Trader 10

In my opinion, the N.A. V-6’s are not good enough for Lincoln - they are rather coarse, inefficient, and are torque deficient particularly at low RPM’s. I can’t remember a single road test of a Ford or Lincoln with the 3.5 or 3.7 that spoke very highly of the power plant. I would much rather have the 2.0. Perhaps the 3.3 will be better but it looks like the ecoboost v-6’s are taking over for cars and utes.

The refreshed model isn’t due till next summer which would be several months after the new transmission begins production.

It is maddening if Lincoln is in fact passing on the new automatic because management believes the certification costs are not worth the benefits. I would think Lincoln would be anxious to get the new transmission in all their front drive based vehicles as soon as possible. The new transmission should provide a premium driving experience compared to the 6 speed with better acceleration, somewhat better fuel economy , and improved shift quality otherwise why bother to spend hundreds of millions of dollars (or more) to develop it. Seems as if Ford is still dragging its feet giving Lincoln the resources it needs to make the brand competitive in the luxury field.

Hope the new model isn’t far off because there isn’t much with this update. To my eye, the new grille isn’t an improvement. Disappointing that there are no Powertrain upgrades- apparently the old 6 speed soldiers on.

You may be right JP but with Bronco’s relatively small volume, I don’t think Ford will invest in a unique interior.

Let us pray........

Agree.

OOPS, that should be 13.8 @ 102.

Car&Driver got 13.2 @ 102 mph when it tested the 2006. Performance improved significantly when the 5.0 replaced the 4.6 in 2011. The 5.0 is a huge upgrade over the 4.6.

I believe the base Colorado engine is a 2.5 I-4 with 200 hp. The 2.5 from the Fusion/Escape would seemingly make a good base motor but there has been conjecture that it will soon be discontinued which seems plausible given that Ford has done nothing to enhance it since it debuted in the 09 Escape. If it was bumped up to 200 hp it would be a great engine for Ranger, Fusion, and Escape.

If the NA 2.0 is to be used, it hopefully will be a much improved version, otherwise its going to be a bit of a slug in a nearly 4000 lb. truck. I'm guessing the 3.3 will be the volume V-6 and that the 10 speed will be used for all engines with the possible exception of the base powerplant. I don't see how the 10 speed would be overkill in a medium - sized pick-up given its performance and fuel economy advantages over the 6 speed.

The fact that Ford still hasn't debuted the new transmission 4 1/2 years after the JV was announced (and apparently won't before until the 2019 MY) seems to be confirmation that it has been changed from a 9 speed to 8. GM debuted the 9 speed a year ago and is putting it in a number of 4 cylinder and v-6's models for the 2018 MY. If it has been changed to an 8 speed, Ford has likely lost most if not all the benefits of a JV given the very long development period and the costs associated with the changes. Meanwhile, the competition pulls further ahead.

The Fusion is falling behind competitors regarding engines and transmissions. The Camry's base engine has 200 hp and is rated 28/39 for mileage. The Fusion's 2.5 and 1.5 engines have less power and are rated 5 or 6 mpg' s less. The Camry has an 8 speed transmission. The Fusion's 2.5 4 cylinder is a good engine - I have it in my 2011 Fusion but Ford has done nothing to improve it since it was introduced in the 2010 Fusion. I understand that Ford is heavily invested in ecoboost but it seems to me that a reworked 2.5 (along with the 8 or 9 speed transmission) would make the Fusion a lot more competitive vs. Camry/Accord. It surely would be cheaper to build vs. an ecoboost motor and would be great as a base Escape and possibly Ranger Power Plant. As it is it looks like Ford will make few if any changes to the Fusion until the next generation (MY2020?)

My guess is that the 3.0 will remain exclusive to Lincoln for the foreseeable future.

I'm not buying the thinking that the ecoboost engines are the reason for the change from 9 speeds to 8. The 10 speed debuted with the new 3.5 eco and the 2018 2.7 F 150 is 10 speed only.

Like everyone else commenting on this topic, I'm going to assume the report of 8 speeds vs. 9 is factual. I'm not sure how one less gear would improve performance as the source indicated but it does make sense that an 8 speed would be cheaper to build than a 9speed and cost is always a consideration. The change to one less gear would explain the long development time vs. GM. The article mentioned that production would start in October so at least one 2018 Ford/Lincoln should get it.

I agree with your point about the 3.3 JP. Bzcat may be right about the volume engine being an eco boost but if so, I bet its either the 2.0 or 2.3. I will be surprised if the 2.7 is anything other than very limited availability if it is offered all. This is the Ranger not the F150 and Ford will be careful not to step on the 150's toes for obvious reasons. The 2.5 would make a good base engine especially if it is upgraded (it hasn't been changed since it was introduced in 2009 or 20100.

In my opinion what doesn't make sense would be Ford bringing out the new 3.3 and then limiting it to just a few F150's. Ford has already stated that it will have the same power output as the 3.5 NA V-6. It sounds like the 3.3 will eventually replace the 3.5 and I expect it to be a big volume powerplant (with the 10 speed auto) for both the Ranger and Bronco.

JP, where does this leave Aviator which would seem to be a big key to the continued resurgence of Lincoln. I'm happy that Ford is so successful with the Explorer but in my opinion the platform is too long in the tooth and can't provide the driving experience or packaging necessary for +$50K vehicles particularly going forward as the competition is not sitting still.

I wonder when Ford or Lincoln will bring out the 9 speed transmission. GM has it on several vehicles but as far as I know, Ford hasn't hinted of it yet.

Just my opinion, but to me a Ford is an American car regardless of whether its made in the U.S., Mexico, Canada or wherever and regardless of where they're made there's no such thing as an "American or domestic Toyota, Honda, Nissan, etc.

I'm anxious to see what Ford has in store for the next Expedition. I wonder if the new 5.0 will be an option or if the 2.7 and 3.5 eb's will be the only choices. We'll find out tomorrow - wonder if the embargo ends at midnight. Ford has a huge opportunity here - the Tahoe/Suburbans are nice vehicles but are deeply flawed with the solid rear axle that robs the "way back" room and makes for an almost comical load height with the rear seat folded. Remember how Ford was lambasted for the solid rear axle in the 25K Mustang? I don't see Chevy or Cadillac being questioned for the same thing in 50 - 90 K luxury SUV's.

I have to think that the first CD6 will be a Lincoln. If I remember correctly, the MKZ replacement was talked about as the initial variant.

According to this article, Ford will introduce the new Expedition tomorrow. https://www.thestreet.com/story/13970359/1/ford-plans-unveil-of-redesigned-expedition-its-large-and-highly-profitable-suv.html