AutoWeek, says mini MPVs to be wave of future, replacing sedans, is Ford ready?

If you click the link and read AutoWeek's article on the future trend towards mini MPVs and away from sedans*, some may wonder what Ford can do to counter this wave of new competitors. Well if you've read my blog in the past, you will know the answer to that. Bring the European Ford Fusion or it Brazilian brother the Ford Ecosport here into the US.

* I'm not sure I see this trend being as big a movement in the US, but Ford is poised to compete in any event.
Toyota's Scion brand has two mini MPVs, the Xa and Xb, the Xa is too ugly to post here, but here is the Xb. This little box on wheels is intended to apeal to the youth market, yet I see mostly middle aged people driving them. But their 1.4L I4 does give them impressive fuel economy to go with all of that useful room. The Fusion/EcoSport also has a 1.4 L I4 that gives it very good fuel economy.
The EcoSport version is available with all wheel drive, for those ocasions you want to wander off the pavement.
Now this is DCX's replacement for the Neon, and will out power the Fusion/EcoSport, but below you will see the South American EcoSport R, showing a very sporty side to this mini. Ford could install the 150hp motor from the Fiesta ST, or supercharge for even more power.

The R trim EcoSport is a natural Scion fighter. Give it some power, 4 wheel disc brakes and the body kit.
The Honda Element another one aimed directly at the youth/active lifestyle market. Basically a CRV with different body panels, rubber floors and waterproof seats. The Element seems to have hit the mark closer than the Scion.
But slap your surfboard ontop of an EcoSport and enjoy the option of all wheel drive.
Jeep has two concepts, this the patriot and another the Compass, both based on the Caliber concept, have been well recieved at the Frankfurt show. A departure from Jeep's Trail Rated legacy, the new Jeeps are based on the Dodge Neon replacement.
If Ford gets caught out in the cold on this trend, it's simply for a lack of vision. They have the platform and parts available to compete with all of the new and future MPVs.

New V-6 and V-8's from Ford to power future Fords and Lincolns

Ford is coming out with new V6 and V8 engines displacing 3.5 and 4.4 liters respectively. The 3.5 V6 will see duty in the new Fusion clones as well as the Fivehundred and future spinoffs at Lincoln. The 4.4 V8, although the same diplacement as the Jag and Rover V8 is actually a version fo the Volvo XC90's V8, which originated in the last generation Taurus SHO. Yamaha built and designed, it is necessary for the future Lincolns and crossover SUVs.

Word is that the 3.5 Dura Tec V6 will put out 250 hp, impressive right? Well, good but not great. Why is it that Nissan's 3.5 V6 puts out a minimum of 265 hp and as much as 280 hp and Ford just shoots for the middle ground? The 3.5 will be the engine for premium level cars and crossovers. To compete in that class against cars like the Maxima and crossovers like the Murano, Ford needs to shoot for 275 or higher.

Now the 4.4 Yamaha SHO/Volvo V8 should put out around 310 hp, respectable and 10hp more than the Mustang, but is it enough? With the competition having such powerfull V6 and V8 engines, is this a case of Ford playing it safe?

Ford seems to set their sites squarely on the middle ground. I guess there's safety there. The real test will be how Ford controls quality and prevents recalls on these new engines.

From one platform, many flavors of Ford, none do we get here

Here, the humble Ford Fiesta, a staple of Ford's world product line up. The Fiesta once seen on these shores is a sub-compact front wheel drive platform available anywhere the Blue Oval can be seen, anywhere but North America that is (Mexico being an exception) For about 25 years Fiesta has meant reliable sometimes fun transportation for many around the world. Below are some of the many flavors of Fiesta, all built on Fiesta mechanicals.
The Street Ka is a small roadster, based on Fiesta mechanicals this is the drop top version of the Ka availalbe through most of Europe .
Alternately called the Bantam or Courier depending on where you are, this Fiesta based mini truck is sold in Europe, Asia and Africa. A little Ranchero type car based truck.
In the UK and most of Europe, if you say Ford Fusion, this is what they think of. Again, Fiesta based mini people mover is stylish and economical. Front wheel drive with either gas or Diesel engines, I've seen this up close and wonder why it couldn't be brought to the US, but I get ahead of myself.
This four door sedan is sold in South America and parts of Asia. Based on Fiesta mechanicals is the Ford Ikon.
In Europe, you're more likely to see the panel van version of the Bantam/Courier than the bakie or pick up version.
Here's the big gun in the Fiesta stable, the ST150. With 150 hp, upgrades to suspension and some sporty styling, the ST150 is the SVT style Fiesta.
This is the Ford Puma, sold in Europe from 1999-2003 a sporty 2 door coupe similar in style to the Mercury Cougar sold in the states at the same time. There was even a racing series for these exciting little cars.
Again the Ka, this time the hard top version, very popular in the UK. Loved for their low cost of operation and dependability the spirited handling is just gravy. Another car this is club raced in the UK.
The EcoSport from South America, an all wheel drive cousin to the UK's Fusion and possibly heading to the states as the new Bronco (concept below) available as are all Fiesta based models with both a gas and a dieslel engine.
Now as we're seing with the new Mazda6/Ford Fusion platform, its possible to take the same basic structure and develop many different vehicles for different markets. The Fiesta is truly a global vehicle, as Ford is truly a global company. With energy costs rising, I would like to see some of the Fiesta family here in the US.

Dave of MPH has more spyshots, this time it's the Edge crossover

Dave over at MPH Online, sent me a link to his spyphotos of the new Ford Edge. Here is the concept photo I've posted before, click the link to see the spyphotos. Now this is being reffered to as the Edge and I know it's based on the Mazda6/Crossport, but I believe when it comes to production it may be called the FreeStyle. I believe it's going to replace the current FreeStyle based on the Volvo S80/XC90. This same architecture may be under the Fairlane if that ever makes it to produciton.

This is a sharp design, very similar to the Mazda Crossport and Lincoln Aviator concepts. Can't wait to find out more about this. But how many crossover suvs does Ford need?

Let's see FreeStyle, MetaOne, Escape, Mariner, Aviator, Edge, Fairlane, is that all of them?
Expedition, Explorer, Mountaineer, Navigator, I think Ford has trucks covered, when are we going to see some other vehicles? Oh, I almost forgot the new Bronco/EcoSport, and the stretched Expedition.

Randall over at AutoBlog sees the new Focus at Frankfurt

Randall over at AutoBlog discusses seeing the European Focus at the Frankfurt auto show and not the hot ST, but the very nice Ghia 5 door. Randall says that the price would be an obstacle for selling the new improved Focus in the US and wonders if it may bite into Fusion sales.

Randall also saw the new Focus ST and got some good photos

Focus ST

AutoMuse doesn't like the new Fusion

The AutoMuse, has cast her vote, and she'll pass on the new Fuison. AutoMuse thinks the styling begs to be a rental car. Obviuosly, the Muse is uninspired by Ford's best effort.
The Fusion which borrows styling cues from the 427 concept seen below, is Ford's replacement for the Taurus and is critical to Ford's survival.

I on the otherhand, like the new Fusion's styling. It's not a work of art, but it's nice clean crisp lines are a big breakout for Ford. The new Milan, Mercury twin to the Fusion, is a big stinking pile of mediocrity to be sure. But I believe the Fusion carries enough of the styling of the 427 concept to seem edgy and fresh. I also love the look of the new Zephyr, Lincoln's version of the Fusion.

I think the Fusion will find a warm welcome in the market. I do agree with AutoMuse, that buyers going up from Mustangs will not consider the Fusion their first choice. I belive many would cross lines to Chrysler and Dodge dealerships and go for the new Charger or Magnum, as well as the 300.

Spyphotos of SVT Shelby GT500 Cobra, thanks Dave of MPH Oline

Thanks to Dave Thomas of MPH Online, for the link and teaser photo above. MPH has three good quality images of test mule SVT Shelby GT500 Cobras, and below is an earlier show car.
For the price, it will be hard to beat the performance of this reimagined Shelby GT 500.

Fusion clone frenzy ?

This article should not be surprising to anyone who has read my blog. I think I can name all of the Fusion clones; Fusion/Milan/Zephyr/Mazda6/Edge/Aviator/Crosssport.... well I'm sure there's more. I think the Fairlane?

Nice to know I posted about it long ago, it gives me a smug self satisfaction ( oh well there goes my humility)

It was the last post in

April

N20 No No, or "Don't believe the hype" Saleen style

OK, prompted by the same call from my brother, is this posting subtitled "Don't believe the hype" (lyric from Public Enemy rap song) in which I try and inform the uninformed about the truth about the Saleen N2O Focus, which if you follow the link, they describe as a 250hp, "Nitrous ready" performance version of Ford's compact Focus. Sit around boys and girls and let me fill you in, or just read in between the lines on Saleen's own site.

The Saleen Focus N2O is fitted with the top of the line 2.0 Duratec I-4 which from the factory makes 150hp, not bad , nothing to be ashamed of. But here's where it gets interesting. Saleen supplies you with a "Nitrous ready" package, which includes all the wiring, plumbing and even the 10lb. bottle of Nitrous, plus Saleen's upgrades to the ECU. But two things are misssing for your $$$$, the bottle is empty and there is a hose missing. You see boys and girls, if you hook up the hose and fill the tank, you can kiss your warranty goodbye!!!!!!!!! Now most manufacturers will void your warranty if you get caught racing or abusing your car, just ask all those poor slobs who boughts Mitsubishi Evos or Subaru WRXs and then went autocrossing at SCCA events. But with this, you only have to hook up the bottle and goodbye warranty.

So the question is, why would anyone buy one? For the "rally inspired styling" and the neat Saleen interior upgrades? I don't know, but when I was told the one that my brother was standing by at the dealer was stickered at over $25k I thought I heard PT Barnnum calling out "Step right up folks and see the amazing PinHead."

I don't mean to imply that anyone who buys a Saleen Focus N2O is a Pinhead. Oh OK you got me, yes that's exactly what I'm saying. Further the fact that Steve Saleen would push this farse out the doors, makes him on too. Why can't we have a real 250hp Focus like the Euro ST? This one comes with 250 hp and a warranty, but not here.

Shame on Steve Saleen and Ford for the shell game they play on stupid people who buy these. You can have 250hp if you buy my car, add the gas and hose and don't mind loosing your warranty. If it was my money and I wanted a rice fighter, I'd walk over to Chevy and buy the Cobalt SS Supercharged or go over to the Dodge boys and buy the Neon SRT4, both with over 200 hp and a full warranty for just over or near $20. I say again, shame on Saleen.

Tom's Ford Dream

While I dream small in my brother's veiw, he dreams big by my estimation. My older brother Tom called me the other day from a local Ford Dealer he's been dealing with for years. They happen to be a Saleen dealer also. He likes to bust my chops in a good natured way about my choices in wheels, but we have always had the common bond not just of brothers, but of being true blue oval fans. So he calls me to tell me he's thinking of getting a new Saleen Mustang next spring or summer. Normally I assume that someone is blowing hot air, but Tom does have 2 Mustangs already, both red GTs, a 91 hatch and a 2002 (?) convertible, so if he really wants a Saleen, I believe he'll get it. Now he wasn't specific about which model, but if I know him, it will be arrest me red, his favorite Mustang color

Ford getting serious about Hybrids and alternative fuels?

The Article from the BlueOvalNews discusses Ford distributing Focus FCV's (FuelCellVehicles) to municpal governments to get real world feedback. I hope this isn't just so much public relations hype, like the electric Rangers and the Flex Fuel cars of the last few years.

Alternative engergy choices like Diesels, Hybrids and eventually Hydrogen are going to become major selling points over the next few years and Ford would be wise to on the front line with these and not playing catch up like GM and Chrysler are with Hybrids now.

Diesel Jag XJ for Europe

With 204 hp and 340 lb ft of torque, this new Jaguar XJ with a Diesel V6 should motor down thre road well. Too bad it probably won't come here. In Europe you need to have Diesel models to compete, even in the Luxury car segment. I remember in the 80's when Diesels were the rage in European Luxury and near luxury cars here in the US. Volvo, Mercedes, BMW, Peugot (which for you young people was a French car you'll never see) all of the serious players (with the exception of the Big Three) had Diesels. Now with the price of gas over $3 a gallon and $4 on the horizon, maybe we should consider them again. When the sale of "clean" low sulfur Diesel starts here, I'd like to see Diesels make a comeback.

I remember in the 80's when all the European manufacturers sold Diesel versions of their vehicles here and even Ford and GM had flirtations with Diesel. If you recall a post from June on John B's Diesel Ranger, Ford also had Diesel Escorts and I believe Tempos. Now in the US, Diesels are rarely seen in anything but full size trucks and commercial vehicles. My memory of Diesels from the 80's are of noisy smelly vehicles that you couldn't park outside in the cold weather. I helped more than one person try and start their Diesel Rabbit back then. But Diesel technology has come a long way. I know from reading the AutoProphet's blog www.theautoprophet.blogspot.com that there are still issues concerning emissions, but in the long term investments in these technologies will pay off.

Funny thing, I read on AutoBlog www.autoblog.com that Americans wouldn't prefer the low rev high torque Diesel engines. But I think the author may forget that we in the US were more in tune with high torque engines from out V8 days. It's only in recent history that high revving multi valve 4 and 6 cylinders have domminated the landscape. Or am I just showing my age? When I was younger it was all about torque and the holeshot, not about 8,000 rpm shift and bumping rev limiters. I think most US drivers could get reaquainted with low rpm torque, especially considering how many lazy americans drive automatic transmisions.

Big changes ahead at Ford

These two articles indicate that Ford is serious about change and a return to profitability in the US. It's going to be a tough road and there going to be some unpopular decisions, hard times for Ford employees, union and non-union alike. And with the news of the agreement between Ford and CAW, a lot of people are going to be unhappy.


http://www.freep.com/money/autonews/tick14e_20050914.htm


Ford very much needs to change it's fortunes in the US and as a Union member (not UAW or auto industry) it's difficult for me to say that the UAW needs to be realistic. Loose some jobs now or loose them all later. I'm not crazy about Ford sourcing parts from cheaper labor countries, but it's been the trend in manufacturing for decades.

As a very faithful Ford fan, it's difficult to watch, but better some pain now, than the eventual failure of one of the US's most important employers.

New Jag XK convertible

New Jag XK Convertible, will get better pic when available, but it is very nice.
Check out article from BlueOvalNews.

This is the way a mini van should be done

God knows I'm not a fan of Mini Vans, especially the Ford FreeStar, but this new Ford Galaxy from Europe is a far cry from the Freestar. And if you look at the two pictures here, you can see how faithful the production vehicle is to the SAV Concept.

Ever see such a nice dash and console in a Freestar? I don't think so.

Now this seems like inovation and taking a risk. Are you sure it's a Ford? Those are words they seem to be afraid of in the US. Full length overhead console and fixed glass roof are unique features. If you need a mini van, this is the one you want. Too bad it's not coming here.

250 hp 240lb ft of torque in Focus ST for Europe

Today's focus seems to be the Focus (pun intended) on BlueOvalNews is the press release from Ford anouncing the new Focus ST with 250 hp and 240 lb ft of torque from it's 2.5L I-5
This should be the SVT Focus.

Volvo C30, or how many versions of the new European Focus can you buy in the US without a Ford badge?

Volvo is expected to take the wraps off the new C30 3 door soon, expect to see it in the automotive press next month or so. But if you want a preview, go over to your local Mazda dealer, because this fine little car will be built on the CD-1 chassis which is shared with a wide variety of Ford Partner vehicles including the European Ford Focus, seen below. The C30 is to be about 8" shorter in length than it's S40 brother which of course it shares much with.
The Focus is an important car for Ford on a global scale, one of their biggest sellers in Europe and sold in every market Ford is active in (except North America). They even get the new version in China. The CD-1 architecture is shared with Mazda and Volvo and will even be the base for new models from Jaguar and Range Rover according to articles I've read online. Don't forget the new C70/Focus Vignale hard top convertibles built on the same chassis.
You may recall a posting I made earlier in the summer about Ford using this chassis to underpin future models in Europe instead of the CD-3 chassis, which is shared by the Mazda6/Fusion/Milan/Zephyr and other futuer models including crossover wagons from Ford and Mazda. So what do we get from Ford in North America? A "freshened" last generation Focus. Suposedly to keep costs down. I think the Focus should be an important car for Ford here, especially with fuel costs going up and a new sub Focus model based on the Euro Fiesta coming to the states in the near future.
The first CD-1 car to come to North America and selling well and competatively is the Mazda 3 which is getting rave reviews. Tough to swallow that excuse about costs when you see this.
The Volvo S40 4 door sedan, based on CD-1 chassis and available with all wheel drive and turbo I-5 making 218 hp, this and it's wagon varient are obviously the top fo the line CD-1 right now. That is until this chassis is used for a possible Freelander replacement in the future.
The Volvo safety concept vehicle which will give a glimpse of the styling for the new C30
The 4 door Focus in Europe, we need this in Diesel and Hybrid versions here in the US.
The Mazda 5 people mover/ mini mini van, which is on the Mazda 3 CD-1 chassis.
The Volvo V50 wagon, also available with all wheel drive and turbo I-5.

So why is it that the Mazda 3 can sell in the US at a profitable price, but the Focus can't?