You're in Charge!

[calypsocoral]

The scenario-- you are a product planner at Ford Motor Company and you are in charge of the next major re-design of your car (let's assume the usual 4-year development time is being greatly accelerated).

 

Product Name

 

- Chassis specs

-- Front Suspension

-- Rear Suspension

-- Drivetrain type (FWD, RWD, AWD, 4WD)

--- Variations

-- Drivetrain layout (F, FM, M, R)

-- Chassis Variations (Sedan, Convertible, Wagon, etc)

 

- Trim Level 1

-- Powertrain

-- Equipment/Amenities

-- Special Features

 

- Trim Level 2

-- Powertrain

-- Equipment/Amenities

-- Special Features

 

 

Your decisions should take into account potential sales threats (competition, gas prices, CAFE, Emissions standards, etc) on the horizon.

[calypsocoral]

I'll provide the example by doing one myself.

 

 

2010 Ford Mustang

 

- Unit body, 109 in. wheelbase (2 in. stretch)

-- MacPherson Strut Front

-- 5-link Rear

-- Drivetrain Type RWD

--- AWD available on certain models

-- Driveline layout- Front

-- 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible with folding hard top (if feasible)

 

Mustang LX

- 2.5L i4 (~175hp, ~175 lb-ft), 2.0L EcoBoost (~220 hp, ~240 lb-ft), 3.7L DI V6 (~300 hp, ~280 lb-ft), 5.0L DI V8 (~330 hp, 350 lb-ft)

- 17" wheels, optional 18's. Stability Control, Traction Control. Standard 6-speed manual, Optional 6-speed Getrag DSG. AM/FM stereo with DVD/CD (can read MP3, WMA, etc), 6 speakers (6x9's in rear, 6 3/4's in front with separate tweeters). 3-spoke steering wheel with audio controls. Cruise Control.

- Base model-- no distinguishing features.

- Colors: Windveil Blue, Lime Gold, Route 66 Red (basically Torch Red), Vista Blue, Candy Apple Red, Silver, Graphite, Black, White.

 

(Okay, I gotta get to bed now. The rest of this post will be continued tomorrow.)

Edited June 3, 2008 by calypsocoral

[calypsocoral]

Mustang GS/GT

- GS powertrains- 2.5L i4, 2.0L EcoBoost, 3.7L V6

- GT powertrain- 5.0L V8

- Upgraded interior, leather-wrapped steering wheel, optional leather interior. Optional Shaker 750 (GS and GT) sound system- 750W amplifier, upgraded speakers, including 6x9's in the rear, 5 1/4 + tweeter separates in front kick panels, and a 10" sub in custom enclosure in trunk. Optional Shaker 1000 (GT only) sound system-- dual 10" sub, 1000W amplifier, 6 3/4 + tweeter separates in front kick panels. Navigation with Sync option. 6-way power front bucket seats. Heated seats optional. Ambient lighting optional.

- "Corrale" grill emblem with fog lights (as per the Pony Package on the current model)

- Add Blazing Copper and Dark Ink Blue to colors list.

 

Shelby GT-350

- 3.5L EcoBoost (Twin Variable-Vane Turbos), ~400 hp

- Same power/entertainment options as GT

- Shelby Snake grill logo with fog lamps mounted in center ("Eleanor" style), billet grill

- GT stripes at no extra cost (black or white on colors; black, vista blue, or route 66 red available on white)

- Upgraded leather interior, contrast stitching

 

BOSS 5.0 (light on its feet, with a punchy V8-- the champion on a road course)

- 5.0L V8

- Power/Entertainment options similar to GT

- Carbon Fiber hood, Aluminum Roof Panel, other weight-saving features

- Firmer suspension settings

- Billet front strut tower brace

- Revised intake, performance exhaust (twin exhaust tips), resulting in 10-20 more hp.

- Fog lamps (as per current Mustang GT) with offset tri-bar pony logo in grill

- Colors: Screaming Yellow with Black, Calypso Coral with Black, Grabber Green with Black, Blue Ray (a bright medium blue) with Black, Silver with Black, Graphite Grey with White, Black with White, White with Black.

 

California Special (Fast and Frugal, Left Coast style!)

- HYBRID powertrain! 3.5L DI V6 (~275 hp) with 180 hp electric motor, CVT transmission by ZF

- Power/Entertainment options similar to GT

- Two-tone leather interior with contrasting stitching

- Special Colors: Gold Rush (metallic gold), Zen Green (rich, layered pearlescent green, replaces Lime Gold), Vintner's Burgundy (layered metallic dark red with purple tinge, replaces Candy Apple Red)

 

Texas Special (Fast and Frugal, without the extra hassle of a hybrid)

- 2.5L EcoBoost, Variable Vane Turbo with Intercooler, ~300 hp, ~325 lb-ft

- Power/Entertainment options similar to GT

- Special light tan "saddle" leather interior with contrast stitching (think King Ranch F-150, but lighter)

- Special Colors: "(Ghost Riders in the) Sky Blue" (a bright, frosty, pearlescent Azure Blue, replaces Windveil Blue), Jalopeño Green (a "Candy Apple" medium green, replaces Lime Gold), Gunmetal (blue clearcoat over metallic black, replaces Dark Ink Blue).

 

Mach 1 (Maximum HP- the straight-line streetfighter! Or, for those who can afford lots of $5/gal gas!)

- 6.4L BOSS V8, all-aluminum, ~475-500 hp, 6-MT ONLY!

- FUNCTIONAL hood scoop, Ram-air style induction, hood pins

- Center-mounted "Eleanor" style fog lamps, off-set tri-bar Pony emblem on billet grill

- Black leather interior, with white, blue, or red contrast stitching. Optional blue or red center seat panels and lower dash.

- Unique 3-GT stripes (center stripe wide enough to cover hood scoop, flanked by 2 thin stripes), same color choices as Shelby GT-350.

- Optional Hurst shifter!

Edited June 3, 2008 by calypsocoral

[2b2]

Calypsocoral, you put so much into that,

that I'm borrowing my neighbor's puter to post this

(my puter is BON-incompatible )

to make up for less detail, included an old quickie-chop & a new-ish interior chop

& the next few years lineup,

starting out with only one (1) trim, one (1) factory option to simplify inventory

& reduce redundancy with the Ford models.

 

JOB 1 = July 28, 2008 (one week after Focus)

2009 Mercury "C-17":

 

new hood & front bumper to accomodate a waterfall grille & the Milan's (or Mariner's) headlites,

taillights extended onto trunklid, with M E R C U R Y spelled out

instead of F O C U S

Mercury logo on the front doors instead of a model name ("C-17" is temporary)

moderate interior trim

 

Price: just barely below the base Milan

 

- Unit body, wlb 102.9 - ovl 175.0 - w 67.9 - h 58.6

- 4-door sedan only

 

One Trim

- 2.0 i4 140hp

- Auto Std

- ABS w/Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Std.

- Enhanced European inspired suspension & Rear stabilizer bar Std (Focus SES)

- 16" alloys Std (like Milan's 9-spoke, Not a Focus wheel)

 

other STD Features:

- Foglights, Ambient lighting, Maplights, Message Center

- Body color door handles, Body color heated mirrors/skull caps

- Leather wrapped steering wheel with redundant audio controls and cruise control, AutoDimming rearview mirror

- Audiophile system for AM/FM 6-disc In-Dash/MP3 player w/Clock, 4-Coaxial speakers & 8-inch subwoofer

- SYNC™ & 6 months Free Sirius

 

Individual Options:

Power moonroof w/ shade

17" alloys (dealer option - polished SES wheel)

EasySwap™ interior trim pieces stocked at dealers (Alu, Black, Pwood, real-Wood)

 

Colors:

5 paint choices: Tuxedo Black, Gray(undecided which one), Brilliant silver, White Platinum, & Dark Ink

one interior - charcoal panels, charcoal/stone 2-tone seats & door trim (not quite shown),

preferably 1/2 Leather, 1/2 Alcantara Std.

 

2010 Mercury "C-17": Milanetto, XR3, Capri models

add 2.5 i4 Std on XR3 - late avail. opt. on Capri

XL-BAMR - Only on Capri, Std

add interior & paint colors when warranted (esp. Steel Blue!)

add "V." trim (not quite VOGA) all Leather interior, unique wheels & trim

 

2011 Mercury "C-17": Milanetto, XR3, Capri models

add hybrid (sooner if possible)

PowerShift/dsg on all other models (ditto)

 

2012/ASAP based on Global-C2

- Milanetto - 4-door

- XR3 - 3-door

- Capri - full sliding glass-roof (4 OR 2-door OR Both)

- MetaSport - 5-door

Mercury C2's would get ALL the Euro gizmos

Edited June 4, 2008 by 2b2

[calypsocoral]

Calypsocoral, you put so much into that,

that I'm borrowing my neighbor's puter to post this

 

Yeah, I'm sorry I got so carried-away-- it's something I've been daydreaming about for years now!

 

Though, in retrospect, I think the powertrain options I proposed should be simplified.

 

Anyway, I'm guessing "C-17" is the designation for the platform for the current (2008) Focus?

 

If so, it looks like you have some good ideas!

 

 

I might change the front fascia to be a little less Milan-like, as the Sable also looks almost identical to the Milan...

[2b2]

^ gee, I didn't mean you should apologize - the work/time/thought you put into it is GREAT!

&

TY - I've prolley been dreaming about mine as long as you have about yours

&

yeah, the exterior quickiechop was just for a request someone made

- I'd actually like a Milan-like tail on all Merc but individual-tho-related 'faces'

and Yup, C-17 comes from the C-170 platform

think it'd be good for a younger demographic tho

 

got my fingers(&toes&eyes) crossed hoping that Fomoco builds it!

Edited June 5, 2008 by 2b2

[calypsocoral]

In retrospect, maybe the 2.5L i4 was a bit too much. I got the idea from the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum base models, which have a 2.7L V6 which puts out the same amount of power, but I realize that the base model is a slow seller-- the 3.5L V6 is their volume powertrain.

 

I wanted to have the LX as a "stripper" model to come in around $23K with the 2.0 EcoBoost. The LX's should be popular with boy-racers who would probably just gut the thing and cram in a bunch of aftermarket parts anyway.

 

I wanted the GS model to be more of a touring model-- punchy, yet comfortable, and loaded with amenities. Admittedly, this one is geared toward the fashionistas' convertibles.

 

For a Mustang to be a GT, it needs a V8. Same with Chevrolet's "SS" and Mopar's "R/T" designations. So there was no question there.

 

Carrol Shelby's first GT-350 was a turbo-charged V6, so using the 3.5L EcoBoost for the new GT-350 just seemed like the obvious, natural choice-- the badge even fits the engine displacement!

 

I had considered doing a "BOSS 302", but the "5.0" badge from the Fox Mustangs had become every bit as iconic as the "BOSS" designation, so I thought it might be a good idea to merge the two into "BOSS 5.0" For buyers not wanting the carbon fiber and aluminum panels (not to mention the price tag that comes with such components, and the loud color schemes! ), but still wanting the extra horsepower, a conversion kit should be offered for the GT, like the Super Snake kits for the GT-500.

 

As California has the most stringent emissions laws, doing the California Special as a hybrid made perfect sense. For color schemes, I tried to draw from California's history. Metallic Gold recalls the Gold Rush of 1848-1849. Zen Green would be a Jade color, recalling the decor of palaces in China, which I felt appropriate, since California has a sizeable Asian-American population from both the railroad construction of the late-1800's, to the influx of Japanese after WWII. Vintner's Burgundy, of course, draws from the fine red wines that grow in Napa and Sonoma counties (among others).

 

Admittedly, the Texas Special was a bit of a head-scratcher for me. I had considered giving it a big BOSS V8, but then I remembered that major cities like Austin and Dallas/Ft. Worth tend to lean a little more left than the rest of the state, so offering something that mixed power with fuel efficiency made sense. Besides, this one is more about the trim than anything.

 

The 1969 BOSS 429 may have been the fastest straight-line Mustang (aside from the Shelby GT-500KR, of course), but I always felt the BOSS designation was better-suited to the 302, which was designed to compete against the Camaro Z28 in the Grand Am. So, the next-best straight-line performer, the Mach 1, was my choice for the biggest and baddest of 'stangs. Since I don't believe in bodywork that isn't functional, I would insist that the hood scoop play a major role in the powertrain's air intake system, and the side louvres in front of the rear wheels function to cool the rear brakes.

 

I've heard that the upcoming BOSS family of engines will get as big as 7.0 Liters. In a world edging toward $5/gal gasoline, however, I felt that might not be the best option. Even the Corvette will soon be dialing down its displacement, and the Chrysler HEMI is nearing the end of its life. So, I thought that a displacement of 6.4L-- bigger than the base Corvette, but smaller than the Z06-- would be the best way to wave good-bye to the era of big-displacement V8 engines.

 

After that-- Imagine a Mustang Mach 1 with a TWIN TURBO 5.0L V8!!!!!

[Ford Jellymoulds]

You don't need to have the biggest engines to be the best car in the world. World Touring Car Championship is being lead by a very small diesel powered Seat Leon's with lots of torque which are 1st, 2nd & 3rd in the championship at the moment.

http://www.seat.com/com/generator/su/com/wtcc/site/main.html

 

Seat Leon's TDI averages a combined fuel consumption of 55 UK MPG and has a very low CO2 140g/kg, why can't Ford adapt and soup it's silky smooth 1.8 TDCi that is the best in the business or the 2.2 duratorq diesel engine Jaguar X-Type and fit it to a Mustang then sell it to the rest of the world and watch Mustang sales grow ten fold in a world of sky high fuel prices.

http://www.fiawtcc.com/

[jpd80]

Seat Leon's TDI averages a combined fuel consumption of 55 UK MPG and has a very low CO2 140g/kg, why can't Ford adapt and soup it's silky smooth 1.8 TDCi that is the best in the business or the 2.2 duratorq diesel engine Jaguar X-Type and fit it to a Mustang then sell it to the rest of the world and watch Mustang sales grow ten fold in a world of sky high fuel prices.

http://www.fiawtcc.com/

FoA looking to the UK in 2010 for possible sales of a luxury V6 TDCI Falcon sedan above Mondeo.

Maybe the diesel engine builds a stronger case for that market.

[mustang6172]

Well, with rising gas prices and Ford's lack of a subcompact in North America, I'm bringin' Pinto back.

 

Ford Pinto

 

- Dew Lite unibody, shortened 6 inches in lenth with the wheelbase 4 inches shorter, and three inches narrower

-- McPherson Strut (Identical to the Mustang)

-- Live axle

-- RWD

--- No variations

-- Front

-- 3 door hatchback

 

- Pinto S

-- 1.6L I-4 (105 hp/107lb·ft), 4 speed manual (4 speed auto optional)

-- AM/FM radio (no CD or MP3 player), side air bags optional, rear drum brakes, 16 inch steel wheels, power windows, manual locks, power steering (optional), air conditioning (optional)

-- No special features, very "no frills"

 

- Pinto SE

-- 1.6L I-4 (105 hp/107lb·ft), 4 speed manual (4 speed auto optional)

-- AM/FM radio w/CD and MP3 (SYNC optional), power windows and locks, 16 inch steel or 17 inch alloy wheels, rear disk brakes (optional), side airbags, Shaker 500 (optional)

-- Fog lights

 

- Pinto GT

-- 2.3L Turbocharged I-4 (245 hp/258lb·ft), 5 speed manual (5 speed auto optional)

-- AM/FM radio w/CD and MP3 (SYNC optional), power windows and locks, 17 inch alloy wheels, rear disk brakes, side airbags, Shaker 500 (optional)

-- Fog lights, Racing stripes (optional), GT badges, Spoiler, Stiffer suspension

[calypsocoral]

Well, with rising gas prices and Ford's lack of a subcompact in North America, I'm bringin' Pinto back.

 

Ford Pinto

 

So, basically, this would be based off of a shortened-wheelbase D2C (S-197 Mustang) platform?

 

Definitely a cool idea, especially if the suspension can be tightened up for a good, sporty feel.

 

I would, perhaps, re-think the base powertrain. Even if you shrink the platform to your proposed dimensions, this car would still be tipping the scales at close to 3100 lbs, at least.

 

I would think a 1.6L EcoBoost should be the base powertrain-- 180-200 hp should be enough momentum to keep a driver interested. Then the next step up could be the 2.0L EcoBoost, good for about 230-250 hp. The range-topper could be a 3.7L DI V6, perhaps?

[mustang6172]

Well I made fuel economy a much bigger priority than performance. I was intending to make it as a sub-Focus entry level car. I also was sure not to take sales away from the Mustang.

 

I think we could lower the roof by half an inch. Lighter body parts would help keep the weight down. And since it's a cheap car anyway we could take out some insulation and some of that sound deadening material.

[apexpredator]

Here's my idea for the US and it's sudden desire for fuel consumption or lack there of.

 

Model Name: Ameri Ka

110 inch wheel base

150 inch overall

70 inch track

 

Two door four seat city car

1.2L Common Rail Direct injection high efficiency turbo diesel pulling about 100HP and 180 Torque

53 HP DC Electric motor blended hybrid with plug in technology primarily for marketing reasons as

there really isn't any true performance benefits.

 

Utilizing Lithium Polymer batteries that can be formed into complicated spaces within the lower unibody

will improve performance considerably. LiPo Batts are lighter than the Lithium Ion that are currently being

used and have much better charge/discharge qualities.

 

Diesel engine in the front, electric in the rear. 5 link rear suspension with uneven double wishbone suspension up front using McPherson struts.

 

Using a seven speed dual clutch dry clutch direct shift gearbox type of setup on the diesel, regenerative braking and solar panels built into the roof of the car a theoretical 100 to 120 MPG city and 70 to 80 MPG highway should be capable due to the weight reduction from using LiPos and diminutive size.

 

Of course drag coefficient will have to be taken into account as well.

 

Polymer composites could be utilized for many of the body panels to keep weight and manufacturing costs down.

 

Electro mechanical power steering and drive by wire throttle control and braking would simplify manufacturing as well having less physical linkages between driver and the systems.

 

Ok, producing the Ameri Ka will free up all the carbon credits for the next model.

 

Call it: Black Sunshine

Front engine rear drive layout

109 inch wheelbase

5 link rear suspension

dynamic fluid magnetic dampening (like the Audi TT)

Uneven double wishbone front suspension

3.5L twin turbocharged dual overhead cam V8

Intercooled

Variable valve lift W/constant variable valve timing

 

improvements in both performance and efficiency can be produced by using new materials. Molybdenum impregnated ceramic pistons, ceramic cams ect.

 

Theoretical horsepower output should be in the 400 range and Torque in the same range. Strong light weight internals should mean that the engine can spin up to a higher RPM as well.

 

Keep steel where it needs to be for safety but lets use Aluminum and polymers where possible for weight savings.

 

Oh, and if you don't put a limited slip Diff in this car your out of your mind.

[ford4v429]

to me, the simplest way for ford to hit a home run today would be :

 

repop a 56 F100-ish fat fendered body, lengthen the front control arms and rear axle on the ranger chassis(otherwise as-is) and build classic truck with such low tooling cost you could sell them way cheap, and make a profit in volume...

 

more volume= more parts=more vendors= more workers= more buyers available in the market...things that allowed the American auto industry to be self-sufficient to begin with...The Thailand ranger that ford is looking at is just going to further weaken the marketplace for their own products- Ford needs a cheap, high volume, job creating, attractive, economical product FAST- this would be a fairly painless way to achieve that...being a ladder frame pickup chassis, adding batteries underneath for hybrid options down the road would be feasible, and its already built for weight in the back being a truck...

 

soon after release, offer a 2+2 seating 'panel truck' version with many pricey option packages to have a knockout looking vehicle to get into the crossover sales at 'comparable to alternatives on the market' but better looking and more profitable as basically its just a new shell on a tried and true chassis...the 'tried and true' and 'American made' themes could be easily welcomed in advertising too.

 

 

will it ever happen? nah, just import something cheaper that looks like brand x and sell it for a couple bucks cheaper...yeah thats the ticket, that business model has worked just swell the last few years....

[Mackintire]

2012 Ford Ranger

 

2" longer then the current model with the extra 2" inserted behind the seats.

1/2" wider chassis with most of that room added to the interior.

No low range transfer case for XL, XLT and limited trim models (The lower gearing in the new transmissions allows this and saves an additional 150lbs)

The FX4 is a $3000 option but does include an push button electronic low range transfer case

Engines feature intigrated starter generator and will turn off when the vehicle is stopped for more than 5 seconds.

All Rangers have 1000 watts of AC available inside and in the bed, due to the starter/generator

AC/waterpump/power steering/radiator fan are all electric.

 

-- Front Suspension

Coil over Shock

Rack in Pinion

 

-- Rear Suspension

3" longer, 2.5" width leaf springs with outboard mounted shocks

 

-- Drivetrain type (RWD, 4WD)

 

XL, XLT, Limited, FX4

 

-- Chassis Variations (Extended Cab and quad Cab configurations only)

 

- Trim Level 1

-- Eco-Boost 2.0ltr 200HP/200lbs torque

6 speed manual

16" wheels standard 225/60/16 (2x4)

235/70/16 (4x4)

 

-- Equipment

Normal as expected

0-60 in 8 seconds (2x4)

0-60 in 10 seconds (4x4)

EPA MPG 26 city 30 highway (2x4)

EPA MPG 23 city 27 highway (4x4)

Tow capacity 2700lbs (4x4)

 

- Trim Level 2

-- Eco-Boost 2.5ltr 250HP/250lb torque

6 speed automatic

XLT 17" wheels standard 255/60/17

Limited 18" wheels standard 255/55/18

-- Optional Microsoft Sync with 300 watt Stereo

0-60 in 7.0 Seconds (2x4)

0-60 in 7.5 Seconds (4x4)

EPA MPG 23 city 26 highway (2x4)

EPA MPG 21 city 25 highway (4x4)

Tow capacity 5000lbs (4x4)

 

 

- Trim Level 3 FX4 Ext cab only

-- Eco-Boost 2.5ltr 250HP/250lb torque

6 speed manual

245/75/16 on different offset wheels

auburn front and rear with 1.5" suspension lift

0-60 in 7.6 Seconds

EPA MPG 19 city 23 highway

Edited August 3, 2008 by Mackintire

[DUCKRACER]

The scenario-- you are a product planner at Ford Motor Company and you are in charge of the next major re-design of your car (let's assume the usual 4-year development time is being greatly accelerated).

 

Product Name

 

- Chassis specs

-- Front Suspension

-- Rear Suspension

-- Drivetrain type (FWD, RWD, AWD, 4WD)

--- Variations

-- Drivetrain layout (F, FM, M, R)

-- Chassis Variations (Sedan, Convertible, Wagon, etc)

 

- Trim Level 1

-- Powertrain

-- Equipment/Amenities

-- Special Features

 

- Trim Level 2

-- Powertrain

-- Equipment/Amenities

-- Special Features

 

 

Your decisions should take into account potential sales threats (competition, gas prices, CAFE, Emissions standards, etc) on the horizon.

OK this is going to be simple because I think most FOMOCO products are right on the money.

2010 Edge 3.5 and 2.5 EcoBoost as options. Redesigned A/C to address current complaints of low volume and inadequate cooling and ability to direct air to face.

2010 Flex to have 3.5 EcoBoost and 2.5 Ecoboost option.

3 Door Verve 1.5 Ecoboost.

2010 F-150 CrewCab to get 3.5 EcoBoost option w/6-speed tranny.

 

I REALLY plan to buy one of these in 2010MY. In Sept. 08 we are buying an '09 V6 Ecsape Limited. In 2010 we plan to replace my '04 F-250 PSD 4x4 LB with one of these 4 vehicles.