calypsocoral

I think he's right, actually. Let's not forget that the only truly profitable parts of Dodge were the Grand Caravan (although that's arguable, with the Honda Odyssey eating most of its lunch anymore) and their truck division. The latter has been spun-off into the "Ram" brand. The Challenger is going away, to be replaced by the Barracuda under the "SRT" brand to be shared with the Viper. So, yes, Dodge is now, officially, Chrysler's "Pontiac"-- nothing more than duplicates of vehicles other brands under the same company do better. And I wouldn't doubt this was the plan from the get-go. I always felt the decision to spin off the truck division was odd. Now we can see it was the first step in dividing up the best parts of Dodge, and scrapping the rest. Ever since Dodge axed the Magnum, I haven't really been particularly-moved by their product. I'm not going to be too sorry to see them go. So, in a few years, the Mopar dealerships will consist of Chrysler, Jeep, and Ram, with a few "privileged" dealerships adding the "SRT" brand in there as well.

It would be awesome to have a lineup that looked like this (in order of cheapest to priciest): 1) Mustang V6-- 3.7L V6 2) Mustang ECO-- 2.0L EB I-4 3) Mustang GT-- 5.0 V8 4) Shelby GT-350-- 3.5L EB V6 5) Shelby GT-500-- 5.0L Twin-Turbo V8. Edit: I'd still like to see a "BOSS 5.0" (I think we can safely ditch the "302", since most engine displacements have been measured in Litres since the 1980's), with a track-friendly suspension and blacked-out trim. The BOSS seems to have done wonders for the 2011-2012 Mustang's press!

I'm hearing the engine bay is supposed to be smaller, due to pedestrian crash standards and a multitude of other factors, hence why the current supercharged 5.8 probably won't make it. This, of course, fueled rumors of a twin-turbo 5.0 I'd like to see a 3.5EB with extra boost sold as a Shelby GT-350, myself, as it could be a very well-balanced sports car.

Yep, there's some truth in that. The marketing team apparently decided to dispose of everything the car was about-- sleek style, quickness, agility, and grace. The "bad boy" thing would work only if you were limiting it to the F-type "R spec" variant that is likely due next year, along with the coupe. The F-type will never effectively seduce a muscle-car enthusiast whose choice vehicle is something with a massive, supercharged V8 that screams "I'm completely and totally over-compensating for something!" Sorry. Not going to happen.

@Biker16, Do you hear that? ...that's the sound of me NOT holding my breath! It might have a chance if they make a hybrid version, a la C-Max...

For some reason, I feel the need to mount a cow-catcher in the front, and then mount a .50BMG up top...

The only issues I have with the Tesla S is that it is an electric car, which, depending on where your electricity comes from, is really no better (or, in some cases, worse) for the environment than gasoline, has a very limited range-- even with the bigger 85kWh battery-- and places a massive strain on the power grid. From what I've seen, heard, read, and felt (got to sit in one at a car show) it really is a good car, just with the inherent shortcomings of an electric powertrain.

That... was... AWESOME!!!!! And yes, I'm a bit of a Trekkie.

Nice article. An excellent perspective on what made those early-1960's Continentals-- some of my favorite cars-- so special. Thanks!

Wow... even the color is pretty close to the 1998 Escort I used to drive (and my younger brother currently drives)...

I didn't know the next RWD platform had CD4 bits in it. Interesting. Anyway, I fixed the name for you-- a Continental really should be significantly-larger than a Mustang platform. A RWD Taurus? Isn't that kind of like an FWD Mustang? I'm sure Ford has plenty of names they can use for a CD-sized, RWD sport sedan...

To be honest, I don't really know what that means. I certainly hope you're not implying that the Mercedes 4.6L twin-turbo V8 should be put into an FWD/AWD MKTaurus... "Constellation"-- I like it! Maybe they can upgrade the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and call it the 3.5L Gemini, due to the TWIN turbos? Just a thought!

I'd believe that about D2C, but does Ford have other plans for the architecture underpinning the upcoming 2015 Mustang? I guess that's what I'm trying to get at. :\

Okay, so the "LincStang", as you put it, basically does what the LS was supposed to do 15 years ago? Yes, I know the LS was closer to the 5-series in size, but the concept is pretty similar. It could definitely work, since Ford no longer has to worry about stealing the thunder from Jaguar, but they need to realize it is going to take more than one generation for such a car to change peoples' perceptions, and not let it rot on the vine, like they did the LS. I'll agree with you about "Continental" not being an appropriate name, as it would be better for a larger car. Nonetheless, I think if they do a coupe, the name "Mk IX" (pronounced "Mark Nine") would be appropriate. Not sure what to suggest for the sedan name, but maybe they can bring back the "Premiere" or "Cosmopolitan" nameplates?

Good times, but I'm REALLY looking forward to 4/17/2014, for obvious reasons...

According to a recent issue of Car & Driver I bought (so, yeah, take it with a word of salt), GM's Alpha platform may be underpinning the following cars: 1) Cadillac ATS 2) Cadillac CTS 3) Buick (yeah, you read that right) Grand National and GNX. Automobile, on the other hand, suggested that it could underpin a Riviera instead. Either way, it looks like Buick will be getting an RWD flagship. 4) Chevrolet Camaro 5) Chevrolet SS successor I think there is a new Lincoln flagship in the works, as either a sport coupe or sport sedan. Giving Lincoln a product or two (can anyone say "Mark IX" and "Continental"?) would help diffuse the cost of the architecture's development. And even if the MKC, MKZ, and MKX are the big sellers (the ES and RX are Lexus' bread-and-butter, after all), Luxury marques thrive on image. Improving the image is where Lincoln's product currently falls flat, though there are indications that this issue may be remedied in the not-too-distant future. I am a little concerned about the expenditure of $1 billion into reviving Lincoln, though-- the Ward's article posted earlier did state the following: I realize that virtually all auto-makers are pretty strapped for cash, but, when viewed through that lens, it really does look like Ford is an inch away from throwing up their hands-- like this is simply a gesture to assure the dealers "we did everything we could to save your dealerships, but it was just too late." Anyone who has argued with me on this forum the past few years knows that I'm definitely a "Lincoln-skeptic"-- I'd love to see Lincoln lead their market segment, but I'm not completely sure that Ford has the will to accomplish that.

I like how they decided to taper, or "boat-tail" the rear end. The current trend of making everything wedge-shaped is seriously getting stale. I'm hoping that this car, and the new Honda Accord, help signal the end of it! I'm curious to see if they update the wagon accordingly...

Agreed, though I was thinking something more like THIS:

If you're going to do a V8-powered, RWD 4-door, the least you could do is make it more exciting than an FWD Malibu or Impala!!!!! A name someone actually cared about, like "Chevelle," would have been a step in the right direction as well. "SS" is a trim level, not a model name! My prediction-- Chevy will sell about as many of these as they did that "LS-1" Corvette/Convertible/Pickup-truck thingy. Since this car will likely push into the $35K range, any customer who wants a "refined" "understated" V8-powered, RWD car likely jumped ship to Lexus, BMW, or Infinity more than a decade ago. If you're going to do a car that attempts to evoke classic Americana, you'll need more "in your face" styling (see Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300), and a name that resonates with that image. This car does neither.

In fact, there are TWO Japanese vehicles I'd happily own. The Mazda6 Wagon that I posted above would be my "practical" car. As for a "fun" car, I'd probably pick this: 2.0L 4-cylinder boxer engine, light weight, RWD, and a BLAST to drive!

Wow... actually enabling people to freeload off of others. I guess I should expect this from a company that needed a taxpayer-funded bailout MULTIPLE times. I guess I'm kind of surprised that GM hadn't thought of it first!

I'm very impressed with the stance-- if I didn't know any better, I'd say it was a 4WD CUV based on a RWD architecture, like the Infiniti FX. Very cab-rearward, with a surprisingly-long hood. I'd love to see this in a deep purple or black cherry color-- something dark, mysterious, and luxurious. Aside from the mail-slot that somehow passed for a rear window (but i guess everybody does that nowadays), I have to say, Ford (Lincoln?) might have a really good thing going here.

Does anyone else think that is WAY too many mechanized gizmos on a truck?

Honestly, I'd love to have one of these parked in front of my apartment: If I was helping a buddy of mine move, or if I was driving on a hunting trip, I'd probably go for a Nissan Frontier. Admittedly, this is partly-due to a softspot I have for it, since my first vehicle was a 1989 Nissan pickup. Lastly, just for fun, I'd totally rock a Subaru BRZ Limited in Galaxy Blue. Or, if they did an STI version, I'd have to change the color to WR Blue, to match the attitude of the powertrain, of course!

Honestly... I like the look of this better: