meyeste

So the rumor now is a 7.0L DOHC being developed for the superduty line (will it be an SOHC for superduties?) will also be produced in a performance configuration for the GT500 and the Raptor and even possibly higher grade F150's. I think it makes sense GM is after all developing a 6.2L DOHC and I believe it makes sense for Ford to defend its current status as the top DOHC V8 performance manufacturer.

First it's absolutely technically feasible, you don't think people will permit their cars to report them? It happens now, Onstar absolutely reports accidents immediately to local police without authorization. Have an accident in an Onstar equipped vehicle, which besides GM includes Acura, VW, Subaru and the local police are alerted whether you give the okay or not. A simple Camera in the side mirror would likely catch enough, especially in states where front plates are required. I'm technical to say the least and have worked in automation, you'd be surprised at what can be automated. Specifying out the requirements is simple, proximity sensors or radar, cameras and an accelerometer. The sensors and radar are already many cars today, and many cars have accelerometer in them too (Mustang track pack). Custom software would have to be developed and get it to function just right however existing car security system code would likely get you 80% there. And why stop there, this could be used for cars to catch break-ins, whenever someone walks up to the window snap a picture, or for that matter video, allow the for enough storage to keep say the last 30 days of data before overwriting it's there. Not that I go through it it makes me wonder if this isn't already available on the aftermarket....

I have so many door dings on my daily driver, I shutter to think about replacing it, last fall was really thinking about taking advantage of the fall sales, then I took my son to a birthday party and changed my mind. I was away from my car maybe 10 minutes came out and there were new dents on both sides caused by door dings. I had just washed my car, so I was absolutely sure the dents where new. At that point I abandoned the idea of getting a new car, as the only solace was at least my current vehicle is paid off. Since manufacturers are making cars so smart and capable, surely we can generate a protocol that would have a car that detected one of its' doors made contact with another, communicate to the other car that it happened. Also a camera in the rearview mirrors what would switch on when an impact is detected and possibly get license plate numbers. If people believe they aren't going to get away with damaging someone else's property they'll be more careful - it's the "keeping honest people honest" theory. If there were a new car that had a way of recording a door ding and whom was responsible, I'd definitely go for that feature.

I put it out there for that reason - a Wrangler competitor will be a bust. have perhaps a 4 year run and sales will be so abysmal it'll be discontinued after that. A better idea would to build a dependable clone of a Discovery.

So the 2018 Expedition is out, For the most part I like it - I don't get the "rotary gear shifter" why is that a thing? After all the issues Jeep had with them - people getting killed, I'd prefer the standard stick. I hope that with the "knob" it's possible by feel alone to know what gear you've just put the vehicle in, otherwise I believe it's a safety hazard.

So we now have fake engine noises, that's true. How long will be before someone pipes in the sound of a turbine kicking in or the soundtrack from batman's car? That'd be a cool option, sure it sounds silly however why not? My vote is the F-15 sound track

I watched on the television, what surprised me was the RSR Porsche collided with the #67 GT and the #62 Ferrari in it's charge to the front (which clearly wore out it's tires), I could see thinking one collision was an accident but two? Clearly the #67 GT was negatively impacted by the collision, IMO Patrick Pillet deserved a punch in the face after the race. Also why is the RSR Porsche allowed to compete - there is no mid-engine 911 Porsche available to the public. In my opinion the IMSA Prototype, GTLM and GS classes are the only races worth watching

As far as your last question - that remains to be seen, will it be body on frame or unit body.... if it's unit body, there are a wide array of options. It seems to me however Ford really has no choice, the downside of the 50 mpg cafe restriction is that luxury makers like Mercedes, BMW, Audi have no choice but to sell low cost, high mpg vehicles - see the CLA, GLA, X1, X3, Discovery, etc these vehicles are priced within range of the Edge, Explorer, and Mercedes & BMW have decent reliability these days, heck I'd spring for a GLE if I could get a great deal. Also see the new Discovery, with it land rover is pretty much taking aim at the Explorer. It's a changing market and one thing is certain profits come from delivering what upscale buyers want. I believe w/o a doubt a body on frame Bronco will be a bust, a true sports SUV from ford will be a run away success.

Apparently dollars have also been put into the 5.0 ecoboost...

I agree, I like the F-Pace I used the Porsche Cayenne as an example because the existence of that SUV changed Porsche's fortune considerably. The Cayenne is "a Porsche" than can fit until the role of daily driver more easily. I'd really prefer it if Ford modeled the upcoming Expedition's exterior after the F-Pace vs. the hearse like GM large SUV's. I'm just saying can they be made to look as ready to go as they maybe, in the way that a Mustang looks the part of a performance car while parked.

Well I have heard two different configurations for the Bronco, one - it'll compete with the Wrangler, which while sounds awesome, I don't see that will be a long term successful configuration. Wranglers are an ICON, a part of American culture most kids grow up wanting one among others. The same cannot be said of a Bronco. I also heard the Bronco will be a unit body, if it is a unit body however unlike the current models Ford sells is designed to be highly capable off road that would fit the need. If it has a unit body platform editions could be built that compete with the Grand Cherokee performance models, the BMW X5, Porsche etc. I believe, without a doubt that type of a vehicle will be far, far more successful than a Wrangler competitor and as I stated an attempt at a body on frame wrangler competitor will ultimately fail, if not failing right out of the gate. If Ford wants a Wrangler competitor, create a Ranger variant. For the Bronco let the exterior design team that designed the S550 exterior loose, target the X5, Cayenne, Volvo X90, Audi Q series. That will be a strong seller, a Wrangler competitor is a novel idea, however it'll fall flat, let GM make that mistake, not Ford.

Ah really you can't get a bench front seat any more, is that what you are saying? A front bench comes standard on an F150 for the XL, XLT and Lariat models, standard on the XL and XLT for F250 and up. Though would be nice if this option were present for the Explorer and Expedition, not so much that the Expedition needs more seating, as it doesn't however why the huge center console? Anyone that really uses these off-road - not necessarily off roading per se, just has to go off road would appreciate the "slide over capability". If one were to actually read what I posted, one would understand this wish list item is not "I wish they'd bring back bench seats...." no it's adding flexibility to that configuration, either center console that does not extend forward of the front seat cushions or a middle seat could be put in. Of course another option would be not to have either - simply any empty area between the two, which would also be useful now and then.

I am one that personally doesn't like larger center consoles, especially in a Truck or SUV. Not that I want a dial to control the transmission - lever of some sort should select gears. I own an older F150 Lariat that has front bucket seats however the console is built so that it doesn't protrude forward of the front seats, shifter is on the column. This allows me to slide over to get out of the passenger side should I park in a tight spot or once found myself in a situation where getting out of the passenger side likely prevented the truck from rolling. I really like this set up, though sometimes would like to have a seat in the middle, at no time am I ever thinking "I wish I had a huge center console with the auto shifter on the floor". So my wish item is a center console like my F150 has that is "swappable" with a seat, allow three configurations - either the console is there, a seat is there or have nothing there at all. My reason is this, I see primarily see all vehicles as transportation and having kids and friends for that matter, sometimes there is a need to haul as many people as possible, so being able to convert my truck into a six passenger vehicle now and then would really be nice. Also not having either the console or the seat there at all would also come in handy now and then. I understand the F150 is available with a bench seat in the Lariat trim and likely that is what I'll get (one of these days...). However IMO Ford ought to think about the swappable console / seat for the front & second row as an option for all vehicles with room - Explorer, F150, Expedition.

I am hearing mixed details about the Bronco, first it was to be a "unibody" SUV in the spirit of a Jeep GC, if true that would be a platform Ford could easily create a performance SUV from. However I am now hearing more likely it'll be a body on frame vehicle with the intention it will compete with the Wrangler. IMO it's foolish to complete with the Wrangler, it's been out there too long and it's an emotional choice where people decide "I don't care that it's impractical". On the other hand the Jeep Grand Cherokee is very practical and it's very affordable - honestly it's a terrific value when it comes to extremely capable off-roaders AND because it has a uni-body construction Jeep is able to make the road performance biased forms. So IMO Ford would be best served if the Bronco were a uni-body construction that will allow a grand-cherokee competitor. Forget about competing with the Wrangler I hear GM is going to try that - GM should remember their most successful clones have always been of a Ford.

I'm thinking that the upcoming Bronco will be exactly what I am looking for... I'll take that back, now that it's out - nope. And given there are signs the appetite for the Wrangler is waning I question this vehicle, all I can say is the top had better come off or it will be DOA.

I don't have an issue with the actual performance of the Edge or Explorer the 2.7L and 3.5L EB engines are awesome I am big supporter, however they need to look the part, the Explorer is a people mover any way you look at it. I have heard they are going to return it to a RWD platform in the next generation, I am just hoping they put a effort into the body styling as they did with the Fusion and Mustang. For example take a close look at the Mercedes, BMW's and Audi's wizzing by most are the lowest cost model that can be had - they look the part and most have no idea the difference. Looking the part - might be a sorry picture on the state of affairs, is more important to many than walking the part.

I have, first the Edge is too small for me. Put an Explorer next to a Mustang and tell me which looks better? Shut off the engineering side of your brain that values functionality - you'll pick the Mustang everytime. Ford turned the Fusion, Mustang into very attractive vehicles that catch your eye, why not do that with the Explorer/Expedition? I get they are pretty useful vehicles with optional engines that make them very quick. I need them to appeal to the right side of my brain as well as the left, it's an "have it all" world, they need to have it all. Put another way, an Explorer or Expedition - one of which likely will be my next purchase doesn't cost a whole lot less than a Mercedes GLE or GLS (they only European SUV's built well enough to buy IMO) well if I didn't qualify for discounts...objectively on appearance how does either compare? If you ask me a GLE or GLS looks a lot better. If we were to compare a Fusion to a C class Mercedes, I'd say "depends on your preference if you ignore the nameplate", and I don't think I am the only one. The Edge, Explorer, Expedition are competing with Audi, Mercedes, BMW in their higher trim levels, they need to step it up when it comes to the body. Again, I bet there is someone at Ford saying the same thing, I'm backing them up. I see the Bronco is coming, I'll definitely have a look, I know it'll be retro and that look has it's attraction - I'm not sure I could live with it ten years.... and while I know there is probably demand for a minimal version - it doesn't come from me - load it UP!

Three months later and I still think this is an awesome idea - a SUV build for superior on-road performance from the onset. Sure some off-road capability - though nothing beyond handling sand, snow or a moderately muddy gravel road. Requisites 5.0L, 6 speed manual as an option, looks the part - as a Mustang looks the part and an interior you love - also like the Mustang.

I really do, sure Ford has the Escape, Edge, Explorer and Expedition. Other than the Expedition they are all very good in their respective classes. With the 3.5 EB Expedition is now doing quite well vs. the GM large UTEs and honestly I believe in that class the #1 sales maker is the mpg number, if Ford beats the GM utes with those numbers with the next generation the sales picture will turn on it's ear immediately. However look at Porsche - the Cayenne changed that company significantly basically for the reason I have stated above, people wanted a Porsche but it didn't fit into their lives. Slap a 5.0L and a Mustang-esc dog house on an Edge and they'd have one, kinda like what they have now but with daring, provocative style not "stylistic safety".

I have been looking at Expeditions and Explorers, I love the outside of Explorers, the interior just doesn't feel right to me, I really wish it did, it just doesn't. The Expedition on the other hand is nice, my kids love them, and I love they way it drives, I like the interior as well, I'm not hurting to get a SUV and may just bite the bullet and get the Mustang GT anyway - put snow tires on the van....

Well first off, go in and give negotiating a shot before resigning you can't afford, the Ford dealers where I live are very willing to deal, you might be shocked. Just advice, do not agree to buy until at the very least you have gotten up and walked to the door - perhaps they'll call you back, perhaps not. If they do look for a steep discount, if they don't look for a email to come within a week with a steep discount, I'll bet you can get the $62k MSRP down to about 50 - which is too rich for me - though there should be plenty of trucks right at the $52-$54 k mark that'll come down to $42-$44. I only wish they'd deal Raptors like that. However I have a farmer buddy that has a large operation, every few years his accountant (yes big farmer) says "you need to go and spend $50k-$60k" and he goes to the Ford dealer and trades in something old and beaten down he might get $5k out of for a new F series (150, 250, 350) depending on what he needs at the time. It's either buy the truck or give the government that cash, IMO it's money well spent. Interestingly he used to switch up with Chevy now and then, and he will still pick up a base Chevy second hand if the deal is good, however he will only by a Ford new. Do not even say the word Dodge or RAM in his presence, one broke down while hauling (30-40) pigs to slaughter one morning on what became a 100 degree day, for whatever reason he had issues getting an appropriate tow truck there and due to heat exposure the whole lot of pigs was rejected, he wasn't able to take them home because they demolished the pen for a scheduled rebuild it was a total loss. The RAM was 2 years old.

A Bronco is different in concept it's an off-roader, look at the ultra success of vehicles like the Porsche SUV's, Audi SUV's, BMW SUV's these owners have little or no intention of ever taking them off-road, if they go off-road it's at the parking grounds of the polo club or some type of athletic game. I like Ford's SUV's (except the Explorer, don't get me started) and they may be sporty however they don't look sporty, not dedicated sporty, not like a Mustang or a Cayenne looks sporty. I don't believe there is a market for a return of the Bronco, however there clearly is a market for performance dedicated SUV's, the Mustang 5.0 Coyote is just too good of an engine, an SUV that compares to the Edge as the Mustang compares to a Focus would be a run-away success.

As a father of two, that is also a soccer coach, baseball coach, avid skier, snow shoe-er, hiker and mountain biker, dog owner, I find that while I really want a Mustang GT, it's just not practical. On the other hand, I like the look of the Mustang, it's bold, beautiful and it puts a smile on your face when you start it, puts a smile on your face when you walk to it in a parking lot, puts a smile on your face when you open it up running down the freeway. (I do have access to a Mustang GT from a gracious friend). On the other hand another bigger vehicle with 4x4 is needed for all the things i do above, and I love the Expedition's capability, however the Mustang is in a different realm altogether when it comes to owner satisfaction. So while we have our people mover SUV's, I'd like to see Ford get in on the performance SUV market, and why bother being creative with the name just call it "Mustang SUV", use the same dog house, about the size of a X5, with a 5.0L and in it, the 2.7L turbo in it, you couldn't keep them on the lots. There'd be a high profit platform to share high performance engine development costs, honestly this is probably worth more than saving Lincoln, and I'd bet someone at Ford is already proposing it, - they have my support. Mustang SUV!!! And BTW I really do like the new Lincoln Navigator - that thing is killer, it's sorta what I am asking for here, but honestly I don't know that I could bring myself to buy a Lincoln.

I don't see anything wrong with that, it is a privilege to work not a right, if my employer wanted to film me I'd be okay with it. I would use the film to show them why they must pay me more.

I recall I interviewed with Saturn in Delaware to help them create such a system in 1999, GM offered the job through a michigan based contracting company. We would have used WonderWare if you've heard of it - pretty cool stuff Cat uses it has well. I really wasn't impressed with Delaware and thought the contracting rep was not on the up and up so stuck where I was and all in all I think I made the right choice. I am not sure how long it took for GM to get that online, I thought Saturn started offering that perhaps a year later. I don't recall that much of how Saturn used WonderWare it has both data collection / and process control suites, I was a process control guy. Had been involved in a project in college in 1998 that I believe was the first use of a live data feed to the internet of data being collected real-time for customers that rented a food process lab to test processing techniques. It was hugely popular and brought in so many customers the professor in charge of the area got jealous and actually but funding for our group which consisted of myself and one other guy, as he was supposed to be bringing in the most revenue (my introduction to workplace politics), anyway back from that jaunt through the past..... I am surprised Ford doesn't do this, they have to track the vehicles through the manufacturing process. If that is the case creating a system to keep owners up to date would just be a matter of reading what is already in a database and getting it out to the owner. I suppose it's a matter of when does Ford actually begin the designating and tracking custom orders. A low cost option would be to simply create a scheduler to read all registered owners that have opted in, read status and email or text owners an appropriate message. Effort would be creating or agreeing on the reportable status points, create appropriate content texts and getting contact information from owners which I am fairly certain is also collected, the dealer got my info. Honestly I have multiple examples of similar code in production that could do it today, with minimal modification. Of course a more modern app would be expose REST or SOAP service that would authenticate encrypted requests based on user/order # info and respond with status and create a mobile app that owners could download and get updates on their phones. I do get there are security issues to consider, however limit information to updates on the car and keep the owner info out of the data transfer. The upside of that system is Ford could sell advertising on the apps to help over development and O&M costs, from there possibilities are almost limitless.