And Ford Does Something Right

Well dear readers (are there any of you?), a change in my work schedule and the holidays have conspired to keep me from updating things here at How I Would Do It. And wouldn't you know, after a lot of thought, study, and tweaking (of data, not myself), Ford went ahead and made two press announcements that will cause me to further revise my upcoming posts on vehicles, platforms, and powertrains.

Powertrains - Ford has finally decided to offer some leading edge powertrain technology. Yes, when the Modular V8 family came out, it offered a then current configuration...aluminum block, SOHC, etc. Likewise the Duratec V6 family, originally from the 96 and on Taurus/Sable and the Zetec 4cyl family from the Focus/Contour/Fusion vehicles. All were then-current technology, but didn't really raise the bar or anything. But Ford is now jumping onto the leading edge of engine technology. EcoBoost. Ford's code language for Direct Injection and turbocharging. Articles in Jalopnik, Autoblog, and others have heralded Ford's presentation of this leading edge technology. Yes, other manufacturers have very recently introduced DI motors (Cadillac 3.6 V6 offered in the CTS and STS) and Turbo DI motors (Audi TFSi engines offered in the A3, A4, and (I believe in Europe) A6 lines). But this is leading edge, and Ford has placed themselves right there with DI and twin turbocharging. Initial figures offered for the two initial applications are a 4cylinder putting out 240 hp, and a 3.5l V6 (based on the current 3.5l Duratec offered in the Edge, Taurus, Sable, etc.) that puts out a very healthy 340 hp. Ford has also announced a version of this motor will be the top engine offered in the Lincoln MKS sedan, and it will pump out an estimated 415 hp.

Platforms - a breaking post from Autoblog (and likely other sources) has confirmed that Ford is working on a new RWD platform. With the aforementioned EcoBoost engine technology, achieving reasonable CAFE numbers is a greater possibility and allow further consideration of larger RWD vehicles that otherwise would've required V8 power. Details have not been provided, but this actually fits into the scheme I've been working on. Expect further details to arrive in the near future.

Vehicles - Ford is sort of throwing a monkey wrench into my well-laid plans. A few days ago, Autoblog, and other outlets have all reported on the Ford Explorer America concept. This is a complete rethink of the Explorer, to reflect the popularity of crossover SUVs. It also features the EcoBoost powertrains mentioned earlier. I say "sort of" because I am proposing a vehicle of this nature, but probably not on the same platform identified by Ford.

With all of this news hitting the ground, I've got to get things together and get my powertrain, platform, and vehicle lineup posts together. Then I've got to get someone at Ford to read it, and hopefully find some inspiration. Wish me luck.