Project-Fairmont

Its really sad to see that 4.0 DOHC I-6, a direct descendant of the 1960 Falcon I-6, no longer in production. Although no loss here in North America since we haven't had a variation of that motor since the departure of the 3.3 when production of the Fairmont ended after the 1983 model year.

I was expecting a nice bump on F stock from this announcement. After all this has to do with higher profitability on low margin cars. Is Wall Street considering a future cuckoo paradigm as it relates to a Trump or Sanders Presidency?

My 135 has a 7-speed DCT, and I would agree that consumers would find this type of trans a bit odd feeling. Initial in gear sensation is of course similar to what you have with a gearbox and clutch, only we normally don't associate this with an "automatic" since we have been programmed of sorts to expect a linear/prggessive feel that we get with a conventional hydro trans. It reminds me of a high stall speed TQ, and rather brave of an OEM to put in a compact sedan/hatch. I like mine since it rips shifts like a race car, and acts just like an auto clutched box is expected with 95% of the flexibility of a manual clutched box, and there in lies the rub; expectations. Its the best "automatic" I have ever had including the vaunted ZF 8-speed, sans the FE of that said slushbox.

Overall market gained 5.7% from 2014. Ford finished with a 5.3% gain, so a slight market share reduction. Same 5.3% for Toyota and 5.0% for GM, so the top 3 leaders slide slightly overall. Biggest gainers were FCA, Nissan, Subaru and Hyundai-Kia. Doesn't exactly warm my heart or F stock value, but it is pretty cool to see the Ford brand distance itself slightly from Chevy and Toyota though. Lexus however continues to be a juggernaut, which says allot about its reputation as its "styling" is rather insipid; Darth Vader face. The compact Linclon MKC is sublime while the Lexus NX is so ill proportioned and slightly inferior of a drive by most accounts yet is killing the MKC in sales. Rant over - Happy New Year All!

GM had an excellent I-6 in its trailblazer. I remember when that Atlas family (I-4, 5, & 6) was being released and GM engineers touted the inline engine wear charactoristics were superior to V or H-opposed engines in terms of piston and cylinder wear on the thrust side. Makes sense, as opposed engines are notorious for oil consumption. While the crankshaft is long and can be unwiedly on an I-6, its usually held in place by 7 main bearing vs. 5 on a V8 and 4 on a V6. A less complicated block with less machining on an I-6 is also a virtue of the I-4 that also has more crank bearings than cylinders (5). Harmonics too are in the octave of a more relaxed place than a busier sounding V6. It really is a shame that they are too long for FWD/AWD chassis.

The 1.0EB is a good alternative, since its torque amount and peak makes it more peppy in city driving. Not worth it for the 1 extra G, "JMHO". The amazing 2.7TT EB is $495 over the base F150 3.5. + 45hp and 100lb-tq; deal of the century!

I read today that Multimatic Motorsports will field new Mustangs for the 2015 Continental Tire Challenge. Multimatic developed the FR500C in 2005 and the Boss 302R in 2010. Although they won the final race of the 2014 season at Road Atlanta (the 1st triumph of the year) in the Boss 302R, a newly developed car should improve their contention to challenge for the 2015 Championship in GS class. According to team owner Larry Holt, "its new so it has no name, known only by its chassis code name S550." IRS and better aero are among the stated attributes that will make the new race car more competitive against newer developments from BMW and Chevy teams.

C&Ds long-term F/ST runs a 14.7 @ 97 MPH ET. Not a pooch but its curious why it not faster. I clocked my wife's 2.0EB Escape (best run of three) with a 14.7 @ 94. Yes it is AWD, but its also 500 lbs. heavier and has less hp. Must have a lousy 60 foot time, but only traps 3 mph faster?

I felt compelled to make it at least 100 replies - Nick was a gracious participant to this forum. I thought he had good taste in cars (natch), and kept it real without malice, remarkable when not chatting eye to eye. He is missed!

A. Mullaly himself noted that using Mazda was a "crutch" for Ford. Although I have had Probes, and an Escort LXE (a 4-door Escort GT, DOHC 1.8 4W disc etc.), I often thought that if Ford uses Japanese engineering, I may as well drive a Honda. The "One" Ford plan is fully utilizing its internal brand resources were as before "Ford" was individual fiefdoms around the world. We all know the Fiesta and Focus derivatives are mostly 100% Euro. Very soon we will experience a car; the '15 Mustang, that should be the result of global Ford's best practices. The next car the new Edge. Although I suppose the current Fusion/Mondeo is really the first "one" Ford car..?

Yes, its the gay-lame persons F150 engine of choice It fits the brands startegy of bing the mid range engine or top engine of the entire Ford product line. Dont worry, if someone has a problem with that badge on the rear, thats all most cars will ever see when it matters - or get a Hemi if you need to feel like a MAN.

I think it has a very catchy (contemporary tune) and resonates with being young and trying to prove something...has an offbeat Napoleon Dynamite vibe. The fact that most posted here hated it speaks volumes about the opposite effect on its intended target - a 30 year old that has romantic notions of the 80's.

Yea, thats what I thought too. Its entirely more abstract, the assembly manual is barely a reference. Thankfully there are 2 very active build forums to learn and share. I did not use a donor car per se, however the difficult part is finding solutions to certain (every...) things. The creativity is the best part though. I am glad I knew not of what I was in for in for in terms of door, hood and overall body prep. The irony is I now know what to expect and would do another (maybe...).

My on going '65 FFR Daytona Coupe project. This is a completely home built kit, motor etc. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bq5L95b41js http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoVyYU5HVe4

It would seem to me that a Performace Pack 2.3 will be the affordable performance Mustang with crossover appeal to the tuner/import crowd, were as the 3.7 will be relegated to fleet sales, and entry level buyers. The Performance Pack will be the chassis basis for the GT 5.0 model. I have not been this pumped about a new Mustang design since the '87 GT/LX 5.0 HO. In both cases mainly because of the interior (ok and the rake of the rear glass on the '15), were as inside the current model is as long in the tooth as a CV or Ranger (even when it first appeared in '05).