ds91776

Look, I think Mercury should get an Americanized S-MAX and call it the Monterey, slotting it between the Mariner and a 7 passenger car based Mountaineer. Ford should get the next Focus C-Max and call it the Focus X.

I heard the original plan was to update the mustang in 2009 but then Fields pushed it back to 2010 and increased the number of changes so it is essentially a redesign. What makes you say the CD3's will be coming out in 2012 instead of 2011?

Okay, I felt the need to come with a Ford timeline/schedule of what Ford will be redesigning, debuting, and updating over the next couple of years. Redesigns will be marked with a #, updates (ala 500/Taurus and Escape) will get a +, and brand new models will get a >. When I am unsure about the timing of a launch I will list it twice with a question mark. You will also notice I left out introduction of a Ranger. This does not mean I hate the Ranger or anything but I just have no clue when the thing will be redesigned. Here it goes. By the way, these dates are based upon speculation, common sense, and rumors. I am working on a 5 year redesgin schedule with a 4th year update. FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN 2008 +Taurus +Taurus X +Focus +Escape +SuperDuty +Sable +Mariner 2009 #F-150 >Flex >B-Car? +Fusion +Fusion Hybrid +Fusion ST/SVT? +Fusion Coupe? +Explorer +Milan +Mountaineer >MKS >MKL (Lincoln version of the Flex) #MKLT (new designation of Mark LT) +MKZ 2010 #Taurus #Taurus X #Mustang >B-Car? >Second B-Car? +Edge +Expedition +Sport Trac #Sable +MKX +Navigator 2011 #Fusion #Explorer #Focus #Escape #Super Duty >Intercepter? >Second B-Car? #Milan #Mountaineer #Mariner #MKZ >MKR? 2012 #Edge #Expedition #Sport Trac +F-150 +Flex #MKX #Navigator +MKS +MKL +MKLT Any way, what do you think? I left out some possible ST, SVT, Hybrid models just for laziness sake. Does anybody have any different information or speculation than I do?

uh guys, dont want to burst your "240 isnt enough power thing" but the Avenger and Seabring have 235 hp as does the much better Sonata. The important thing is this. With 221 hp the Fusion does pretty well. With 19+ extra hp it will be more than "pretty good." Remember, the 500 with a 203 hp engine did just as well as a rwd 300 3.5 v6 with 250 hp. the Fusion is still pretty light for its class, so having 240 sounds just fine for me.

Well, we all know that for the 2009 model year the Fusion will get a 500/Taurus style mid-cycle update. Word is it will recieve a new front end (possibly not sheetmetal but at least new bumers), a new dash (possibly with different radio and temp cotrols) and a new engine line-up. 1. Personally I hope they keep a version of the vertical headlamps on the Fusion. It is the only car in its class that has vertical headlamps, giving it a distinctive look that really stands out from the crowd. It will also give it a different character from the 08 Taurus and the 2010 Taurus. 2. The interior is already pretty strong, especially on the SEL. They need to raise the central airvents so they can raise the radio, clock, and air/temp controls to be slightly better ergonomically. While the dash materials are good (identical to the great materials inside my Mom's 06 Mazda 6) the center console's materials need improvement, I imagine the update will fix this. Also, i think their should be another accent finish material available on the SE and for the SEL with the tan interior. I love the tan but the fake wood doesn't look as good on it as it does on the 500/Taurus. The best thing would be to include better rear headrests (adjustable) in the rear seat, at least for the SEL. I would also like to see rear airvents, not neccessary since it is a small enough car, but it would be nice. 3. Std ABS at least on the SEL model. 4. As for engines, this is the big news. There should be a new 2.5 I4 debuting in the 08 Mazda 6. I imagine the engine will be good for 170-180 hp. There is also a rumor of a new version of the D30 V6 making somewhere between 230-250 hp (this engine should find its way into the Escape soon. This would also be a good time to introduce a ST or SVT model mated with a DI version of the D35 V6 making 280-310 hp. Of course there will the 2nd generation I4 hybrid drivetrain that I would guess make somewhere between 180-200 hp. 5. As for the Milan I would expect a similar update, perhaps will more unigue sheetmetal ala 08Taurus 08 Sable as compared to the 500 and Montego. I also wouldn't be surprised if the Milan had a unique dash (but same doors) in the interior than the Fusion. 6. The MKZ should get a new nose with the new MKR style grille and new tail lamps echoing the MKR or MKX. I also wonder if the new 3.7 V6 making somewhere between 300-320 hp will be optional or standard at this time. Anyway, anybody have any other information or thoughts on the 09 Fusion/Milan/MKZ updates?

Also, is this where will we see the production (and MKR style grilled) MKS? And there is the possibility that NY will see the new Mazda 6. Any hints would be appreciated!

Its now time to predict what Ford will show at the last major Autoshow until next season begins at the LA Show in Nov. We have long heard that some kind of Boss/Mach 1/Bullit Mustang will be unveiled at NY, this makes sense to me too. I also suspect that we might see a pre-production concept version of one of the US bound B-cars as part of an announcement of when and where these models will be built and when the will arrive on our shores. Based upon statements released when the Taurus X was unvield it is also possible that we might see the Fairlane debuted there or a thinly disguised concept version of it. What do you guys think? Am I totally off base here?

can you tell us when the 08 Focus ordering guide will be out? Thanks again, i love looking over these things.

Great! Would you please post the 08 Escape and Taurus X ordering guides here? Thanks again!

Thanks, but could you tell me where to get the ordering guides?

Hey guys, does anybody know when the 2008 F/L/M ordering guides come out/will be posted on this site? I can't wait to see the Escape/Mariner/Taurus/Taurus X/ Sable. Thanks!

Question Number 1: Is the 08 Taurus good enough for its name? Answer: You bet. It is a roomy, practical, somewhat luxurious, power (now) confortable, affordable (you get a lot for what you pay for), safe, reliable, and handsome car. you noticed that I said handsome rather than daring or radical. People forget that the 92 facelift taurus was the design that proppelled Taurus to the top of the sales charts. No longer radical, but very handsome (it still is). Question Number 2: What part does the new Taurus (and eventual 2010 model) play in Ford's lineup. I want to address Ford's broader lineup soon, but here is what I see in a nutshell. B-Car: I think this should be a hatch version of the upcomming Euro Fiesta with a different name and nose to go along with american tastes. Focus: eventually on C2, the premium,sporty small car it should be, though I think the 08 model could do nicely. Fusion: Keep this car the I4/V6 mid-sized sport sedan. it should be sporty and have cool, modern styling like it does today, think the "young mid-priced Ford" Taurus: Large car as it will be. Upscale, value priced, handsome styling most will like and will look good for decades. If Fusion is the singles car, Taurus is for the responsible family man and those who want a value laden and roomy car. give it a powerful v6. Falcon/Intercepter/Galaxy: The mustang based large muscle ford sedan, with v6 and optional v8 engines lifted from the pony car. This is the American badass. This car lineup gives a car for everyone yet does not seriously overlap, and even if they do a little the platform sharing possiblities with other models in NA and in Europe make this plan very, very feasible.

From a Ford media release that is posted on the front page: "The three-row, seven-passenger Taurus X will complement the sporty and popular two-row, five-passenger Ford Edge in the lineup. The two crossovers will be joined by yet another large Ford crossover – based on the Ford Fairlane concept vehicle – which will debut later this year and go on sale in 2008. " This means that the "Fairlane" will be shown at New York (hopefully) or at LA, thus debuting in 07 and will go on sale early in 08, possibly in the winter or spring. Any comments? To me this seems like excellent news!!!!! :happy feet:

Hello everybody, even though this topic has been done to death I feel the need to add in my two cents. First I would like to establish the fact that "my Lincoln" is based on reality, not on bringing in 6000hp V24 engines mated to $300,000 supercars and rwd land yachts that so many on autosites seem to clamor for. "My Lincoln" needs to make sense in the current and near-future marketplace as well as be feasible for the Ford of today and the next 3 years to produce. My second objective is to try to end two complaints about Lincoln's current strategey that I think are rediculous. Third, I will present my feasible Lincoln lineup. The Two Debates. "Lincoln going downmarket will destroy the brand and makes Mercury redundant" This is plain hogwash (yes, a 22 year old can use that term). The MKZ and MKX are not "downmarket" they are in the heart of the luxury segment. Lexus, Acura, BMW, and others pay the bills on $30,000-35,000 sedans, CUVs, SUVs, etc. Lincoln must compete in the segment just based on that, plus this price range brings in buyers new to the luxury field. So far, the Zephyr/MKZ seems to be doing just that. As for the Mercury question, where are you people living, 1964? All of the major luxury brands have captured the the $30,000-40,000 bracket that used to be filled by Buick, Mercury, etc (and I know that ferraris cost $16,000 or so in that era, give me a break, you know what I mean). What must happen is that Mercury should play in a similar price bracket as Ford but with a different spirit. Think Ford as "gung-ho" and Mercury more quiet elegance, similar to the Fusion/Milan approach. "The FWD/AWD strategey is stupid and is doomed to failure" Setting aside cost issues that led to Lincoln adopting FWD/AWD strategey, I think this could be a good move. Everyone screams for carmakers to make unique cars but then buy BMW 3 series clones (in substance not neccessarily style) in droves. The AWD strategey could set Lincoln apart, in a good way. Most young car guys don't care that much about the RWD/FWD debate as long as the car is good. These young buyers start out buying the TL's, ES's and MKZ's of the world, bringing them up to a more expensive AWD lux car would make complete sense. Using AWD as a banner makes Lincoln look like it is up-to-date on technology, both in the safety and sport department since many buyers equate the technology with those attributes, both good things to have mentioned with your brand. MY Lincoln Lineup. MKZ: I like what Lincoln did with this thing, keep it going. The brand needs an entry FWD/AWD car to compete with TL and ES and others. For the next redesign, give it completely unique sheetmetal (even though I really like the current design) and possibly a manual trans. Keep it based on the CD3 or its heir platform as the strategy works for Lexus and Acura. When its ready, put in the 3.7 V6 making between 280-290 hp and the thing will be a rocket. MKS: I like the looks of the concept (except the rear, it should get tail lamps from the Zephyr concept). Give it a standard 3.7V6 -280-290 hp with a V8, making at least 350 hp. The key to this car is to make the interior top notch in materials and styling. This car will compete with the 5,E, A6, STS, etc of the world. Make AWD std of course. Make sure there are almost no options on it, give it std features galore. MKC: The true flagship competing with the 7,S,LS,Q's of the world. Stretch the MKS a little, give it a softer ride and make it the quietest thing on the road. Give it a std V8 with maybe a turbo bolted on for the higher trims. This car should look like an updated Continental concept car, of course with the MKS style grill. MK9: Base it on the mustang, but add in the tech, IRS etc, and maybe an AWD option. Make it a hard-top convertable with powerful and refined v8s. Lincoln needs a flashy halo car and continuing the Mark series cars makes too much sense. Make it a 4 seater (but not too big) to broaden its appeal. MKX: Like the MKZ I think Lincoln did a good job on this. Add the 3.7V6 when its ready, maybe a hybrid option, and give it unique sheetmetal next time around. MKD: A brother of the Fairlane to give Lincoln a large 3 row CUV. Give it more fluid and gracefull styling than the "techy" Farilane with unique sheetmetal etc. Give it the 3.7 v6 and the MKS's V8. Navigator: Keep on trucking, except improve the engine, fuel economy, and the front end (I like it okay but many don't). MKLT: Lincoln needs a truck, its what people want, but of course give it unique front styling and interior from the next Navigator or somthing to distinguish it, plus give it some cool tech. MKR: This is the extra goody car that Lincoln should get if it behaves itself. Base it on the next gen mustang platform and price and size it between the MKZ and MKS. Make it like an inexpensie CLS, a sporty and swoopy sedan with RWD and v8 engines. THis allows the MKZ and MKS to be more refined and quiet. Give it radical styling and great handling. Anyway, hope you guys like my ideas. I know I didn't add any supercars or land yachts but I hope you let this Ford fan off the hook.

I do not understand how people think the Fairlane (I still think this should be the name...it sounds really classy to me) and the Freetstyle overlap. Yes they are both 3 row cuv/suv/minivan esque things but so what! The Fairlane will be significantly larger than the Freestyle, really more of a minivan in size, maybe bigger than any current minivan out there. Ford needs the Freestyle as a 3 row cuv between the Edge and the Fairlane. Folks who want 3 rows but not a truckish explorer or a huge Fairlane will gravitate towareds the Freestyle. Think of it this way. Escape is the C, Edge is the CD, Freestyle is the D, and Fairlane is "E" in size. Of course Ford is likely to offer one or two more B or C sized CUVs in the future but that is beside the point. Will they overlap a little? Sure, but not by much. Put more distinct styling and the D35 engine in the Freestyle and it will sell much better. And remember, both of these cars will share engines, transmissions, and platforms so the development costs will be minimal, especially when paired with the other D3 sisters. On a related note I have heard accusations that Lincoln will get a "rebadged" version of the Fairlane. This is a missleading statement. Lincoln will get a version, true, but it will not be a rebadge or even a good rebadge. A rebadge is when the only difference between cars is the name, logo, and extremely minor styling differences. In my book the MKZ/Zephyer, CX-7,CX-9,and MKX do not qualify as rebadges as they all have unique interiors from the base product and have huge or very significant sheetmetal differences. Also, an Envoy is not a rebadge of the Trailblazer, but the Isuzu Ascender was a rebadge of the Envoy. See? Anyway, during an early Bold Moves video we saw a blurry drawing of some overlapping cuv things, one of which looked Lincoln-esque over the top of a Fairlane type drawing. From the sketch both cars had unique sheetmetal, the Fairlane boxy and the Lincoln more swoopy, with a kickup a at the rear door. Anyhoo, I've said my peace.

To me it seems that the 2008 Model year is going to be a little strange for FOMOCO since the bulk of its new models are going to updates (significant thought they may be) rather than all new or completley redesigned models. It also appears that many of these models will debut earlier in 07 than is typical for Ford. Usually Ford launches cars in early or late Fall. For the 2008 model year though it appears that various models will launch much earlier than that. We have also heard that several critical models F-150 and Fairlane especially, will come in 2008, but when? I want to use this thread to discuss FOMOCO's reveal and launch schedules over the next few years. This is not the place to complain about the lateness or delay of products because while important is discussed ad nauseum elsewhere. Maybe later I will talk about Mazda, Jag, Volvo, etc. Escape, Mariner, Tribute/CX-4-5: Not all new, but with all new sheetmetal and interior with significant feature upgrades (std airbags and other safety stuff). We have seen the Mariner and will probobly see the Escape and or Tribute/CX-5-5 at LA in Nov. Everything I have read/heard has these cars launching in early spring, am I correct? Much has been said how disappointing it was that the triplets didn't recieve the D35 (duratec 3.5 v6) or the D30+ (fusion's/6's version of the D30). I have never heard the possibility that the triplets will recieve in a year or two the rumored smaller version of the D35, what I will call the D30#2. This engine could make somthing like 230-240 hp without stepping on the D35's shoes and would hopefully produce better fuel economy and or be apart of some future v6 hybrid program. Its also possible that at this time the triplets could recieve the rumored 2.5l version of Ford/Mazda's 2.3l I4 engine that will make its debut in the 08 Mazda 6. This engine could make between 170-180 hp and of course would be ideal for the triplet's hybrid program. Of course the 08 triplets could be a short term prodject like the 08 focus and only exist for 3 years or so. This could mean that engine upgrades could wait until 2011 or somthing when an all new Escape, etc debuts, hopefully on the C2, CD3, or EUCD platforms. Superduty: This updated truck was revealed this fall and is launching in January, correct? Focus: Yes, it will still be on C170, but the platform is still competetive and this is a short lifespan product anyway. It will have all new sheetmetal, interior (the big 2 problems with the 05+ model) and a new version, a coupe. I hope, but do not know, wether or not the Focus will get rest of the 2.3l I4 family. In a good world the 2.3 150 hp from the base Mazda 3 will be standard or at least optional with an auto (unlike in the current Focus St) Performance versions would be nice but are not neccessary at this point, save the money to spend on a range of perfomance models for the C2 car. This significant update has gotten early favorable reviews from some people in the automotive consulting world that I have read, so lets hope they are right. This car has to be revealed at one of the autoshows this year since Ford will want to show their small car to as many people as possible, I'm hoping in Detroit. As to when this car will launch I have not heard, any info out there? Five-Hundred, Montego, Freestyle, Monitor: Another significant update with new front and rear styling, engine, transmission, and possible interior updates for the big D3's. I still think a Merc Freestyle is in the cards (my favorite name being Monitor) since Merc will need a 7 passenger vehicle other than the Mountaineer and would fit perfectly with Merc's new target market. We know that the 500 will debut in Detroit and the Freetstyle and Montego will debut in Chicago. I have heard conflicting reports on the launch of these cars, some reports say spring of 07 others say summer 07. Now we leave the realm of fact (more or less) and enter murkier ground. Fairlane/MKT: This all new D3 based Large CUV will replace the Freestar in the market, competing with Minivans and extra large CUV's (read GM's Lambdas). We know it will get the D35 and maybe a large 4l "D40" version down the line. We know it will be built in Oakville Ontario alongside the Edge/MKX. I have a feeling this will be revealed this autosho season since Ford needs a "wow" car to show this season next to its only updated (however nicely, I still think the updates will bring positive results) 08 lineup. As to its launch date I dont know. Optimistically I would hope for a fall 07 debut and pessimisticlly I see a 08 fall debut. This leads me to think it will debut in the winter or spring of 08. Any solid evidence anyone has on the subject will of course be welcome. A Lincoln version with a possibility of a larger 3.7V6 or a V8 and unique sheetmetal and interior will debut at the same time. F-150/MKLT: We know that an all new model under the leadership of Mark Fields is comming in 08, of course when is the big thing. Does this mean in the summer/fall of 2008? or does it mean in early or fall of 09? we shall see. The MKLT should also be redesigned at this time. Mustang: Another "Fields" project that has recieved extra attention. Hopefully it will recieve a version of the D35 as standard fare, and at least 2 V8 powered models initially and more special models as time goes on. We know it will be an updated platform but with new sheet metal and interior, all ready to compete with Camaro and Challenger. MKS: Another question as for timing. We know it will debut in 08, whether in the actual year or as a model year is unclear. We know it will be built in Chicago, have std AWD, and will recieve a Lincoln only 3.7l version of the D35 V6, making somewhere between 280-300hp. It also might get a turbo version making 350 hp. Of course a V8 might arrive at some point, but again, things are murky. MKC: This much rumored about uber lincoln will come a year or two after the MKS, probobly on a extended version of the D3 platform and will have std AWD. It will have some sort of v8 in it, I'm hoping for a Jaguar engine myself, or a version of the Yamaha v8 used by Volvo. Fusion/Milan: We know that in 08 Fusion and Millan will get updates, probably a new front fascia and some interior upgrades. We also know that it will get an I4 hybrid option. Since this car will come on the heels of the 08 Mazda 6 I am also betting that we will see the new D25 (2.5l I4) and the D30#2 engine in the car. Also, I wouldn't be surprised to see an ST and or SVT model at the same time. B-cars/Fathom/Faction/Bronco: Sometime between 2009 and 2011 Ford will get several B cars based on the new global B1 platform that may debut together or over a period of 2 years. My hope is they translate the Reflex concept into production as the Faction, with a std and st/svt performance model and price it between $15-18,000. The Fathom would be the Yaris/Aveo competitor. If the C2 focus will not bring a hatch to the US then I say make this car a 5door hatch only to distinguish it from the Focus. Give it funky styling but definatly the most conservative design out of the 3. Bronco. Ford needs a small cuv thing below the escape and I loved the Bronco conept. I, many other young people, wont care that it can't go offroad, it doesn't matter. Make it look good, price it low, and it will compete with the Compass, Patriot, Caliber, HHR,etc just fine. Ranger/F-100, Explorer: Based on schedules these could debut for the 2010/11 model year. I think Ford should pair the Explorer Ranger together. Make the Ranger bigger and the Explorer smaller than they are today. Give the Explorer wild trucky styling taking cues from the 08/09 F-150/ Superchief concept. Make this compete with the Grand Cherokee and 4 Runner, with v6 and v8 options. The Ranger should kill off the Sport Trac by relplacing it with a crew cab. Have it share engines and interiors with the Explorer but make the front-end different to give it a different feel. This way Ford can consolidate 3 products into one component set, somthing that has to be done in markets that are shrinking. Of course smaller pickups might see a resurgance because of fuel prices or change in tastes. Focus c-max, Mercury S-Max: When C2 arrives in the USA Ford or Mercury should get a versio of the Focus C-MAX to compete with the Element, HHR, PT Cruiser, etc. It would also replace the Focus hatch and wagon in the lineup while bringing in new buyers. I do think it would be cool for Mercury to either get a the Euro Ford S-max or somthing like it, that kind of car really fits with Mercury's new image. Ford Falcon/Merc Maruader: Another speculation product, I think Ford/Merc could use some RWD cars based off of the Mustang/d2c platform. Share engines with Mustang. These cars could be slotted in size between the Fusion and the Fivehundred but priced at or above the D3 cars. Think about it. the Fusion is for smaller, budget, asian/japanese buyers. 500 is targeted at the large fwd/awd family car market intetested in inexpensive luxury and space. These cars could be made in small numbers (100,000 total for both brands) because they would share mechanicals with the mustang program. Thier smaller size would make them handle better than the LX cars and any GM RWD cars that are rumored and provide a different feel. Anyway, I will finish this up with another post on Mazda, PAG, and maybe some more Lincoln/Merc ideas for Cougars and MK9's.