates at Greenfield Village weren't properly secured during a storm and my mother went to pick my father up at work and got sided when the gate blew into the car.

This being the same Focus that all kinds of folks were complaining about before it came to market... pretty funny. I'm waiting for an ST version. I'd much rather see the net profits Ford has April vs. April than net sales - I expect that's not an option though.

hard to keep customers when you are lacking products in key segments (beating the rwd thing to death...) I'm looking at four different cars - none of which are Fords (well, the Volvo is Ford-ish) because Ford has NO product even vaguely resembling what I'm looking for... closest we get is the Volvo S60R w/ 6-speed. Products I'm looking at: 2006/7 Volvo S60R 6-Speed (discontinued) 2007 BMW 335i sedan 6-Speed (prob, a bit too expensive) 2006/7 Infiniti G35 Sedan 6-Speed 2005/6 Audi S4 6-Speed (probably too unreliable) I'd definitely take a hard look at a Ford RWD/AWD sedan - if I could get it w/ at least a 5-speed stick --- but no dice, thus I'm looking elsewhere --- despite the A-Plan pricing.

Anyone have info on possible engines or other details for the 2009 S40/S60? I'm assuming that if they are planning on lining it up directly against the BMW3 and Mercedes C Class that they will put a 6-speed in it... I'm in the market for a sport-sedan and leaning towards a used G35 or S60R - but could be convinced to wait and buy a 2009 S40 when it comes out - if the preview pics are basically on and it comes awd with a 6-speed manual for low-30s.

http://www.blueovalnews.com/index.php?cate...2_articleid=599 Sorry if this was listed somewhere else and I missed it... How about we import this from Australia as a Mercury Cougar?