Next Fiesta to Use Next Generation Platform Family

[ANTAUS]

http://www.insideline.com/ford/next-generation-ford-fiesta-may-benefit-from-fords-new-platform-family.html

[theoldwizard]

I don't think combining B, C and CD is a good idea.

[jpd80]

Now, Ford obviously knows that one existing architecture cannot cover an entire range of vehicle sizes but what if

Ford's virtual build software has showed engineers the changes needed to switch between B, C and CD frames?

 

That knowledge may enable Ford to continue with standardizing the build processes and machinery required.

[Biker16]

I don't think combining B, C and CD is a good idea.

 

why not?

[battyr]

I would think that the B, C, and CD will continue on separate platforms, but there is no reason why new techniques and technology can't be developed to be shared on all platforms. In other words, 3 platforms that share a lot of the same engineering and some of the same parts.

[akirby]

They're not using a single platform - they're developing a platform family where each platform is different in size but shares most of the architecture. So you take a B platform and make it wider and longer and you have a C platform, etc. Sounds like ford will be making more modifications to each platform to avoid having heavy small cars or weak larger cars. Essentially this just gives you a common base platform to work from saving time and effort and money.

[sullynd]

Aren't C2 and CD4 already related?

[Kris Kolman]

Agree.. As said this is something VW has been working for some time, and similar in concept to what Ford worked with Aston Martin on for for the VH platform. Think of it as a family of highly similar flexible platforms, where the base has the flexibility to have its wheelbase, track, and engine bay expanded and contracted significantly. For example the suspension, including stampings and forgings, could easily be at a minimum one family of the same design. Ford has already been working on platforms that have easily interchangeable top hats (i.e. Focus, C-Max, Escape), add to this a variable base and how can see how you can reduce manufacturing costs.

 

Reference: http://en.wikipedia....up_MQB_platform

 

Fiesta - Wheelbase: 98 in, Track: 57.7 in

Fusion - Wheelbase: 112 in, Track: 62.7 in

Edited November 24, 2012 by Kris Kolman

[calypsocoral]

Volkswagen is doing the same thing. The next generation Polo, Golf/Jetta/Beetle, and Passat will be built off of a single family of architectures, with a substantial increase in parts commonality. Honestly, I'm surprised neither company has done this sooner.

 

Think of it this way-- the money Ford will save on platform program development can go toward something new and exciting (I'm still hoping for a Galaxie based loosely off of the Interceptor concept)! It would also provide the "D" class cars with a new level of exclusivity.

[jpd80]

Perhaps instead of looking at the obvious difference between B, C and CD vehicles, we should look at what platform modules can be made common,

things like electrical systems and wiring loom design, ECUs and body computers. Power trains - some of the high end costs on project development.

Maybe selecting suspension designs that can be increased or decreased in size, maybe door and side frame designs, engine bay layout.. ....

Edited November 25, 2012 by jpd80

[Biker16]

Perhaps instead of looking at the obvious difference between B, C and CD vehicles, we should look at what platform modules can be made common,

things like electrical systems and wiring loom design, ECUs and body computers. Power trains - some of the high end costs on project development.

Maybe selecting suspension designs that can be increased or decreased in size, maybe door and side frame designs, engine bay layout.. ....

 

I agree.

 

the fact is the concpt of platform must become more flexible, the differences in track width can be delt with through the subframes the most importanty determinant of the width between the frame rials is the powerpack. the firewall to the axle can be shared with the posibility that you could downguage steet in the frame rails on lighter vehicles and up guage them on heavier vehicles to minimize weight. but maintain hard point on the two, to allow for different front end modules, subframes, powerpacks.

 

dont underestimate the value of common designs even if they are not common parts. The ability build upon somthing and not start over from scratch save time and money.

 

[jpd80]

Also, some critical proportions cannot be kept between B, C and CD cars so the frames by necessity must be different

so instead of treating them as different platforms, maybe Ford wants to treat them like derivatives where those things

that make vehicles different go into the derivative column and common items become the key elements of a new platform.

Edited November 26, 2012 by jpd80

[sullynd]

Isn't it likely to be B-C-CD-D? If not, what does that mean for the Taurus?

[2b2]

Isn't it likely to be B-C-CD-D?  If not, what does that mean for the Taurus?

 

Aye, there's the rub ... or at least a darn good question

[Harley Lover]

Isn't it likely to be B-C-CD-D? If not, what does that mean for the Taurus?

 

Isn't the next gen Taurus supposed to be on a stretched CD?

[sullynd]

That's the point. B, C, CD, D are the size of the vehicles. Focus is C size, Taurus is D size, Fusion, which is in between, is CD size. If Taurus ends up on a version of the Fusion platform, and this article is to believed, then the new "platform" will go from B size (Fiesta) to D size (Taurus).

 

Wasn't there talk of the next Ka getting derived from the Fiesta??

[Harley Lover]

Different string of thought: if all these different classes of cars will share their "bones", I could see this also opening up Ford's product line for more extensive hybrid/electrification. IIRC, the C-Max chassis, while derived from the Focus, is bespoke in the sense that it had to allow space for the battery packs. Presuming that the next gen C-Max would have that unique set up, and yet be part of this new chassis family, wouldn't that allow Ford to likewise up/down scale the C-Max chassis for other size vehicles?