BORG

Ford tends to be non-traditional about these product announcements, especially if they are targeting a younger audience.

Just like the Fusion right?

Definitely surprised this is coming to the US right now, especially since it likely involves importing from Brazil which almost certainly cuts into profitability. I assume they'll probably keep volume fairly low like the Transit Connect. In the US, The EcoSport is going to be more of a niche product than the competition because it's smaller, less practical, and a little wackier with a rear spare tire and side-swinging door. But if Ford can be the cheapest in the segment, that helps their lagging small car business and a spare tire does give it that Jeep-like look.

How does this relate to Ford's growing Mexico production dependency on key models? Hey, I'm completely on Ford's side here, I think they have a brilliant and tidy production strategy as I've said COUNTLESS times. It certainly didn't matter in the campaigning and it doesn't leave Ford any less vulnerable to an anti NAFTA president who has been picking on them nonstop even after Field's tried talking him down. I certainly understand why this becomes a flashpoint because those jobs weren't created here, and you certainly can't respond by "Just be glad we are keeping your jobs up here by expanding cheaper labor down there".

Nothing is really making much sense unless CD6 is beyond 2020, after all Explorer was just updated for 2016 and 3-4 years is pretty standard for Ford MCE/replace cycles. It would be almost unheard of to see a significant MCE in the middle of that cycle, especially since Explorer had gone 5 years before it's first MCE.

Fusion, MKZ, MKC, Focus, Fiesta, C-Max replacement and then some (EcoSport?) by 2020. So 3 products and 2 plants you say? Did you do your research on that? Tell me how much volume that is while you're at it since you've done your research. MKC is leaving the US according to the UAW contract, and it doesn't appear in the CAW contract either, so Mexico it is unless it's being imported from China...certainly possible. Ford's manufacturing future is completely reliant on Mexico and we know Ford is the poster child for tearing up NAFTA by our new President. I'm sure it's just fine since both parties supported NAFTA but it is a campaign promise and Ford was a repeated target. Anyway...I await your well researched report.

It's probably wise to retain production in the US considering the uncertainty following the election, Ford is in a very precarious place with so much production exclusive to Mexico. It's probably another 'headwind' to be very concerned about with Ford's future.

Very possible, but why cover the body? Why test it on an product presumed to be a lame duck?

Again, Mustang was a butchered mule of a car and far more closely related in the first place. This is a strange tester for a number of reasons, but they definitely are not testing a new platform with this thing, that much is absolutely certain. I realize many people are under the assumption that a platform is something you can just bolt underneath a body, but that's simply not the case, it's integrated into the body. So there is just no way to hide an all-new platform without obvious butchering, especially when CD6 presumably has absolutely no relationship to D4, a platform developed originally by Volvo 20 years ago. It is amazing how long Ford has been able to keep that thing going, it's 5 years older than the Chrysler LX and Mercedes W211 E-Class platform. When it comes to platforms, Ford keeps them around far longer than others.

But the point is they didn't use the existing Edge as a development base because they weren't related which is why you have those incredible hatchet jobs. The fact that they are doing any development on D4 reveals an important detail.

I don't think contract makes it clear that the Flex will end in 2020, just that it will be produced through 2020 at least. It's also becoming likely that the next Explorer is actually a refresh which will keep the D4 around for at least 6+ years from now. As for electric vehicles, Ford's approach has always been about increasing company wide efficiency so a flagship electric in the traditional form is probably unlikely. We may get a version of the Focus that's all electric but I seriously doubt you'll see anything like a Volt, Bolt, or Tesla from Ford. And ultimately Ford's EV budget is pretty small.

That's the first example that sprung to mind because it's the only one that was out of the norm for Ford, but I was under the impression that it was intended to last longer than it did before OneFord changed paths suddenly. It's probably no small investment to switch to aluminum panels if that is indeed what they are doing to extend its life. This might explain why Flex, MKT, and Taurus seem to have an unlimited lifespan at the moment, there are no immediate plans to replace D4. I'm wondering now if Aviator is going to happen this decade or if it's going on its own platform ahead of Explorer (similar to the CD4 Continental).

Once they start digging into the middle-parts of a design, that usually means more than a facelift. But there is just no getting around the fact that whatever they are doing here, it's definitely not on a new platform so if this is a next-gen Explorer, it's basically a refresh with more aluminum. That sorta leaves the Aviator's path in question.

I've had my share of problems with leaking PTUs, I'm surprised they aren't exploding left and right under these loads.

It's just a little odd that they would try new sheetmetal styles on the old car. Unless the assumption that the next Explorer is actually arriving on a new platform is wrong and they are just rehabbing the D4 Explorer. If the Explorer is arriving on a new platform, a mule would look quite butchered.

For Comparison

That's interesting since I'm sure the system is being pushed to its limits as we dig into 400/400HP.

Still looks like a 2011 Explorer in vinyl wrap (which smooths the sides), I see no differences beyond a butchered front-end consistent with a cooling mule. The photos are distorted.

I don't know how you break traction with that system, but then again I don't have the 3.0L. And nobody drives like this anyway, the only thing you want to hear is what they have to say about the confident smooth power on the highway. That's really the only time you get to go fast anyway in the real world. The only complain I think is worth mentioning is that the suspension feels pretty sloppy in cornering, especially on rough pavement, it feels like it's all just sliding around on itself, it's not a solid feeling.

The Flex probably doesn't earn much money at their low volumes, especially since Ford hasn't been able to increase prices on the Flex like they have on Explorer. The lack of investment should probably give you an good indication that the product is not returning much for them. It always concerns me when I see so many neglected and future-less Ford products just hanging around selling terribly, this has always been a symptom a sick and troubled Ford. I don't think that's the case here because I think we know where this is heading, but It's troubling to see how long it's taking Ford to sort out it's platform inefficiency. Ford today really looks like a company that has been rudderless since Mullally left and the new leadership is starting over and it's taking years to redraw the map so there is this enormous gap with the promise of a new Ford at the end of it, so 2018-2020 better be the most epic product blitz this company has ever seen.

BMW is a huge seller in the US with a vast selection of SUVs and Crossovers. Sudden sales declines are seldom the fault of products, certainly not in BMW or Ford's case.

I rarely see the Fiesta at all, unless it's a rental. The Sonic is certainly much more common in Michigan.

Pretty sure that's a play on "I drive a Dodge Stratus!" sketch.

"Calm Confidence" should be the Lincoln slogan, it describes precisely what I like about Lincoln's focus. Lincoln has been twitchy and fun but I certainly prefer calm yet potent.

It's just a derivative of the current design, I still can't stand that face but I see they've tried to make it look less like a catfish and carved it out a bit more. The body and rear look a little more like a Mazda. It's fine, not a car I buy anyway.