Ford and the future of rear wheel drive.

[rumble]

Ford to revive rear-wheel drive in U.S.



Chrysler’s success with the Charger indicates that a market for muscular rear-wheel-drive vehicles exists
(3/24/2008)


DealersEdge Daily Headlines

Ford is bringing rear-wheel-drive development back to the United States, according to a Detroit News report. The factory also has green-lighted a vehicle platform that will provide the basis for a new generation of rear-wheel-drive cars.



Australia, where such vehicles remain popular, had emerged as Ford's center for rear-wheel-drive development. But changing economics have convinced the company to bring the program back to Michigan.



Sources said the new rear-wheel-drive platform will provide the underlying architecture for an all-new Ford Mustang, as well as for new Ford and Lincoln sedans. The same platform will be used for a next-generation Falcon in Australia. Product codes already exist for these cars, but it will still be about four years before they arrive in showrooms.



Ford would not comment on moving the rear-wheel-drive program, but said Australia will continue to play an important role in the company's product development operations.



The success of domestic rear-wheel-drive offerings from Chrysler LLC, such as the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, has convinced automakers that there is still a market for these beefier rides.



Ford already sells rear-wheel-drive cars in the United States, including the popular Mustang and the Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town Car. Production of those big sedans is slated to end by 2011, leaving a gap in Ford's lineup that the company is eager to fill with sportier offerings.

[mcb26]

Strange, no mention of Mercury.

[Aren Jay]

Strange, no mention of Mercury.


Mercury doesn't exist anymore.

Isn't the Mustang the RWD Ford?

[Marawder]

Not to beat a dead horse, but I've posted about this very situation on the SVTOA site since 2002 when I first took major notice about the Australian Ford Falcon. I put a petition together with over 100 names in a matter of weeks and broached the subject to Ford Performance execs at SVTOA meets and the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. I was told then that Ford had no plans to bring the car over to N.A. as it was simply too expensive, the platform was to antiquated anyway, and there was no market for that type of car. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?:shake: Now look at GM and what they've done with the GTO, G8 and rumour of the return of the El Camino, all based on Australian Holden (nee GM) platforms. How is it they can manage this and Ford can't? Gee, I wonder... so much for marketing analysis. I'll bet each and every one of us would jump at the chance to own one of the FPV line up of vehicles. I've already looked into trying to get one imported to Canada, but our freaking laws are so outmoded it's impossible to get one unless it's over 20 years old:censor:. Needless to say, I have almost given up hope - almost. I sincerely would like to believe that Ford will see the light and bring us back proper rear-drive platforms. Let's hope it's sooner rather than later. By the way, if you've never been, go check out Ford Australia and the FPV (Ford Performance Vehicles) line in particular. Simply awesome cars. And Car & Driver did a piece on them a few months back, titles 'The cars that could save Ford now' or something like that.

[Krytin]

Ford - the car manufacturer you LOVE to HATE!
I wonder if their marketing people will ever get their heads out of their A**HOLES!
The Marauder was released BEFORE the 300 and was/is just as good if not better! Ford dropped the program before the cars even hit the showrooms.
I remember the Mercury adds on TV when the MM was for sale - thet would show a Mountaineer or some other model driving on the road from different angles all the while talking up the features of that model. Then, from a head on shot of the model being advertised, it would pull over to reveal a Marauder following it - you would get 5 to 10 seconds of dead audio like someone deleted it and then the Marauder would be gone and the spot would end.
I hate marketing people!

[Aren Jay]

We had the same ads in Canada, only they never showed the Marauder.

[quota]

I wonder why they refer so much to Chrysler.

Just look at BMW and at Mercedes...Besides their (new) range of small car, those kept on engineering, manufacturing and selling (very well) RWD cars.

In Europe, it is quite accepted that FWD technology is better adapted to small/medium size cars. And subsequently, that the 4WD and the RWD are more suited for big/sport cars.

JP

[MarauderVOL]

Ford is dropping the ball when it comes to RWD cars. Dodge has the Charger RT and the monster SRT8, rumors are that Chevy is bringing back the Impala SS in a RWD, Pontiac has the G8 GT and a G8 GXP (402hp LS3 V8 coming out in late 2008) both of which hail from Australia (GM's Holden subsidiary). Come on Ford get with the program or I may be forced to stroll over to Pontiac and check out the G8 GXP.

[03mara300b]

The Cadillac STS is looking better every day. I grew up with Ford/Mercury cars. I just cant bail yet.They better get a performance full size RWD car to market soon or I will bail after 28 years of owning and driving Ford/Mercury products. I think all Ford cares about is their truck line. Thats where the money is. They should get out of selling cars if they wont invest in developing new car models.

[mercury_1988]

Well said 03mara300b . Ford only cares about f-series and Mustangs .