ds91776

So far the 09 Fusion update is rumored to get: -3.0 PIP 3.0V6 with about 240 hp -2.5 I4 with about 170-180 hp (and maybe more?) -a largely new interior (with new switch-gear) -new front clip (maybe with a new bumper, possibly new headlamps too) -2nd gen hybrid version Less reliable rumors indicate: -a diesel version -a performance version -and least likely...a coupe.

The camry and accord are not on 4 year cycles, they are on 5 year cycles. Camry: 1997, 2002, 2007 Accord: 1998, 2003, 2008 That is 5 years people. A pet peve of mine is when people use calendar year to talk about model years in cars. All the talk about the focus being from 1999 or the 3rd gen Taurus from 1995 is rediculous. Since automakers run on a model year system and that introductions are done at different times throughout the year (though most in the july-nov timeframe) it only makes sense to use the model year. Say it after me: "In the future I will quote model year and model year only, if I transgress may the Auto-Gods strike me down." There, its setteled. It looks like the Taurus is on a 5 year cycle because the 500 debuted for 2005 and is rumored to be replaced for 2010. There is no reason not to expect the 2nd gen Fusion to debut in 2011 or 2012.

Well guys today is the day the Taurus officially launches! On the Ford site they have finally put up the downloadable brochure and it looks good, hopefully the print one will have more exterior and interior color pics. Tommorrow on my way home from the dentist I am going to stop by at Tom Holzer Ford in Farmington Hills Michigan to see if they have put out the print brochures. Happy hunting everyone!

Hello, my name is DS91776 and I am a car-brochure-aholic. No seriously, I love pouring over car brochures and I have to say that Ford's since 2004 have been much better than they were, nearly perfect. Anyhoo, I stopped by at Tom Holzer Ford yesterday and they had one Taurus parked in the back which I saw from the road...looks sooo nice, a lot more agressive than it looks in pics and at NAIAS. So I went inside but they didn't have any Taurus brochures yet. Anybody out there (particuarily dealer employees) know when the brochures will be available? Thanks.

Since we all know this isn't the 09 Fiesta/Escort/Faction I just had to say that i am very interested to see what Ford has up its sleeve for the B segment. We know we are getting the 5 door hatch from Europe, but Mark Fields has said that we will also get an "american b-car" I assume this is a tiny cuv thing similar in purpose to a Scion. I remember hearing on this site that when they did the show room of the future that the "american b-car" was really cool. And, and, yes the 08 Focus isn't new, but it'll only be around for 3 years and then we will get C2 Focus!!!!! Then world hunger will be solved, world peace will be acheived, the Silly Rabbit will get his Trix, and the sun will always shine! :D

Good, SEL Plus didn't fit in with Ford's model system anyway. For 2009 I think Fusion should get a Limited model with std leather, std sync, std navigation system, unique wheels, unique interior finish of some sort, etc. This would give Fusion a model to position against the super high content Accords and Camrys. True, Ford has Taurus to cover part of that market but it couldn't hurt right?

Consider this though. For 2008 Ford brand will have the following "recommended" models from CR: -Focus -Fusion -Taurus -Escape (has been very reliable for years but lack of ESC nixed it..thank you 08 update) -Taurus X -Hopefully Edge (based on Fusion results it should at least get a white circle) -Hopefully Mustang will get back up where it belongs -09 Flex should do just as well or better than Taurus/X So the only models that need improvement are -F150 (being redesigned for 09) -Explorer (being redesigned for 2010) - Sport Trac -Expedition So really, Ford has a great chance to get all of their products recommended by CR (or the vast majority) by 2010, even Toyota doesn't have all of their models recommended. If the Edge is reliable then all of Ford's sedans and crossovers will be recommended,a huge achievement for Ford and a great sign.

GOD DANG IT, will you people stop being so negative all the time! My post was meant to begin a discussion on what new/improved products would be arriving from FOMOCO in 2009, not a belliacheing conference. Everyone is intitiled to their opinion but can't you just enjoy being a car fan for once...geez! Anyhoo, If some of the "possibles" on this list go through then that means it will be a huge year for Lincoln and Ford. Lincoln gets a new mid lux car, a new large crossover, a new luxo truck and a significant update to their entry car. Ford meanwhile gets the new F-150, Flex (which in my opinion is awesome, sorry negotoids), an updated fusion with new engines, a hybrid program, possible performance version, and a new interior. We may also get a new mustang, b-car, and who knows. The purpose of this thread was to consolidate rumors about above product and in the wider family. In my view the debut of the new 2.5 I4 engine is huge, allowing Ford to sell more I4 cars and cuvs, I would bet that the Escape with this engine would sell quite a few more units considering that this engine would be considerably more powerful than the Cr-V (by 10-20 hp I would guess). This reminds me that if the F-150 is getting a new 6 speed trans plant in Mich that will also build trans for the escape this supports the rumor that for 09 the Escape will get the 09 Fusion's powertrain, ending the gripping on this site and others. Any other comments?

So, for 2008 we had: Ford: -Escape -Taurus update -Taurus X update -Focus -Super Duty Mercury: -Mariner -Sable update Mazda: -CX-9 -Possible 6 (to be launched/revealed late) -Tribute Land Rover -LR2 Volvo: -V70 Jaguar: -possible XF (to be launched/revealed late) So, now its on to 2009. Ford: -F-150 -Flex -Fusion update -Possible Mustang (or 2010) -Possible "Fiesta" (or 2010) -Possible "other b-car/cuv" (or 2010-2011) Mercury: -Milan update Lincoln: -MKS -MKL (large cuv based on Flex) -MKZ update -MKLT MAZDA: -6 (if not in 08) -3 Land Rover: -Range Rover? Volvo: -S60 -S40/V50? (or 2010) -XC60 -XC90? (or 2010) Jaguar: -XF (if not 2008) -XJ (or 2010) Is this correct? 2010-2011 should be a huge couple years for Ford when new Taurus, Explorer, Focus, Escape, and Fusion debut, but 2009 looks promising too. Its funny how 2009 looks a lot like 2004 when the new F-150 and the Freestar minivan debuted...but of course we have a new F-150 and the awesome Flex, plus at least the updated Fusion and possible a mustang and a b car or two. Anyone else have any other info/guesses at the 09 lineup?

I do not think the Flex and Taurus X compete with Edge, only on the very slim margins. Ford is essentially positioning the Edge as on the high end of the small suv/cuv market and the 5 row end of the mid sized suv-cuv market. When the new Explorer debuts in 2010 it will compete on the 3rd row end of the mid size market. In my view the Taurus X competes with three row mid and three row large, the Flex competes with 3 row large cuvs, suvs,and minivans. With the mid and large suv/cuv line up set, Ford needs to work on the small end. I think a B-based cuv, the next Focus C-Max (renamed Focus X for NA) and the Escape would make a killer lower tier suv/cuv lineup for Ford. And again, I see Edge's everywhere now!

It will work. The 500 was a great car waiting for marketing, styling that more people liked (I already liked it) and a more powerful engine. The 08 Taurus has everything that was great about the 500, huge room, trunck, value, comfortable and pleasing interior (most other interiors, notably japanese look too techi and not comfortable or soothing to me and I'm 23) with better styling, a more recognizable name, and a world class engine and transmission. As for the sticker shock, that might happen, but remember previous Taurus owners are now older and thus more likely to have more money, plus there is the excellent Fusion for the 18,000-25,000 set, right below the 23,000-28,000 Taurus. Go get 'em Ford!

My mom has a 06 Mazda 6 I4 auto (and I know the Fusion is slightly heavier because of the size difference) but I love that car. We would have gotten the Milan or the Fusion but my Mom needed a car when the CD3's were new and the I4's were ultra low in the inventory..somthing like only 3 I4 Milans in the whole state at the time. Anyhoo, I'm not speed demon but to me the car is more than powerful enough for anyone with common sense, and the 5 speed auto is a great auto in my humble opinion. We test drove a "already" taken fusion SE I4 auto last year and the thing was just as good as the 6, so go ahead and get yourself a great new economical, sporty, stylish, quality car and enjoy!

Anybody got the ordering guide yet...should be out any day right? Thanks in advance!

Awesome, Thanks!!!!!

I think people need to stop ragging on the 08 Escape, should it have the Fusions version of the D30? Yes, but otherwise I think it is a good update, especially since we'll get a new one in 3 years. I really like the interior, it looks good and at the autoshow I thought it was well assembled and comfortable( the seating position in the new CRV is terrible, i couldnt sit in it for more than a few minutes without getting back pain and I am in my 20s). Outside it looks way better than the 01-07s IMHO. And by the way as for the sales numbers...it just went on sale, the numbers will go up, dealers have just got them in stock and the ad campaign hasn't begun yet!!!! The Rav4 and CRV are a year or more older (and more expensive) than the 08 Escape, give it time to grow. I can really imagine people drawn to Ford dealerships for the Edge and finding it above their price range going for a new Escape. Remember the Rav4 overlapps the top half of the Escape and the bottom half of teh Edge, the top end of the Edge the bottom half of Higlander and the Freestyle/Taurus X the top half of Highlander. Remember how complicated the SUV/CUV market is. Before you jump to conclusions think about the fact that the Escape hasn't even had a full month of sales yet (pretty much) and the ad blitz hasn't started yet, geez.

GOSH I AM SOOOO TIRED OF ALL YOU RWD IS THE BEST THING IN THE WHOLE WORLD I NEED 1,000,000 HP CROWD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really liked the MKS concept when it came out, it looked like a Lincoln to me, classy. I find it funny when car guys and auto mags say they want cars that are different from each other but then only like rwd overpowered BMW copies!!!!!!! Lincoln should not be Caddilac, Caddillac is over the top and edgy right now. So Lincoln should be swoopy and classy, just like the MKS and MKR concept are! This car is not FWD, its AWD. Audi and Volvo have made this work extremely well in the lux market there is no reason that Lincoln can't either. The 3.7 V6 and Twin force will set this car apart in a good way, the powertrain will be a conversation peice and a V-8 will be available eventually, but these engines will be cool and different, they should market the twin force as the "responsible" lux sport sedan with v8 power but v6 fuel economy,etc. The car will have a huge interior, put a great interior in it and price it competitively and watch the thing sell really well. the MKR face is so easy to put on the existing design since the headlights on the original concept are the same basic style as those on the MKR so it'll work wonderfully, and the tail lights can be connected by a thin strip to mimic the MKR's lights and it'll look good. If you guys had any imagination you would see how easy it is. Finnally, this car is one of the first cars designed under the Fields and Horbury team, one that I have a lot of trust in. The D3 platform is already a great chassis, lux field upgrades will make it even better. Add in more powerful and refined versions of the AWARD WINNING ENGINE and the car will have more than competive power, way better than the STS especially. In my mind Lincoln should not focus too much on BMW and Mercedes, but on Lexus, Audi, and Cadillac, and Acura, those are brands that Lincoln should fight, leave Jaguar to fight the big germans. Lexus and Acura buyers are looking for high quality value laden luxury cars. Lincoln, with the cd3 and d3 platforms already proven to be refined and very reliable have a good chance to fight these guys, BMW, MERCEDES, Cadillac, and Audi cannot touch Lincoln's reliability factor in the very significant CD3/D3 vehicles (MKZ, MKX, MKS, MK-Crossover). Stop being so negative and think about this logically and have faith in the new team. I know we all have so much experience being dissapointed with Lincoln int he past with minor exceptions...but those days, I believe, are over.

Thats the 08 Taurus, I'm waiting for the Taurus X. Anybody have any news when the brochures are comming out? Dealer employee members I am begging you!!!! :hyper:

Since the 08 Taurus and Sable are only a month or so away from launch, does anybody have any news about when the ad campaign will start? Also, when will dealers start recieving brochures? I havn't revieved anything from Ford even after I signed up online to recieve news on the new D3s. By the way, when do the Taurus X and Focus ordering guides come out?

Good comparo, except the Flex has a 117.9 inch wheelbase (118 for you non sticklers) so the Flex has a very, very Minivan like wheelbase thank you very much.

Hey guys, check out the first hi-res pics of the Flex at http://www.netcarshow.com/ford/2009-flex/ Also, did you see the new Mini-site on Fordvehicles.com underneath the Taurus X button? I can't wait to find out the dimensions of this thing "comming soon" it says. By the way, does anyone know what the dash looks like without the navigation screen and it's new set of buttons, because that button set is plainly there to fit with the screen, can't wait to see the regular controls.

The first release is up ont he Ford media site!!!!!!!!!!!! IT looks AWESOME!!!!! And by the way, it has a refridgerator!!!!

So i watch as the boredomhurts.com site counts down to zero and then the clock resets for 1 day 23 hours!!!!!!!!! WHAT THE HELL?!!!!!

It seems similar to the Escape mini-site released several months ago so I can see it being a Ford site. what interests me is the April 1st Date. ASre they releasing Flex info early (like almost everyone for New York is doing this year it seems)? Because I thought I read they would release info on Flex on April 4th, but that may be the "official" reveal date. Also, we don't know how many debuts Ford will have at the show. There is rumor that a special mustang will be revealed and the possibility is there for a concept previewing a B-Car. Also there is talk that Ford might change the front end of the 08 Focus and that could be revealed at NY (where else?) And by the way, great news about the Ford/Sony deal!

That sounds cool, havn't seen it. Does anybody know where you can see new Ford Commericals online? I think that for 2008 Ford should do a "Tri-Bar" commerical with a white background that advertises the Fusion, Taurus, Taurus X, Edge, Focus, and Flex at the same time together. Call it "The New Face of Ford" or somthing. It would show off some of Ford's better, more progressive models different from the cheap cars and gas-guzzling though great trucks/suvs. when the Taurus comes out I hope they keep the tagline "We designed the Perfect family car and then gave it the perfect name...Taurus." They should also advertise teh Taurus and Taurus X together.

If this is true then I'm going to throw in my two cents. Overall the design shown at Detroit was better than I hoped, especially the body of the car, very sleek and a lot more different than the Gen 1 and Gen 1.5 than I expected. If I were in charge of updating the front and rear clips I would make the rear tailamps go farther down the rear bumper a little. At the front I would carry the headlamps down into the bumper fully but keep the upper shape of the lamps intact, it is a sporty and nice shape. The top grill I would remove the bars and make it a thin opening with the Ford oval in the center. The lower grill would borrow from the Reflex concept with its "lower scowl-like tri-bar design." Anyway Ford, I think you did a decent job on the 08 Focus considering the constraints, but if there are going to be some changes before production then good job responding to the love it/hate it reaction that the 08 Focus got in Detroit. If this is true I hope we see it in NY.