Ford Reflex, needed my fix

I just didn't think I had enough pictures or links on my new favorite, the Ford Reflex so I did a Google search and came up with the following; Serious Wheels and Hybridcars.com andAutobytel and even Wikipedia . I wonder can you overdose on Reflex? No, so that's why I want to point out the following also, FordMuscle.com and TuningNews

I think the Reflex is the best new concept I've seen this year and could be a real exciting product that could draw new buyers to Ford. Think about it, there are "Green" websites and "MuscleCar" websites talking about the concept. It's an easy car to bring to market also. Base it on the new B-Segment platform for the US ( Fiesta/Mazda2) and build it in the same plant as the Bronco/EcoSport down in Mexico. I'd like to see a gas and diesel version and if it could be built and priced reasonably I wouldn't mind the Hybrid version. I'm not too hot on the solar panels in the roof or the "butterfly" doors, but neither would keep me from buyint one.

You may notice fewer posts over coming days, as I've been very busy with other matters. It's another case of "Life getting in the way of blogging," I'm not a journalist, this is just a hobby.

MPH gives me my Reflex fix for the day

After my last post depressed the hell out of me, I was happy to see an article about my new obsession the Reflex over at MPH. Maybe this can take my mind off what Ford is doing to drive itself to oblivion.

Ford B-Segment possibilities

The Fiesta has been on the market in Europe and most of the world for 30 years now. And this little car, could be one of the best investments Ford ever made. It's first truely successful front wheel drive car, and the first "world car" being exported to all markets including the US in the mid 70's.
Fiesta mechanicals are found under diverse models world wide. Like the Ka in Europe.
The Sporty Puma, which had it's own racing series in Europe.
The Ikon, which is sold in Asia and Latin American markets.
The Bantam/Courier panel vans and small pickups.
The EcoSport mini SUV sold in Latin America. And the Fiesta mechanicals have so much more to give. This platform could be the base for some very interesting models from Ford.
How about the Faction? An easy competitor for the Dodge Hornet. Chrysler is shopping for a partner to produce the Hornet. Ford doesn't need one, they have a ready chassis and facilities already tooled for it. All they need are body stampings.
The Fiesta based EcoSport and it's Duratorq powertrain are under the Bronco concept and possible production model.
And what better chassis to utilize to bring the Reflex to market? It would be like a new Puma.

I think the Fiesta chassis could be a huge hit for Ford, including in the US, where multiple models could be built on this chassis and powerplants. Everything from a base economy car, to a sports car and an off road model. All from such humble beginings.

Autoline Detroit, PSA Diesel Hybrid, and what it should mean for Ford.

I was watching Autoline Detroit, as I do every Sunday, and John McElroy was talking about new technologies and had a special segment on PSA (Citreon/Peugeot) Diesel Hybrid concept. He was fawning over it, and with it's combined fuel economy of 70 mpg, it's impressive. But I was yelling at the TV screeen, trying to remind John, that PSA isn't the only one that has such a concept. The Ford Reflex is a Diesel Hybrid! Ok, maybe the Reflex isn't as close to production, and it's hybrid system not as practical. But Ford has Hybrid and Diesels in their product mix.
Why can't Ford, combine the two existing technologies into the Fiesta and beet PSA to market? After all, the Ford Duratorq Diesels are a joint design with PSA, so they have half already. Couldn't this be mated with a scaled down verison of the Escape Hybrid's transmission and electric motor system?

Shawn wants the GR-1 and Reflex, and so do I

Shawn, a regular reader and commentor on this blog, in a recent comment on the Kabura, says he'd like to see the GR1 and Reflex built. And I agree, although I don't see the GR1 coming too soon.
In a way, the Reflex seems like the "Mini Me" of the GR1, especially in the silver. But it's a lower cost gamble for Ford, since it's underpinnings and powertrain are taken from Ford's European B Segement Fiesta. Building both the GR1 and Reflex would give Ford bookend performance models for the Mustang line.
The Ford GT, was a hell of an image boost for Ford, coming out just after the Centenial celebration. This car, who many lament over it's production end, was never really supposed to be a permanent addition to the lineup. It's expensive to produce and buy and limited in it's apeal. And when I say limited in it's apeal, I mean usefulness. Let's face it, everybody loves the looks and the performance. But it's not a car you can take to the country club or a night out. It's a toy for the very rich, and a bargain at $150k. But Ford originally said it would have a short run, and eventually be replaced by either the "Cobra" V10 roadster or the Shelby GR1 coupe.
The Mustang is an iconic model, with varying levles of performance, from the Base 210 hp V6, 300 hp GT and the 450 hp Shelby GT500 coming soon. Ford seems to have most of the bases covered with the Mustang, but it doesn't really. Ford needs a hot hatch type of car, like the SVT Focus that's gone, or even better the Focus ST from Europe (and the rest of the world.) And Ford could us a sporty sedan, like the rummored SVT Fusion. Ford has had them in the past, with the SHO Taurus or SVT Contour. A Reflex could be Ford's first rung on the performance ladder and the GR1 could be the top of the line.
Ford hasn't really had a head to head competitor for the Corvette, despite the original T-Bird or Shelby Cobras and GT350/500 Mustangs. And the new Corvette is an amazing package, you have several levels of performance, from the base 400 hp to the top of the line Z06 with 500 hp. And the Corvette, has decent lugage capacity for a 2 seat sports car, while still being able to run with Ferrari (in the case of the Z06.) With base prices south of $50k and topping out well under $100k, it's a tough act to follow.
Dodge gave it a shot with the Viper, which has asphalt busting power and handling, but not as practical as the Vette, and only a match for the Z06 at a higher price. The ride is harsher and although it's still on the market, it's not as practical as the Vette and not as fast as Ford's GT.
But Chrysler isn't just sitting back, they've shown this Firepower concept, with a V8 instead of the Viper's V10, and a little bit more luxury than race car.

When Ford gets their act together, the GR1 could be a model they want to consider. Bring out the Reflex now, and work toward the GR1. Sure they'd have to sell 100 Reflex for every 1 GR1, but both could be success in their own way.

Never too much Reflex talk

My new obsession from Ford is the Reflex concept, if you hadn't been able to figure that out. Ever since seeing pictures of this concept, I've been wanting one. Now I don't necessarily want the exact concept, I'm not too thrilled with the solar panels in the roof, and I'm kind of cool on the Diesel/Electric Hybrid powerplant. But the styling is dead on and the idea of a sporty 3 door hatch with 2 seats (forget the stupid 3rd seat) really gets me wanting one. I usually hate silver cars, too bland for my taste, but this looks good.
A few commentors have said that they would like to see something like this built on the MX5 chassis, with rear wheel drive and the 2.3L Direct Injected Turbo from MazdaSpeed. Well, that would be a pipedream in my view. I know you're supposed to dream big, but Ford doesn't need a reboddied and hot rodded MX5. Ford needs something that will have innovation written all over it and that can be a long term player. I see the Reflex as an entry level sporty coupe, not a mini Jaguar or Aston Martin. Keep it small and somewhat economical, aim it at the youth market. Make it somewhat practical too. So that means a usable hatch, options for ski or bike racks on the back and front wheel drive to get to those ski slopes as well as to work in the winter. An MX5 chassis, would leave this strictly as a seasonal second car, or the necessary traction and stability control would drive the price up too far.
Here's the way I see it, take some of the technology from the MazdaSpeed and apply it to a smaller engine, say a 1.6 L or at most a 2.0 L engine. Give it the direct injection and turbo, making around 175 hp, but keeping fuel economy above 35 mpg on the highway. If I could get 175 hp and over 40 mpg that would be the best. Front wheel drive, with a 5 or 6 speed manual available, a CVT automatic optional. Give me the option of a moonroof or even T-tops or Targa roof. 17 inch wheels will make more sense than those huge dubs, maybe even 16 inchers depending on production.

I know some are going to disagree, wanting more power or rear wheel drive. And others may disagree with the abandoning of the Diesel/Hybrid powertrain. But this is a package that I see as coming in at the mid $20k range and appealing to a wide range of people. I don't see it being a huge seller like a Mustang, so keeping it front wheel drive, allows it to be built off a new B segment Fiesta/Mazda2 platform in a flexible plant. Dreams are nice, but I want to see this car produced, and then buy one.

Re-read Kevin Wilson's piece in AutoWeek on Ford

As I sit shaking in fear over what a certain pinhead Splogger may do to me, I've been re-reading Kevin Willson's piece on Ford from the Feb 6 issue of AutoWeek. I had commented on it earlier this month, saying jokingly that he must be reading my blog. He has 7 points in is "Seven Ways Forward" article, moves he believes Ford can regain market share. Most have been heard here and elsewhere before. But it's a nice day, and I felt like rehashing them here again. Now Point 1 was the C-1 Euro Focus. Kevin rightly points out, that with the market shift towards smaller cars, because of higher fuel prices, this should pay for itself. To remain competative in this once again growing segment, Ford needs to jump start Focus sales with the new platform and I would say with an SVT version based on either the ST from Europe or the MazdaSpeed3. In my opinion, this is a no brainer.
Kevin's 2nd point is "Rethink Minivan" and he points to the Fairlane Concept built on the 500/Freestyle platform and the Euro SAV built on the stretched C-1 platform. The Fairlance according to reports has been green lighted for 2008. I don't necessarilly agree on the SAV, but could see it as a Lincoln or Mercury, with it's plush interior and skylight roof. Sized just a little larger than a Mazda5 it's a wonderful vehicle. Ford's FreeStar is crap, pure and simple, even with it's larger 4.2 V6 and deep discounts. So maybe Kevin has a point.
Now Kevin's point 3 is something I've been saying for a long time, and it's obvious that Ford would have a winner with a new Bronco if it's done right. But Kevin's assertation that the Bronco be combined with a program to replace the Ranger is way off base. The Bronco concept would steal sales from the Toyota FJ Cruiser, that's certain, but does Kevin realize how small this really is? It was supposed to be based on B-segment Fiesta/EcoSport mechanicals with a 1.4 Diesel and Hybrid components. The same chassis would not serve well as a Ranger replacement. The new Ranger shown in Thailand is the right direction for the Ranger, not this Bronco. This would fit between the FJ Cruiser and vehicles like the Honda Element. It's unlikely to see production anytime soon.
Kevin's 4th point is a homerun in my book, but could be a grand slam. Kevin says bring the Ford of Australia Ute here as a Mercury or Lincoln branded Ranchero type of truck. He sees it replacing the Mark LT. Kevin, close but not a winner. Yes bring the Falcon Ute here, sell it as a Mercury not a Lincoln, in fact bring the entire Falcon range here, as replacements for the Panther platform (Crown Vic/Grand Marquis/TownCar) but don't kill the Mark LT. With the success of Cadilacs trucks, the LT is cheap insurance. Built on the same line as the F150, the LT can't cost much to produce, keep it until sales simply decline.
Kevin gets a little wide here with point 5. He simply says B-segment Subcompact and after listing competitors like the Kia Rio, Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris and Hyundai Accent, he mentions that crap SynUS concpet from Ford as being a failure (that's the turd that looked like a bank vault on wheels.) Then he mentions the EcoSport built on Fiesta Mechanicals.
Kevin goes a little farther afield when he mentions the Model U concept from 2002. This one you may recall was to be a "Recyclable" car, utilizing alternative materials. A sort of crossover for the Siera Club.
And then finally Kevin pulls this one out of his hat. The Ford Faction concept from 2003. Now with all of the B-segment Cubes headed our way, Kevin may be onto something here. Based on Fiesta/Mazda2 mechanicals, this is a sharp little vehicle. This is cool!!!
Kevin's 6th point, what he calls "Ameri-Ka" seeks a stylish B segment coupe, built off Ka/Fiesta mechanicals. I agree, although I'm not sure the Ka is the one.
But as if reading my mind Kevin points to the Reflex, my new favorite concept. Kevin sees it as a new Mercury, and I can live with that. I WANT THIS !!!!
Now point 7 "A True Compact Pickup" makes no sense at all. Again Kevin calls for the replacement of the Ranger with a new "Compact" truck, because he see the Ranger replacement moving up in size. But even if the Ranger moves up to "mid-size" like the competition, where does he see the market for smaller compact trucks? The Bantam/Courier mini trucklet seen here is again built on Fiesta mechanicals and front wheel drive. I see it as a niche vehicle, maybe competing with the likes of Scion Xb and Honda Element. Scion has shown concept trucklet based on the Xb mini mpv. But could it sell in large enough numbers?

The only way I see many of Kevins points working, is if Ford builds a new plant with flexible capability making several of these models based on the new Fiesta/Mazda2 platform. Not that it's impossible, actually I'd love to see it. One new plant building The various models on the same platform, with engine and drivetrain options including all wheel drive and Diesel engines. If you can build several versions of the 500/Montego/FreeStyle/MKS/Fairlane at the same plant, why can't you build the Bronco/EcoSport/Faction/Reflex/Courier or others at a different new plant? Building the cars in North America protects you from curency fluctuations, and allows you to change product mix from the plant in accordance with demand quicker.

So I don't really see 7 points, but 4. First bring (build) the C-1 Focus here, second re-energize minivan or people mover sales with new more interesting product, third bring the Falcon Ute (entire line actually) here for Mercury and fourth utilize Fiesta/Mazda2 platform to create several new niche models that would invigorate Ford's lineup and defray costs by common components and flexible production.

Nice work Kevin, your plan with my changes could go a long way to the "Way Forward." Let's hope that someone from Ford reads your magazine and even better my blog.

Reflex obsession

I've been obsessing over the Reflex, ever since I first saw it online. I love the styling and proportions of this car. It has such potential. Now the concept car for the show, has a 1.4 Diesel Hybrid powertrain driving the front wheels, and an electric motor driving the rear, with solar panels in the roof to help rehcarge the batteries. Other unique characteristics are the scissor doors and third seat. Now honestly I don't think many of these features will or should come to market.
I'd like to see this car come to market with the styling changed as little as possible. But loose the scissor doors and solar panels. Give me conventional doors and a moonroof instead. Loose the third seat, give me storage bins in it's place. A Hybrid powerplant, is not needed, in a car that with the right petrol or diesel engine could achieve 40 mpg or better and have decent performance. All wheel drive is not needed either. Give me a 1.5 gas or 1.6 Diesel engine driving the front wheels through a manual transmission. Rear wheel drive would be great, but the availalbe front wheel drive platform exists now, and that's when I want this car, NOW.
Give me a usable hatch, not a useless trunk, and keep those lines intact. This is a car that Ford could build on the European Fiesta platform quickly if they wanted. If they want to "drive American inovation," drive it with this. Prove to the world that Ford can come out with a small sporty economical car without having to wait 5 years.

I want mine in LeMans Blue, with white stripes up and over and down low on the rocker panels. I'd like a nice leather interior in black with A/C, moonroof and a decent stereo. It should handle well, be comfortable and get at least 35 mpg. With that big grille, put a turbo and intercooler in there with direct injection for more power too. I know that's asking for a great deal, but here's my last requirement, give it to me for under $25k, make the turbo optional if you have to, in order to get me that price.

Am I crazy? Or does this seem like a reasonable expectation?

AutoBlog article "Reflex and Fairlane to part of Way Fordward?"

Interesting article over at AutoBlog, apparently Mark Fields mentioned the Reflex and Fairlane concepts (clay models of each flank him in picture) as part of the Way Forward plans at Ford.
Here's the much circulated picture of the Fairlane concept, the CUV which is rumored to be replacing Ford's minivan. There are aspect to like and dislike about it and we'll know more when a production version is revieled at a future autoshow.
More important to me and possibly to Ford is the Reflex compact sport coupe. I wouldn't expect to see a Diesel Hybrid with electric motor driving the rear wheels or the solar panels in the roof to assist recharging the batteries. But I love the styling and could appreciate a front wheel drive version with 1.5 or so liter I4.
I absolutely love the styling and can see this in my driveway. I'm thinking a blue or green one with a moonroof, leather and nice stereo. I'd love a Diesel, but a peppy little gas engine will do, as long as I can expect at least 30 mpg on the highway (prefer 40 mpg.) And since I'm dreaming a 6 speed manual would be nice too. I like the hatchback, keep it glass and make it functional. Price it around $22k well equiped, I don't care what the base price is, I wouldn't buy it stripped. I don't care about the scissor doors, conventional doors will do fine. But don't loose those lines, this car looks fast standing still.

Here's my pledge to Ford, build what I want and I'll buy it, and I think others would too. Believe it or not, I would actually buy this over a new Mustang. I like the styling that much.

I even like the name Reflex, it would be a nice departure from those damn F names. And the only down side is that now that damn Duran Duran song is running through my head. Oh well, as much as I try to forget the 80's they keep haunting me. Hey! There's an idea, use that song in the ads for the car, maybe even dust of the members of Duran Duran for a concert or something. Or even better, have a new group do a cover of the song. Get the young people and older people like me. This car just makes too much sense the more I think of it.

Ford are you listening????? I want this!

Jalopnik points to article on Reflex possibly being new Puma in Europe!

Above is the Ford Puma, below the new Ford Reflex concept.

I read over at Jalopnik, that UK magazine is speculating that the new Ford Reflex concept could be pointing to the styling of the new Fiesta based sporty coupe for Europe, the Puma! The Fiesta is due for a redesign in 2008. Now I know it's front wheel drive, but you know what? I still want one.

Reflex, Iosis and Raptide, all cut from same cloth as per styling

Take a look at the Reflex concept and see the trend at Ford's brands. This conecpt will never be built as is, with it's Diesel/Electric Hybrid drive and quirky seating arangement. Forget the scisor doors also, they won't be on any Ford coming soon. But take a close look at the styling and maybe even the basic layout and you could be seeing a future Ford product. One that would be available in Europe and elsewhere, before finally coming to our shores.
Do you see the recurring styling themes here? The headturning Iosis concept shown here.
Jaguar coupe seen here in concept form.
Aston Martin Rapide 4 door sedan/coupe.
Reflex again, with doors closed.
Even the new Lincoln MKS sedan.
Aston Martin Virage coupe.
Rear view of Reflex concept. There is a common thread in the styling of all of these vehicles. No it's not cookie cutter styling, and I'm not complaining. It's a sign of life that gives hope to the future of Ford. Who knows? the Reflex could be a new European Ford, like the short lived Puma. Maybe a new Focus based coupe? Either eliminate or widen the rear seat and put on conventional doors. Give me the new Focus ST engine and rear wheel drive???

Could we have the Ford Capri? Oh I hope someone at Ford can see the potential in such a sports coupe.