rmc523

So there is another SAP with the black chrome grille? And I'm glad to see they're offering the SAP with an interior with inserts other than red, which I despise as an interior color.

I think it'd be awesome if Ford were somehow able to get the Fusion to have class-leading fuel economy. I wonder if they've tried to implement any weight-saving measures?

If I had to make a decision now as to which of those 3 brands to eliminate, it'd be either Pontiac or GMC. You may think Buick is an obvious choice (which, really it is), but I'd like to see how the next gen LaCrosse (or Invicta) does before writing off Buick. Pontiac on the other hand doesn't really have anything on the way outside of more G8 models. GMC is just rebadges, although I'm not sure if all customers would automatically move to Chevy (or another GM brand). If I were to drop Buick, however, I would not drop it completely, just from the US market, since Buick does well in China.

I could think of several vehicles that have plenty of acreage for solar panels (Expeditions, etc.). And that would be really nice to have painted solar panels.

Yes, I was at my local Ford dealer a couple days ago and noticed a new display in the showroom for Ford Accessories. It mentioned Edge body kits, etc. and had a nice large chrome wheel there (not sure what size it was) whose design wasn't all that dissimilar from the MKS' 20's. I thought about how it would look on a Flex until I noticed it had 6 lug nut holes.

Honestly, I can't remember the last time I saw a Mazda B-series on the road. I'm all for dropping it. Whatever limited sales it has could be easily scooped up by a better Ranger. I wanna say the 5.0 is a modified/smaller version of the 5.4, but I'm not sure. Other like Igor would likely know better than I in this situation. And to answer your last question, I'm not sure if the 2.5 of any form would fit in the Focus.

Hmmm, I don't remember reading about a 4.0 Duratec. Maybe it was mentioned when I've been out of town.

Well, that's part of the polarizing design of the Flex....some like it, some don't. I agree with you about the telescoping wheel. With Ford it's either 6-way power or 10-way power, no 8-way power that I'm aware of, and personally I'd want a power recline before I had power lumbar. Part of why the passenger seat is only 6-way power is to allow for it to be able to fold flat. I'll agree with you that there are a few shortcomings, but I emphasize just a few. I think Ford did a great job with the Flex.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/next-generatio...lar-panels.html The next generetion Prius will reportedly use roof mounted solar panels to power the vehicles air-conditioner, however this feature is exected to be on high-end models only.

From my understanding of the situation, the Focus wagons will return with the use of the C2 platform (for a truly global Focus) Also, I believe the Kuga is to replace the Escape, although I believe both could be sold alongside each other, Escape with boxy truck styling while the Kuga has curvy, etc. styling.

It doesn't appear as though the grille is in the "Black Chrome" used for 08, unless that is a different Sport Package than this one.

I actually wouldn't be surprised, or at least I wouldn't surprised at it continuing on on the D3 chassis rather than being merged w/ the RWD Falcon.

I highly agree. It is either a testament to the 3.5's economy or it's showing how badly the 3.0 is economy-wise, or maybe both.

I think he's just trying to push the point that several NA-only (at least up to this point) vehicles have been successful. I don't think the decision to sell Edges in S. America was based on NA sales numbers.

I would think SYNC 2.0 would be added as well. I'd like to see 10-way power front seats (or at least driver's seat) and cooled seats as well.

Talk of the bed step has made me think of something. Is the step on 8ft bed models larger than the one on 6.5ft bed equipped models? I'm asking because on 6.5 beds, the step fills the area from the wheel well to the front of the bed. Nick mentioned the step may be more useful for 8 ft beds, as there's more space between the cab and wheel (so nowhere to step in certain areas, obviously). I was just wondering if the step was longer/larger on the 8ft bed to help solve this problem (nowhere to step)?

Uh oh.... :bowdown: (that's you in the middle) LOL And I figured he was out of town since he hasn't been seen since the 3rd and he's usually on every day.

I agree, and I think we'll see at least the same number of market-specific products, if not (and we likely will see) more.

That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. You can't order a color because you get a moon/sunroof? That's ridiculous, IMO. I also can't understand the reasoning of not having every color available on the Hybrid models.

I'm glad to hear that you enjoy your Expedition. Congrats on your first post as well.

From my understanding of what I've read, it appears the 2010 Mustang's engine lineup will include the 3.5, the EB 3.5, and the 5.0 V8. There are also rumors of I believe an EB 2.5, and IIRC, maybe an EB 5.0. I'm not sure if the GT500 would retain the 5.4 or change motors. I believe the Cologne is being phased out, I'm not sure what would replace it at the plant though. Ranger will be replaced in a couple years, (I'd assume the Mazda would be replaced as well, or maybe just dropped), Mustang if rumors are right will be receiving the 3.5, as stated above, and the Explorer/Mountaineer (if the Mounty is kept) will be redone with likely the EB 2.5 and EB 3.5 as in the concept.

I don't really mind either, and yes, I too am surprised that Ford did 2 different designs. My one complaint with both is how the same pattern/design on the seatback is not continued into the rear seats (see the blue Fusion seats picture).

Well, again, I hope everything works out for you.

double post.

Wow, that is different. I'm not sure how I feel about that look.