In reviewing its key competitors, Ford is positioned against Chevy, Pontiac, Honda, Toyota, Dodge, and Nissan, among others. If you wish to return to the main page, click here. Small FWD/AWD platform
Fiesta: This would basically be the European Ford Verve, both the 3 door hatch and the 4 door sedan. 
These would be evolutions of the recent concept, made larger to better serve the North American market. The concept 4 door is sized at 145 inches in length, which is actually smaller than a non-Clubman Mini Cooper. I would propose that the vehicle be sized at 150 inches for the 3 door, and approximately 165-170 inches for the 4 door, dimensions which correspond respectively to both the Aveo, and the Yaris hatchback and sedan models respectively. Styling would be exactly as Ford presented in the concept, stretching notwithstanding, and would use a narrow billet-style grille that is an evolution of the current Ford Bold design language. Drawing from the powertrain families I discussed in an earlier post, the Fiesta S would have a 1.5L 4cyl eDI engine, rated at approximately 135 hp. "eDI" stands for ecoDirect Injection, and implies a Direct Injection engine tuned for economy, much like Honda's VTEC-E and iVTEC systems. There would be a plug-in dual mode hybrid option on both bodystyles, consisting of a 1.5L 4cyl eDI Atkison-cycle coupled to an electric motor with a combined output of 145 hp. The top end Fiesta SE models would have a 2.0L eDI 4cyl rated at approximately 160 hp.
Competitors: Yaris, Fit, SX4, Aveo, Versa
Focus: This would basically be the European Focus, brought over as a 3 or 5 door hatch, and a 4 door sedan. 
The hatchbacks would be approx 170 inches in length, and the sedan would be approximately 176 inches in length. Styling would be consistent with the recently introduced European Focus, with a grille treatment similar to the billet style previewed on the Verve concept. Powertrains would consist of the 1.5L eDI 4cyl rated at approximately 135 hp for the Focus S. The 2.0L eDI 4cyl rated at approximately 160 hp would be standard on the Focus SE, and optional on the Focus S. A dual-mode plug-in hybrid similar to the Verve would consist of a 2.0L 4cyl eDI Atkison-cycle coupled to an electric motor with a combined output of approximately 165 hp, and would be optional on the S and SE. Finally, the Focus ST would have a 2.0L high output 4cyl rated at 200 hp. A limited edition SVT model on the 3 and 5 door hatchback models would come with AWD and a gas turbo Direct Injection (ecoBoost) 2.5L 4cyl rated at 250 hp. 
Intermediate FWD/AWD platform
Fusion: This would be an evolution of the current model. Angles would be tightened up, and the grille would evolve into the billet-style. Body styles would consist of a 4 door sedan and a 5 door hatchback, similar to the Mazda6, approximately 188 inches in length. Interior treatments would be upgraded to reflect more of Ford Europe's styling direction. 
The base motor offered on the Fusion S and SE would be the 2.5L eDI 4cyl rated at 175 hp. Both trim levels and both body styles would also offer a dual-mode plug-in hybrid consisting of a 2.5L eDI Atkinson 4cyl and electric motor combining for an output of 185 hp. The Fusion SE would also be available with an optional 3.0L eDI 6cyl rated at 270 hp, which would also be standard on the top line Fusion SEL. AWD would be offered with the V6 powertrain.
Competitors: Avenger, Malibu, Camry, Altima, Aura, Passat
Escape: This would also be an evolution of the current model, taking styling cues from the Explorer America concept and sized at approximately 182 inches in length. Unlike some competitors in the segment, it would not offer a 3rd row seat. The base engine offered on the Escape XL and XLT would be the 2.5L eDI 4cyl rated at 175 hp, with the XLT and Limited models offering an optional 3.0L eDI 6cyl rated at 270 hp. A separate dual-mode plug in hybrid model would be offered with a 2.5L eDI Atkinson cycle 4cyl and electric motor with a combined output of 185 hp. The Hybrid would be a stand alone model offering an optional Premium package with leather seating and other upscale options.
Competitors: Vue, CRV, Rav4, Outlander, Santa Fe
Intermediate/Large RWD/AWD platform
Taurus: This model would be based on the newly introduced Australian Falcon, would be approximately 192 inches in length, and would include a 4 door sedan and a North America-only 2 door coupe. 
The Taurus would be offered in S, SE, and ST models, with the standard engine in the S being the 2.5L gtDI 4cyl rated at 250 hp, optional on the S and standard on the SE would be the 3.5L eDI 6cyl rated at 300 hp. Optional on the SE, and standard on the ST would be the 3.5L ecoBoost 6cyl rated at 340 hp. Optional on the SE and ST is the eDI 5.0L 8cyl rated at 390 hp, which could be had with either a manumatic 6 speed automatic or a 6 speed manual transmission. This particular powertrain would be offered as part of the SVT Sport package, which would compete directly with the Pontiac G8 GXP and the SRT Charger,
and with the Severe Service package, which is the basis for the towing package as well as the Police and Livery packages. Should market conditions warrant, a hybrid or diesel powertrain package could be offered.
Competitors: G8, Maxima, Accord, Charger, Challenger, Lacrosse
Explorer: In the hierarchy of Ford's current lineup, this model would replace the Edge as the mid-size CUV. This would be the production version of the Explorer America Concept vehicle, and would be a 4 door 7 passenger RWD/AWD CUV, approximately 192 inches in length. 
As per Ford's recent press release on the Explorer America, the powertrain list is varied, and I have "enhanced" it to suit my preferences and my previously referenced post on powertrain options. The Explorer XL would offer the 2.5L ecoBoost 4cyl rated at 245 hp, and the 3.5L eDI 6cyl rated at 300 hp. The Explorer XLT would offer the 2.5L ecoBoost 4cyl standard, the 3.5L eDI 6cyl as an option, and a 5.0L eDI 8cyl rated at 385 hp. The Explorer Limited would have the 3.5L eDI 6cyl as the standard engine, with the 5.0L eDI 8cyl as an option. All models would offer a 4.0L 6cyl Direct Injection Turbo Diesel (ecoBoost-D) rated at 285 hp.
Competitors: Highlander, Pilot, Outlook, Journey, CX9, Veracruz
Crown Victoria: This flagship sedan would be ultimately based on the idea of the 427 and Interceptor concepts, 
and would be a 4 door sedan approximately 200 inches in length. Styling would be an amalgam of these two vehicles, with the faster roofline of the Interceptor, the rear clip of the 427, and a front clip reminiscent of the Fusion/427 crossed with the Falcon. The base motor offered would be the 3.5L eDI 6cyl rated at 300 hp, with the 3.5L ecoBoost 6cyl rated at 340 hp, the 5.0L eDI 8cyl rated at 390 hp, and the 4.0L ecoBoost-D 6cyl rated at 285 hp as optional engines.
Competitors: 300, Impala, Avalon, Lucerne, DTS
Mustang: This would be an evolution of the current "retro-style" Mustang. The interior, however, would not retain any retro design cues. Rather, it would be much more "cockpit" oriented, with a clean and modern style. 
The vehicle would remain as a 2+2 coupe and convertible, approximately 187 inches in length. The 2.5L ecoBoost 4cyl rated at 250 hp would be the engine offered in the "base" Mustang Pony, with the 3.5L eDI 6cyl rated at 300 hp as an optional engine. The Mustang LX, in homage to the revered LX 5.0 models of the 80s would offer the 3.5L ecoBoost 6cyl rated at 340 hp. As with its predecessor, it would offer the powertrain enhancements and the suspension enhancements, but none of the visual enhancements that normally accompany the uplevel GT and other models. This would also form the basis for the Severe Service Police Package. Moving up to the Mustang GT brings the 5.0L eDI 8cyl rated at 390 hp. Limited edition SVT models such as the Mach 1, the Bullitt, and the GT/CS and GT 350 would offer the SVT 5.8L eDI 8cyl rated at 440 hp. The ultimate Mustang, the GT 500 KR would offer an SVT 7.0L ecoBoost 8cyl rated at 600 hp, and would hunt Corvettes. 
Light Duty Truck RWD/4WD platform
Ranger: The Ranger would hearken back to the original compact minitrucks, and would range (no pun intended) from 187 to 205 inches in length, depending on cab style and bed length. It would take its basic styling cues from the recent Ford Bronco concept vehicle, and would offer regular cab, extended cab, and crew cab configurations, coupled to varying bed lengths. The Ranger XL would be the base model in the lineup, and would not be offered with either the long bed or with the crew cab. The volume model is the Ranger XLT, and could be ordered in every cab and bed combination. The XLT could also be ordered with either the FX2 on-road sport package or the FX4 off-road package. The top of the line would be the Ranger Lariat, and it would be available only with a Crew Cab and short bed. This would be the luxury model, with leather seats, Sync and Navigation, and other luxury cues. All models are available with 2 or 4 wheel drive. The Ranger XL 2wd would come standard with the 2.5L eDI 4cyl rated at 175 hp, and would offer the 2.5 ecoBoost 4cyl rated at 240 hp, the 3.0L ecoBoost-D 6cyl rated at 235 hp, or a 3.5L eDI 6cyl rated at 300 hp as options. The XLT and Lariat would come with the 2.5L ecoBoost 4cyl rated at 240 hp as standard, and the 3.0L ecoBoost-D 6cyl rated at 235 hp, or a 3.5L eDI 6cyl rated at 300 hp as options.
Competitors: Colorado/Canyon, Frontier, Tacoma
Bronco: As the Explorer would evolve into a CUV as previewed by the recent Explorer America concept, I am proposing a return of the Bronco to fill the space in the lineup for a true off-road capable SUV. The Bronco would come in both 2 door and 4 door SUV body styles, and would take styling cues from the recent Bronco concept vehicle. The 4 door model would be approximately 185 inches in length, splitting the difference between the Hummer H3 and the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, two natural competitors. 
The 2 door model would be sized at approximately 170 inches, in between the standard Wrangler and the Toyota FJ. Both dimensions are remarkably close to those of the original 1991 Explorer models. 
The Bronco 2 door would be available in XL and XLT trim levels, with several premium equipment packages available on the XLT. The FX4 off-road package would be available on both models. The 4 door model would be available in XL, XLT, and Lariat trim levels, with the FX4 off-road package again available on all models. 2WD and 4WD models would offer a 2.5L ecoBoost 4cyl rated at 240 hp as the base engine, a 3.5L eDI 6cyl rated at 300 hp, and an optional 3.0L ecoBoost-D 6cyl rated at 235 hp.
Competitors: Xterra, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, H3, Wrangler/Unlimited
F-Series: As competitive yet conservative the full-size pickup truck market is, the F-Series would mainly be a stylistic evolution of the recently previewed 2009 F-Series. 
As before, regular cab, extended cab, and crew cab options would be available with a variety of bed lengths, with overall vehicle lengths consistent with the current models, as well as those of the direct competitors. The XL trim level would be offered in regular and extended cab options, and would offer several upgrade packages, including various exterior appearance packages, interior trim and equipment, and the FX4 off-road package. The XLT trim would again be the volume model, offered in all cab/bed combinations. Both the FX2 sport and FX4 off road packages would be available on the XLT. The Lariat would again be the top trim level, featuring leather seats, navigation/Sync, DVD, and other luxury cues. Powertrain options would include the 3.5L eDI 6cyl rated at 300 hp (standard on the XL and XLT), the 5.0L eDI 8cyl rated at 385 hp (optional on the XL and XLT, standard on the Lariat), the 5.8L eDI 8cyl rated at 425 hp (optional on the XLT and Lariat), and the 4.0L 6cyl ecoBoost-D rated at 295 hp (optional on all models).
Competitors: Silverado, Sierra, Ram, Titan, Tundra
Expedition: The Expedition would be a full-size SUV evolution of the above-referenced F-Series, with styling as an amalgam of the above F-Series and the Explorer America concept. It would be offered in XL, XLT, and Limited trim levels, with the XL having basic interior and appearance upgrade packages available, the XLT offering sport and luxury upgrade packages (including the King Ranch) as well as the FX4 off-road package, and the Limited being the top of the line. Vehicle length would be comparative to the current competitors, with an extended length (EL) version approximating the length of the Yukon XL/Suburban. As with the current model, it would be based on the full-size truck platform and would incorporate independent rear suspension consistent with the current model. Powertrains would include the 3.5L eDI 6cyl rated at 300 hp (standard on the XL and XLT), the 5.0L eDI 8cyl rated at 385 hp (optional on the XL and XLT, standard on the Limited), the 5.8L eDI 8cyl rated at 425 hp (optional on the XLT and Limited), and a 4.0L 6cyl ecoBoost-D rated at 295 hp which would be available on all models.
Competitors: Tahoe, Yukon, Sequoia, Armada
Heavy Duty Truck RWD/4WD platform
F-Super Duty: The Super Duty would continue the success of the current model and be a stylistic evolution of that same vehicle. As with the current vehicles, there would be F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 models. 
Regular cab, extended cab, and crew cab configurations would be available, along with a variety of bed lengths for the F-250 and F-350. The F-450 would have the option of pairing either the regular cab or the crew cab with a traditional pickup bed, a lower cutaway designed for towing a 5th wheel trailer, or a chassis-cab configuration designed to accept a variety of utility beds. The F-550 would be the ultimate F-Series in terms of capacity and capability, and would be available in either regular or crew cab paired with the 5th wheel bed configuration, as a chassis-cab/utility bed, or as a cutaway chassis-cab to be used for RV, bus, ambulance, and other such applications. Trim levels would include XL and XLT levels, with assorted appearance and premium packages available on certain models. Powertrain options would include the 5.8L eDI 8 cyl rated at 425 hp, the 6.4L 8cyl ecoBoost-D rated at 380 hp, and a 7.0L eDI 8cyl rated at 480 hp.
Competitors: Silverado HD, Sierra HD, Ram HD
E-Series: This would be little more of an evolution of the current model, incorporating the chassis and powertrain improvements discussed throughout. As has been traditional in the full-size van marketplace, a variety of lengths would be offered, including passenger capacities from 5 to 15 persons, and a chassis-cab cutaway version for RVs, shuttle buses, and ambulances. Trim levels include XL and XLT, with the typical appearance and premium packages available on certain models. As with the F-Super Duty models, powertrain options would include the 5.8L eDI 8 cyl rated at 425 hp, the 6.4L 8cyl ecoBoost-D rated at 380 hp, and a 7.0L eDI 8cyl rated at 480 hp.
Competitors: Express, Savannah, Sprinter
Return to top
1 comment:
These are some great ideas!! I totally agree! Ford should definately do all this!!!
Post a Comment