igor Posted March 23, 2007 Author Share Posted March 23, 2007 Bold moves video clips????...link please..... http://www.fordboldmoves.com/episode.aspx?episode=15 screemcaps: http://www.mikekukielka.com/gallery/v/2009+Ford+Fairlane/ Igor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark B. Morrow Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 I wonder if I can get huge slabs of wood on the outside. I miss my '74 Country Squire :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 there wood slabs inside the doors are making it to production: - it might be fake wood, but I surely hope not. Igor That's a pretty slick looking door design. Very unique. Looks simple, but elegant; different, but functional. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
igor Posted March 23, 2007 Author Share Posted March 23, 2007 (edited) That's a pretty slick looking door design. Very unique. Looks simple, but elegant; different, but functional. I believe a Ford exec just jumped in their chair reading this - I am absolutely positive those are the exact terms Ford WANTS people to use when describing EVERYTHING about the Flex ... Slick Unique Simple but Elegant Different but Elegant ... :D Igor Edited March 23, 2007 by igor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
igor Posted March 23, 2007 Author Share Posted March 23, 2007 (edited) I wonder if I can get huge slabs of wood on the outside. I miss my '74 Country Squire :D that is where the "rib" / "ridges" come in handy: they are to make it looks like a panel wan .. but cool :D Igor Edited March 23, 2007 by igor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 One more note about the interior I noticed. The photo of the full mockup with the door open has a VERY DIFFERENT center stack than the printed renderings hanging on the wall. The one in the mockup has a few very clearly round knobs near the bottom... ...whereas the one in the wall pictures is just a mess of buttons. They both look to have nav units, so I don't think the difference lies there. Which one is correct? Hmmmm... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanh Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 regardless of wood and plastic...one thing I do hope they improve is tactile feel of materials....Ford's textured ( leather???? ) door caps and dash tops have ZERO softness...go ahead and tap them with a pen...HARD plastic.....give us a little padding boyz....even the Edges door caps are rock hard....and thus come off as cheap... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
igor Posted March 23, 2007 Author Share Posted March 23, 2007 (edited) NIck, I have been looking at the detail, and i am not positive the "difference" is not simply a result of the low resolution of the video .. the pixels are huge compared to the size of the center stack on those pictures. but yes .. I did notice slight differences - like I cannot find the clock on the bottom of the gash on the TOP picture .. Igor Edited March 23, 2007 by igor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 NIck, I have been looking at the detail, and i am not positive the "difference" is not simply a result of the low resolution of the video .. the pixels are huge compared to the size of the center stack on those pictures. but yes .. I did notice slight differences - like I cannot find the clock on the bottom of the gash on the TOP picture .. Igor If you look at the higher res version of the same picture, you can clearly see the differences in the switch arrangement. http://www.mikekukielka.com/gallery/v/2009...ageViewsIndex=1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanh Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 IMO knobs are ALWAYS better than buttons..one can command changes by feel rather than taking their eyes off the road.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
igor Posted March 23, 2007 Author Share Posted March 23, 2007 (edited) If you look at the higher res version of the same picture, you can clearly see the differences in the switch arrangement. http://www.mikekukielka.com/gallery/v/2009...ageViewsIndex=1 I can sort of make out 2 knobs on the bottom row of the buttons on both pictures .. but I am not sure .. as I am saying ... with the low res of the video (even with the high res images) it is not clear .. I can see 3 rows of buttons, and the bottom one has 2 knobs - one on each side Also note the "top of the dash" display in the ridge above the screen. oh and then the analog oval clock on top of 3 ridges, all the way on the bottom of the center stack .. (resembling the blue oval on the 3bar grille :D ) I think they might be the same .. but changes like auto AC, 2zone AC etc, could make up for some changes. What I am wondering though is what they will do with that HUGE space that is taken by the navigation in models without the navigation .. I cannot imagine any plausible way to nicely take up that space. Igor Edited March 23, 2007 by igor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
igor Posted March 23, 2007 Author Share Posted March 23, 2007 IMO knobs are ALWAYS better than buttons..one can command changes by feel rather than taking their eyes off the road.... yes and no .. round knobs without top-dash indication are useless, because without looking you have absolutely no way of knowing what yo uare doing. with buttons you can learn the position. but yes, I prefer the old school - "rotating stick" that points to the position - you learn the position of settings, and simply point it there .. anyways - this is personal preference though - last time I checked, Ergonomics specialists have still not agreed which ones are better for ease of use. Igor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanh Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 yes and no .. round knobs without top-dash indication are useless, because without looking you have absolutely no way of knowing what yo uare doing. with buttons you can learn the position. but yes, I prefer the old school - "rotating stick" that points to the position - you learn the position of settings, and simply point it there .. anyways - this is personal preference though - last time I checked, Ergonomics specialists have still not agreed which ones are better for ease of use. Igor Point in case...volume knobs on head units compared to buttons.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wescoent Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 Since we first saw it in the Bold Moves video, I've said that this vehicle looks magnificent, and Ford should have no problem selling 100,000 units per year. The targets are becoming very clear. They're looking to draw in high-end minivan buyers, as well the GM Lambdas, Pilot/Highlander, and people fleeing full-size SUVs. It is very distinctive and styling, with rich detailing, and its boxy shape will give it TONS of interior room. Although this will be a bona fide hit for Ford, I strongly disagree with the execution of this program from what I've seen, and think Ford missed a huge opportunity for volume and associated profit. I would have done a 3-vehicle program for Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln, as follows: Ford Flex: Keep the general shape, but aim more for hip and edgy middle-class folks with kids looking for FLEXIBILITY, as opposed to the country-club set they're targeting right now. Keep the price low... have both 3.0, 3.5, and hybrid powertrains available. Start it at about $24,000. Mercury Park Lane: This is where the richly detailed version should be, with revised sheetmetal and more luxury features than are available on the Flex. Only 3.5 and hybrid versions available, and designed to sell at a higher transaction price. This is where the actual Flex should have been, and could have been a real chance to build Mercury's volume and brand equity with a great family vehicle that would put the Acadia and Enclave to shame. Price it about $27,000 to $37,000. Lincoln MKL or whatever: Completely restyled with MKR-like cues and a curvier shape, with a 3.7L and TwinForce motors available. I think MKR cues would look very nice on a R-Class type vehicle. Interior has to go all-out, with lots of real wood and metal detailing. Price it between $40,000 and $50,000 as an alternative to the Navigator, and as a big brother to the MKX. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanh Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 Since we first saw it in the Bold Moves video, I've said that this vehicle looks magnificent, and Ford should have no problem selling 100,000 units per year. The targets are becoming very clear. They're looking to draw in high-end minivan buyers, as well the GM Lambdas, Pilot/Highlander, and people fleeing full-size SUVs. It is very distinctive and styling, with rich detailing, and its boxy shape will give it TONS of interior room. Although this will be a bona fide hit for Ford, I strongly disagree with the execution of this program from what I've seen, and think Ford missed a huge opportunity for volume and associated profit. I would have done a 3-vehicle program for Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln, as follows: Ford Flex: Keep the general shape, but aim more for hip and edgy middle-class folks with kids looking for FLEXIBILITY, as opposed to the country-club set they're targeting right now. Keep the price low... have both 3.0, 3.5, and hybrid powertrains available. Start it at about $24,000. Mercury Park Lane: This is where the richly detailed version should be, with revised sheetmetal and more luxury features than are available on the Flex. Only 3.5 and hybrid versions available, and designed to sell at a higher transaction price. This is where the actual Flex should have been, and could have been a real chance to build Mercury's volume and brand equity with a great family vehicle that would put the Acadia and Enclave to shame. Price it about $27,000 to $37,000. Lincoln MKL or whatever: Completely restyled with MKR-like cues and a curvier shape, with a 3.7L and TwinForce motors available. I think MKR cues would look very nice on a R-Class type vehicle. Interior has to go all-out, with lots of real wood and metal detailing. Price it between $40,000 and $50,000 as an alternative to the Navigator, and as a big brother to the MKX. interesting...but I think ditch the Mercury version...too many alternatives can oversaturate a niche market...bang on with the Ford and Lincoln versions...move Lincoln more upscale and differentiate the styling...give the franchaise their own identity...less choices mean potentially more profit for both Ford and Lincoln...adding the Mercury would just penalise one or the other.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falconman13 Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 Ford's textured ( leather???? ) door caps and dash tops have ZERO softness...go ahead and tap them with a pen...HARD plastic.....give us a little padding boyz.... Not on my Fusion they arent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanh Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 Not on my Fusion they arent check out the top of the dash on the new Expedition.....chintzy..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 What I am wondering though is what they will do with that HUGE space that is taken by the navigation in models without the navigation .. I cannot imagine any plausible way to nicely take up that space. Igor A simple doored compartment with material matching the rest of the dash would probably work just fine. After all, it's supposed to be a minivan alternative, so this thing better be stuffed with as many storage nooks and crannies as possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skaboosh Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 I am glad they are not calling it the Fairlane, but hate to see another F ing name. This car looks like a boxed up Freestyle er I mean Taurus X. I hope FMC doesn't build too many of these, I've been at this dealership for a little over a year and we have not sold 1 Freestyle or Taurus X or whatever you want to call it. And every Edge customer we get buys a Mazda CX-9 or CX-7. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falconman13 Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 check out the top of the dash on the new Expedition.....chintzy..... I didnt say anything about the expy. You made a blanket statement of all Fords, I only pointed out that the Fusions doors are not hard plastic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanh Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 I didnt say anything about the expy. You made a blanket statement of all Fords, I only pointed out that the Fusions doors are not hard plastic. Fusion is ok...although some embossed stiching aka F-150 lariat would have gona long way on the instrument binnacle surround...also the door caps on the Edge...hard as a rock.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
05fordgt Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 (edited) So far I like what I see/read. This vehicle looks like its right in the wheelhouse of the Kia Rondo. I've only got two concerns. 1. Pricing. How much will this critter be? If I can't touch an "ok" optioned one for somewhere around the neighborhood of $20k, I'll have to look at other choices. Some aggressive leasing options would also draw me in. Ovaltine, please tell me where you get your pricing from? A 7 passenger crossover for the low 20's? Come on. Even the new Lambda Crossovers from GM are in the low $30's into the mid $40's loaded. According to the OAC employee, this vehicle is very large. It isn't going to be some small rinky-dink Kia. It will have mass to it. It will be offered with AWD, have every safety item, and alot of options. Sorry, but in the low $20,000 range, be realistic. What I am wondering though is what they will do with that HUGE space that is taken by the navigation in models without the navigation .. I cannot imagine any plausible way to nicely take up that space. Igor Igor, This I'm not worried about. Just check out the dash on a new Escapes. They did a great job implementing it two ways (with and with out the Nav unit). Edited March 23, 2007 by 05fordgt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deanh Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 Ovaltine, please tell me where you get your pricing from? A 7 passenger crossover for the low 20's? Come on. Even the new Lambda Crossovers from GM are in the low $30's into the mid $40's loaded. According to the OAC employee, this vehicle is very large. It isn't going to be some small rinky-dink Kia. It will have mass to it. It will be offered with AWD, have every safety item, and alot of options. Sorry, but in the low $20,000 range, be realistic. Igor, This I'm not worried about. Just check out the dash on a new Escapes. They did a great job implementing it two ways (with and with out the Nav unit). new Ovaltine marketing strategy...20k Fairlanes..WITH leather and NAV, to be brought out besides a 29k 550hp limited production Shelby...a run of only 100 cars as well... Ovaltine or Moonshine? Milo's better.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LincolnFan Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 Ovaltine is getting used to Korean prices, cheap and shitty as hell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pcsario Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 I would have done a 3-vehicle program for Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln, as follows: Ford Flex: Keep the general shape Mercury Park Lane: This is where the richly detailed version should be... This is where the actual Flex should have been, and could have been a real chance to build Mercury's volume and brand equity with a great family vehicle Ford's situation will never improve if they keep selling gimped Fords just so they can justify a Mercury rebadge. No one cares about Mercury, it's a niche brand and wasting a killer app on them would be ridiculous. Ford needs to get higher up in the reputation scale and they won't achieve that with gimped products. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.