NLPRacing

Grille from an Edge and 4 lug wheels from the Focus, looks like a half-ass photochop to me. Here's what I think. With the negative confusion of the "FreeSTAR" & "FreeSTYLE" I could see the Freestyle name going away (for maybe a year or two) and the restyled 3-Bar grille Freestyle becoming a FiveHundred wagon to compete with Pacifica and the like (which it probably should have been from the beginning). With Mercury possibly getting a more SUV looking Freestyle version (Magellan?) of it's own to sell along side the Montego & Mountaineer. Then the new Fairlane people mover (which could then be called Freestyle) will replace both the Freestar & the current Freestyle.

The lead character, Lightning McQueen was styled (loosely) on the Ford GT40. And the Mercury is the Sheriff, not a cop... CARS - The Movie Review (from AutoWeek) CARS Showroom (from Disney website)

:missing: It WAS worth it, thanks for the info! (I won't tell nobody)

Hmmm... A Lincoln MKS HR Series And have the "HR SERIES" in a red letters in a chrome block below the MKS. That would be cool.

I don't think the Avalanche or Silverado will hurt the F-Series sales numbers too much, but I wouldn't mind having an Avalanche version of the Expedition EL, especially if it gets the 4.4 or 4.5 diesel V8. I've talked about it before, why not offer an Avalanche version of the Expedition EL and call it the "Expedition Sport Trac". I would give up some bed size for a more comfortable back seat and the IRS. Plus, if it had a mid gate like the Avalanche, I could pick up lumber from Home Depot with out boards hanging out past my tailgate like I do now. Why don't I just buy the Chevy, I think that's obvious...

How does idling the 07 production show that they have no confidence in the 08 updates (engine, styling, new options, etc.)? To me, it shows that they don't want to have so many of the 07 cars on the lots that they will have to sell real cheap when the 08's come out. That way, the resale on the 05 to 07 models won't be hurt too bad by the updated 08.

I thought the same thing since most 2.2+ 4 cylinders are making that kind of power. Maybe the torque makes up for it...

If DC is successful, I wonder if Ford could counter with their own A class car that they are currently co-developing with Fiat?

I love that interior! That's been my biggest gripe with the Super Duty's since they came out. I just may have to get one of these when they come out. Any idea what the 6.4 will get for fuel mileage? Will it get the hydraulic launch assist or hydraulic hybrid option?

How about simply adding an "R" like Volvo & Jaguar? How about MKXR, MKZR, MKZ Type-R or MKX Type-R or something like that?

If they did it properly, it would be great. They could use the current Busch chassis and re-body them with NASCAR issued composite bodies that replicate the Mustang, Camaro, Challenger an maybe even the Solara, but hopefully not. They would look just like there stock counterparts (with maybe some Trans-Am like skirting) along with NASCAR issued front and rear spoilers to equalize them aerodynamically. Plus, I think modern engines with fuel injection would also be great to further differentiate them from Cup. Then, in addition to the ovals, they should run them on more road and street courses like Laguna Seca, Road America, Long Beach, etc along side GrandAm, IndyCar, ChampCar, etc. Maybe even do some drifting exhibitions with them as well.

I think a GT350 with a 350 to 400 HP all aluminum 3V 5.4 and 6 speed manual with IRS would be much better than a 700HP halo car. And if they could make a stripped down version with no warranty (GT350R?) for SCCA racing, that would be even better!

Any details?

They are just now approving it??!? Hopefully this old news and it is further along than that. Ford needs a people mover to replace the outdated Freestar ASAP! Anybody know if this and the Lincoln "People Movers" are further along than what it says here?

Bec, you shouldn't take it so personal. I for one find Range's rants against Honda very humorous and appropriate for a FORD web site.

With the rumors of the F150 getting a 4.4 diesel V8 later this decade, what are the chance of the Sport Trac getting a similar diesel? It could either be the 3.6 V8 or maybe even a 3.3 V6 based of the 4.4 V8. I could replace both my F150 and Festiva and not lose a thing. I would still have a bed and plenty of towing capability and have the economy (maybe up to 30 mpg). Since the cancelled my SVT Sport Trac, maybe I'll hold my breath for a diesel Sport Trac...

It really sucks that Ford, GM or ANYBODY has to close a US plant. And I feel real bad for ANYBODY that loses their job because of this. I really do, I'm not just saying it. But, the reality is, Ford & GM employ more Americans directly or indirectly than ANY other car company. It pains me when I hear people say they will buy Toyota or any other foreign brand because Ford may build small cars in Mexico for export to US, Canada, and everywhere else in the world. We are in a global economy, and when companies like Ford and GM want to leverage their global connections, they are more un-American than Toyota? GIVE ME A FUCK'N BREAK! Why is it that if Ford builds in Mexico, it is bad. But, when Coleman (the people making all the cool camping stuff) moves their manufacturing overseas, no one cares? In fact, go to Wal-Mart or Target and look at all the so-called "American" brands, all their shit is made in China. At least Ford & GM build most of their stuff here, even if it ain't cost effective. So, if you believe that trading in your Ford for a transplant Toyota , Honda, or whatever is the best thing to do for Ford and the country, then go ahead. In the meantime, I will keep buying Ford's that fit my needs, regardless of where they are assembled".

I still think it will be Texas. They love to give big corporations money down here (for example; Toyota got a bunch to build a plant in San Antonio, Jerry Jones is getting $350,000,000 to build the Cowboy stadium in Arlington, GM got a bunch a fews years ago not to close the Arlington, plant, etc.).

With all the attention and positive press that Toyota is getting for building a plant here in Texas, I think a Unionized Ford plant here in Texas would be a great idea. It would give Ford some much needed positive press down here. Plus, if Ford got Toyota's San Antonio truck plant in Texas to unionize, that would be huge!

Does anybody know anything new?

Do you think the market would be ready for this: Personally, I think if styled right (like the Bronco concept) and offer it with 4WD as well as FWD, I think it would sell well and could be built right along side the other B cars that Ford's planning to build.

Shelby Automobiles to Build 350hp V6 Mustang So, a V6 GT350 Mustang isn't so far fetched, huh? Although this Shelby CS6 looks kind of cool and all, a true GT350 with a Supercharged or Turbocharged V6 would have to be factory to retain any decent value. And it should have about 400HP. My dream Mustang line-up starting in 08 or so: Mustang (Base) - 250HP N/A 3.5 V6 Mustang GT - 325HP N/A 4.6 V8 Mustang Mach1 (or Bullitt or both) - 375HP N/A 5.4 V8 Mustang GT350 - 400HP Turbo 3.5 V6 Mustang GT500 - 500HP from an all-aluminum Supercharged 5.4 V8 Mustang BOSS - 550HP all-aluminum N/A 7.0 Hurricane

230HP from 3.2L isn't too bad for a naturally aspirated, non hi-po engine. To me, that shows that it should have some real potential. This would make a great base engine in the Five Hundred, Montego, Freestyle as well as the upcoming "People Movers" and maybe even the Mustang. I wonder what the displacement potential is? Imagine one of these engines punched out and turbocharged in a a shortened (& lightened) 2 seat Mustang or RX-8 chassis. That would be a fun car to drive!

Now that we're finding out some info on the 08 FiveHundred & Montego, does anybody have any info on the 08 Freestyle? Will it get the Fusion grille (I hope!) or more of an SUV look like the Explorer & and/or Expedition (hope not!)? I drove an 05 Freestyle, it was real nice, but the thought of trading in my F150 for a 200HP wagon wasn't very appealing, so I bought a used Expedition instead. Well, if the 08 gets some "Bold" (pun intended) changes, I may finally be persuaded to buy my first brand new Ford in almost 5 years and trade in the Expedition. Especially if it has at least 265 HP & a 3500 pound towing capacity like the Edge, a third row seat and hopefully rated for 25+ mpg. Only the wrong styling could screw up what should be a home run for Ford. While we are at it, any word on the supposed "let's call them People Movers and not Minivans" for Ford & Lincoln?

There are a few Ford's that can be flat towed, but they are all either manual transmission or 4x4 with a manual transfer case. But there is hope for the Blue Oval fan. I ran across this information in the following article that was posted under the Edge forum a few weeks ago. Hopefully the Freestyle will get the same tranny so I can replace my Expedition with something I can tow flat tow besides my Mustang. 2007 Ford Edge Info