Update, strategy, and a no-no for Lincoln

I am still working on my vehicle lineup posts. March has just been an unfortunately hella busy month. First will come the Ford lineup, followed shortly by Mercury, and then Lincoln. As a preview, here's how I see each brand fitting into the USDM landscape:

Ford

The brand is the volume lineup with the broadest reach within the FoMoCo family. Everything from entry-level economy subcompacts to full-size sedans with luxury pretensions to legitimate sports cars to large trucks and SUVs. Styling would be a hybrid of the current "Bold" flavor and the European "kinetic" design language, with a version of the current grille evolved into more of a narrow billet-style, like this one. While there will be some specific comparisons among specific vehicles, generally Ford would be positioned against Chevrolet, Dodge, Honda, Jeep, Nissan, Toyota, and other mainstream brands.

Mercury

Mercury is being positioned as a combination entry-lux brand and a European competitor. The lineup is obviously not as comprehensive as that of Ford, but it does cover the high volume market segments with vehicles that aspire towards the higher-end of the segment, with sportier, European pretensions. Styling would mainly incorporate the "Kinetic" design language, with waterfall grilles, HID headlights, LED taillights, and other minor tweaks to fit the USDM. As with Ford, certain vehicles would be targeted at specific competitors, but generally the brand would be positioned against Saturn, Volkswagen, Saab, Acura, Buick, Chrysler, and other near-luxury brands.

Lincoln

Lincoln is the moon-shot brand, the aspirational brand that will be aimed at the best in the world. Styling would incorporate the current design language of the split grille with a chiseled, look more consistent with the current "Bold" design language. Luxury cues would obviously abound, including HID/LED headlights, thin, wide LED taillight clusters, etc. Lincoln would be aimed at the best brands, including Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Infiniti, Jaguar, Lexus, Mercedes, etc. As with Cadillac, it is expected that pricing against competing vehicles would be likely 10 to 15 percent lower, due to the ability to amortize platform and powertrain costs across several vehicle lineups.

In any respect, the lineup posts should be coming soon. One Lincoln vehicle that will have no place in my lineup is this:Lincoln is envisioning the MKT, which would be based on the Ford Flex (which is another vehicle I want no part of) as their competitor to Buick's Enclave. I have two issues with this. First, the MKX is already in place for this...and to enlarge it to add a third row would help to differentiate it from the Edge. Besides, with its new Limited package, the Edge treads very closely to the current MKX. But more importantly, THIS THING IS FREAKING UGLY!! Pontiac Aztek ugly!! This vehicle has no future in my world, and even if Ford did move forward with it, there's no way it's going to sell in any quantity, with looks like these!

Posts coming soon!

Powertrains

OK. As discussed, now we get to the powertrains section of How I Would Do It. As with the Platforms post, I do not claim to be an engineer so I cannot attest to either the technical or financial feasibility of what I am proposing. Rather, what I am proposing is a reflection of recently announced technological directions combined with what are hopefully reasonable evolutions of existing engine and transmissions that are currently offered within the Ford Motor Company vehicle lineup. As an example, Ford has recently introduced the 6 speed automatic (6a) transmission/transaxle, and that would be utilized in most applications. I also envision the introduction of an 8 speed automatic for certain luxury and performance applications. If at all possible, the engines would be of a modular family that share basic bore spacing, some block casting, mounting points, and accessory components. That being said, here are the powertrains.

4cyl - Gasoline

This would be a DOHC 16 valve aluminum block with Direct Injection (DI). This basic engine running an Atkinson cycle would form the basis for a two-mode plug-in hybrid powertrain. ecoBoost turbocharging would be present for sport/SVT/SHO applications. Typically the engine would be mounted transversely, and would be coupled with 6m and 6a transaxles, and CVTs in hybrid applications. Basic displacements would range from 1.5L to 2.5L, and basic output would range from approximately 130 hp to 240 hp in ecoBoost turbo configurations.

6cyl – Gasoline

This would be a DOHC 24 valve aluminum block with Direct Injection (DI). This basic engine running an Atkinson cycle would form the basis for a two-mode plug-in hybrid powertrain. ecoBoost turbocharging would be present for sport/SVT/SHO applications. The engine could be mounted either transversely or longitudinally, and would be coupled with 6m and 6a transaxles or transmissions, and CVTs in hybrid applications. Basic displacements would include 3.0L and 3.5L sizes, and basic output would range from approximately 250 hp to 300 hp for naturally aspirated motors, and up to approximately 340 hp in ecoBoost turbo configurations.

6cyl - Diesel

This would be a turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24 valve direct injection engine, sharing its basic architecture with the gasoline engine. Bluetec-type emissions control methods would be employed to ensure 50 state emissions compatibility. It can be mounted transversely or longitudinally, and would be paired with 6m and 6a transmissions or transaxles. Bore and stroke allow for both 3.0L and 4.0L engines, and output would range from 235 hp to 295 hp. 6m and 6a transmissions.

8cyl - Gasoline

This would be a DOHC 32 valve engine with Direct Injection. ecoBoost turbocharging would form the basis for an SVT/SHO application. The engine would be typically mounted longitudinally, and bore and stroke allow for displacements ranging from 5.0L to 7.0L Standard output would range from 370 hp up to 450 hp, with top Mustang variants (i.e. Shelby GT500 KR, etc.) pushing out around 600 hp. 6m and 6a transmissions would be offered, with certain vehicles offering an 8 speed automatic.

8cyl - Diesel
As with the 6cyl variants, this would be a turbocharged and intercooled, DOHC direct injected engine. Bluetec-type emission control methods would be utilized for 50 state emissions compliance. The engine would typically be mounted longitudinally, and would share basic architecture with the gasoline variant. Displacements could range from 5.0L to 7.0L, with the initial engine sized at 6.4L. Output for the 6.4L ecoBoost turbocharged variant would be approximately 370 hp. Transmissions would include 6m and 6a transmissions.

I hope that provides a little more insight into where I would take the FoMoCo lineup. Full vehicle lineup posts will be coming in short order. Then you can all see how the vehicles I'm talking about utilize the platforms and powertrains that are proposed here.

Stay classy out there.

Vehicle Platforms

PLATFORMS

As mentioned in previous posts, I intend to cover the vehicle platforms first. Discussion of the platforms and the various vehicles that would utilize them will include a generic mention of powertrain configurations, but not specifics. Powertrains will be a separate post at some time in the near future, and will then be followed by the vehicle line posts.

Platforms would either be based on existing platforms within the FoMoCo empire (including Mazda and Volvo), evolutions of same, or reasonably likely replacements for the current class of platform. Again, I am not nor do I claim to be an engineer. Nor am I a bean counter. The feasibility of these platforms from both a technical as well as a financial perspective has not been determined. I am simply working off of my basic understanding of cars, the current state of the market, the current state of Ford's vehicle lineups throughout the world, and what future prognosticating has already been done. That being said, here we go.

Small FWD/AWD platform

This platform would underpin the majority of small cars and crossover utility vehicles within several of Ford's brands. Given this range, the modular platform would be able to accommodate vehicle lengths from approximately 165 to 182 inches. Powertrains would consist of 4cyl and hybrid 4cyl motors, and possibly 6cyl motors. Transmissions include 6m and 6a on the 4cyl cars, CVT for the hybrids, and 6m and 6a for the 6cyl cars. Suspension configurations would either be MacPherson Strut or Double Wishbone on the front, and 5 link rear.

Intermediate FWD/AWD platform

This platform would underpin the majority of mid-size cars and crossover utility vehicles within several of Ford's brands. Given this range, the modular platform, which is effectively an evolution of the aforementioned Small FWD/AWD platform, would be able to accommodate vehicle lengths from approximately 185 to 195 inches. Powertrains would consist of 4cyl and 6cyl motors, and hybrid 4cyl and possibly hybrid 6cyl motors. Transmissions include 6m and 6a on the 4cyl cars, CVT for the hybrids, and 6m and 6a for the 6cyl cars. Suspension configurations would either be MacPherson Strut or Double Wishbone on the front, and 5 link rear.

Intermediate/Large RWD/AWD platform

To me, this is the platform where the fun begins. Rear wheel drive with optional AWD, underpinning a variety of mid-size and large sedans, coupes, and CUVs. In the interest of further amortization of costs, the Mustang would also be built on this platform. The vehicles on this platform could range from lengths of approximately 186 to 206 inches. Powertrains would consist primarily of 6cyl and 8cyl gasoline motors, with possible application of the EcoBoost turbo 4cyl, hybrid gasoline 6cyls, and 6cyl turbo diesels. Transmissions include 6m (certain vehicles) and 6a for the majority of cars, with some luxury or performance models including a future 8 speed automatic. Suspension would be MacPherson Strut front and 5 link rear.

Light Duty Truck RWD/4WD platform

This is an obvious application. I envision this platform being utilized in a fashion similar to that of Nissan's F-Alpha truck platform. This platform would not only underpin the full-size pickup trucks and SUVs, but also a mid-size pickup to replace the Ranger and a true compact to mid-size SUV. The plaform would have a fully boxed frame, and would support an A-Arm independent front suspension and either a solid rear axle located with coils or a multi-link independent rear axle. Powertrains would consist of 4cyl, 6cyl and 8cyl gasoline motors, and 6cyl turbo diesels. Transmissions include 6m (certain applications) and 6a for all vehicles.

Heavy Duty Truck RWD/4WD platform

This is an even more obvious application, with vehicles including full-size trucks, vans, and utility/cutaway fitments/chassis cabs. There would be a fully boxed frame, with a coil-sprung independent front suspension on lighter-duty applications and a solid front axle with leaf springs for heavier duty applications. Rear suspension would consist of solid rear axles located with leaf springs. Powertrains would consist of 8cyl gasoline and 8cyl turbo diesel motors. Transmissions include 6m (certain applications) and 6a for all vehicles.

So now we have the platforms established, and we've alluded to the vehicles that would populate the Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln lineups in North America (and possible export markets). Stay tuned for the powertrain post.

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.