Sunday, January 25, 2009

Ford - Carpocalypse Lineup

Ford Motor Company

Ford is actually in the best shape of any of the domestics, and frankly they've got a pretty strong lineup. That being said, the realities of the carpocalypse dictate that there must be some tweaking of things. As with my earlier posts on FoMoCo, these lineups don't necessarily reflect changing relationships (i.e. Mazda and Volvo), but logicaly expands on where those relationships are and may be going. Right now Ford is starting their push for the EcoBoost motors, and at this point have put their global RWD platform on hold.

Ford

Full spectrum lineup, value and performance being a focus.

Fiesta - Basically as is proposed with the three and four door models. 1.5L DI 4cyl rated at 135 hp, with a 1.5L dual mode hybrid rated at 140 hp, and a 1.5L ecoBoost 4cyl DI turbo rated at 165 hp for the top models.

Focus - 3, 4, and 5 door models based on European Focus. 1.5L DI 4cyl rated at 135 hp for base model, 1.5L ecoBoost 4cyl turbo rated at 165 hp, 1.5L dual mode hybrid rated at 140 hp, 2.0 ecoBoost 4cyl rated at 220 hp for SVT model.

Fusion - Evolution of recently introduced 2010 model.

Taurus - Evolution of recently introduced 2010 model, including proposed 2011 SHO model.

Mustang - Evolution of recently introduced 2010 model, with revised powertrains. 2.5L ecoBoost DI 4cyl rated at 240 hp for the base Pony. In homage to the revered 5.0LX Mustangs of the late 80s, the Mustang LX would offer the 3.5L ecoBoost 6cyl out of the Taurus SHO. This car would include the suspension enhancements of the GT, but none of the exterior flash. The GT would include a 5.0L DI 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.

Ranger - This would be heavily revised, and would be based on the recently introduced Euro/South American Ranger. It would offer regular, extended, and crew cab configurations, with short and long beds. Powertrains would consist of the 2.5L 4cyl at 175 hp, a 2.5L ecoBoost-D 4cyl turbo diesel rated at 200 hp, and the 3.5L DI 6cyl rated at 290 hp.

Explorer - This would evolve into the 7 passenger Explorer America CUV concept. 2.5L 4cyl ecoBoost rated at 250 hp for the base motor, with the 3.5L DI 6cyl rated at 290 hp. The Flex would die off.

Escape - Continued evolution of the current model. Powertrain choices would include the 2.5L eDI 4cyl rated at 175 hp, the 2.5L eDI hybrid rated at 185 hp, and the 3.0L eDI 6cyl rated at 275 hp.

Expedition - This would be an evolution of the current model, based on the 2009 F-150. Regular and extended length models would be offered. Powertrains would include the 3.5L eDI 6cyl rated at 300 hp, the 5.0L eDI 8cyl rated at 385 hp, the 5.8L eDI 8cyl rated at 425 hp, and a 4.0L 6cyl ecoBoost-D rated at 295 hp.

F-150 - This would be an evolution of the recently introduced 2009 model. The main difference would be in the powertrain department. These would mimic the choices in the Expedition, and include the 3.5L eDI 6cyl rated at 300 hp, the 5.0L eDI 8cyl rated at 385 hp, the 5.8L eDI 8cyl rated at 425 hp, and a 4.0L 6cyl ecoBoost-D rated at 295 hp.

F-Super Duty - Again, this would be an evolution of the current model. 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.

Econoline - Again, this would be an evolution of the current model. 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.

Lincoln/Mercury

As much as it pains me, I think Mercury as a separate division may not be able to survive. Of the Big 3's weaker divisions (Pontiac, Saturn, etc.), I like Mercury the best, and I think presented a feasible and optimistic view of what should be. That being said, this is the era of the Carpocalypse, and a new reality must be addressed.

Capri - As I noted previously, my intention was for Mercury to become Ford's import brand, stocked with vehicles either inspired by or taken from Ford's international lineups. The Capri would tie itself to the original Ford Capri from 70's Europe, and embody continental sport and luxury leanings in an entry level car. Based on the European Focus sedan and convertible, this would expand Lincoln's lineup to include an easier entry point for what should be a top-notch brand. Powertrains would include the 1.5L ecoBoost 4cyl turbo rated at 165 hp, 1.5L dual mode hybrid rated at 140 hp, 2.0 ecoBoost 4cyl rated at 220 hp for the top sport models.

Mariner - As I noted previously, to fit the "Continental" image I envision for Mercury, the Mariner would depart stylistically from the Escape, and would be based off of the European Ford Kuga CUV. Powertrains would mimic the Escape, though, and would include the 2.5L eDI 4cyl rated at 175 hp, the 2.5L eDI hybrid rated at 185 hp, and the 3.0L eDI 6cyl rated at 275 hp.

MKZ/Zephyr - My naming scheme is changing around, due to the planned absence of the RWD Aussie Falcon in the lineup. That being said, the Zephyr would be an evolution of the current model. Powertrain options, though, would include the 3.5L eDI 6cyl rated at 300 hp or an optional 3.0L eDI hybrid 6 cyl rated at approximately 265 hp.

MKS/Continental - This would be an evolution of the current MKS, and would offer powertrain options consistent with those of the Taurus.

MKT/Aviator - This would be an evolution of the current MKT, and would be a 7 passenger CUV. Powertrains would mimic the MKS/Continental. The MKX would die off.

Navigator - This would be an evolution of the current, Powertrains would mimic those offered in the Expedition, and would include the 3.5L eDI 6cyl rated at 300 hp, the 5.0L eDI 8cyl rated at 385 hp, the 5.8L eDI 8cyl rated at 425 hp, and a 4.0L 6cyl ecoBoost-D rated at 295 hp.

There you have it. The Carpocalypse lineups. Again, these are just my musings, based on current news being reported and spiced up with my own personal wants. Check back, who knows what may happen next.

2 comments:

on_thg said...

No Edge?

Also, a little surprised you're so quick to kill off the Flex.

iamhoff said...

I was never a big fan of the Flex. Too low to be an SUV/Crossover (IMO), and too blocky to be a car/wagon (like the Venza).

As to the Edge, the Explorer would take its place, as it transitions away from a truck-based SUV to a Crossover. In my original (pre-carpocalypse) Ford post (http://hereshowiwoulddoit.blogspot.com/2008/05/ford.html), the Explorer evolved into a 7 passenger mid-size Crossover that competes against the Pilot, the Highlander, et al. To fill the gap between the Escape and the Explorer, off of the (finally) newly revised Ranger platform, Ford would create a compact truck-based SUV...the Bronco. It would offer 2 and 4 door versions that split the size range from 2 door Wrangler to 4 door Xterra or H3 Hummer. And it would have the off-road cred to compete against those vehicles.

Hope that helps clarify.