Ford's New Global RWD Range Aimed At GM's Zeta Program

1931Chevy · 07-13-2007, 05:54 PM

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...d=121698?imw=Y

DEARBORN, Mich. — The Ford Motor Company plans to challenge crosstown rival General Motors with a new family of rear-wheel-drive coupes and sedans, but the first of the new U.S. cars aren't expected to hit the street until model-year 2012.

IL has learned that Ford's Australian subsidiary will do much of the initial engineering work on the new rear-drive architecture — in effect, borrowing a page from GM's playbook. The General's Holden subsidiary likewise is leading the engineering on GM's new Zeta rear-drive family.

Why Australia? Because the product development teams at both automakers have broad experience at developing rear-drive vehicles, including performance editions of standard production models.

Ford of Australia is preparing to launch a redesigned Falcon sedan in early 2008 and already has begun development work on the next-generation Falcon, which will continue with rear-wheel drive. Now, top executives at Ford headquarters in Dearborn want to expand that work to encompass derivatives for North America and perhaps Europe.

Ford suppliers know the future architecture generically as the "global large rear-wheel-drive vehicle platform."

Ford's plan for its new RWD/AWD range is relatively modest.

For North America, it is expected to include replacements for the Mustang, the Crown Victoria, the Grand Marquis and the Town Car. For Australia, there will be replacements for the Falcon, Fairlane and LTD sedans. There may also be a new rear-drive flagship sedan for Ford of Europe.

Ford may even develop a car-based replacement for its Explorer SUV, using the new architecture, while its Australian arm will likely base the next-generation Territory tall wagon on the same component set.

Leaked!!! Official 2008 Ford Falcon Performance RWD Pictures

2b2 · 07-13-2007, 07:04 PM

tho I've got other ideas for the time frame
other than that, I hope Edmunds is right

Tomko · 07-13-2007, 09:55 PM

I'm smelling a new Panther...

Aych Es Vee · 07-13-2007, 10:05 PM

The Falcon that is about to be launched is on a new platform isnt it????
They're going to design another platform straight away?

It wont be in production for another 6 or 7 years.

mikmak · 07-13-2007, 10:24 PM

No, the Orion is on a redesigned BA platform. It is very similar to the current setup with the change of front suspension to shift the rack forward of the front axle (as per the Territory). It's an extensive rework but still a re work. This is very good news for Ford and Holden. As long as one is there to compete with, they are sure to be ever improving.

rueben44 · 07-13-2007, 10:41 PM

Another case of Ford leadership leading by following GM. Hell GM is about 2 year behind everyone else so what does that say about Ford. 2012!!!!! LOL!!!!!

2b2 · 07-13-2007, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aych Es Vee

...It wont be in production for another 6 or 7 years.

I think the Orion will be the basis to include the latest features & subsystems in the 'Huntsman' - tho as I said in another thread, ovl sizes may get revised due to the advantages of (relatively) clean-sheet packaging yielding better interior space...
at least they don't have to re-invent the wheel - that I could see taking 6-7 years

bottom line:
if soon-to-be current Orion configuration can't go past 2010, it's very unlikely Ford would just skip having a successor for a couple years.

chadbarb99 · 07-13-2007, 11:06 PM

With Ford's track record you'll never see these cars hit our shores, but you'll get a nice FWD Taurus though.

Xenon · 07-14-2007, 02:00 AM

Does this mean Panther replacements? Police cars are starting to look like an eyesore now...

Kennyboy · 07-14-2007, 02:31 AM

2012??? And people say GM is behind curve with regards to hybrid technology and fuel efficient cars. Well, at least the 2.5 have their share of rear drive cars. Perhaps Toyota will get into the ballgame and introduce a rear drive car, ala Celica or Supra?

t-rex · 07-14-2007, 02:39 AM

They engineered Orion for LHD. I'm wondering if Ford would have spent that much on LHD development just for the Middle East market, where Ford have somewhat of a weak presence (or at least they used to).

editor · 07-14-2007, 03:59 AM

Ford Australia has been losing money in the cutthroat Australian market, and now thinks it may have a solution: exporting their big tough cars from Oz.

Go HERE for the post...

Bolex · 07-14-2007, 05:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rueben44

Another case of Ford leadership leading by following GM. Hell GM is about 2 year behind everyone else so what does that say about Ford. 2012!!!!! LOL!!!!!

LOL with you!! these dimwads are hilarious!! lemme see there 'BOLD MOVES" motto came out...a year ago? and the first promising effort will arrive 2012? HAHAHA by then they'll be closed down to the ground. freakin hilarious!

Butz · 07-14-2007, 06:46 AM

So the new Global RWD wont bring a midsize RWD sedan to NA!!

kenman923 · 07-14-2007, 07:12 AM

Sounds like they are coming late to the party.

07-13-2007, 05:54 PM	#1 (permalink)
1931Chevy 6.0 Liter LS2 V8 Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 4,206	Ford's New Global RWD Range Aimed At GM's Zeta Program http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...d=121698?imw=Y DEARBORN, Mich. — The Ford Motor Company plans to challenge crosstown rival General Motors with a new family of rear-wheel-drive coupes and sedans, but the first of the new U.S. cars aren't expected to hit the street until model-year 2012. IL has learned that Ford's Australian subsidiary will do much of the initial engineering work on the new rear-drive architecture — in effect, borrowing a page from GM's playbook. The General's Holden subsidiary likewise is leading the engineering on GM's new Zeta rear-drive family. Why Australia? Because the product development teams at both automakers have broad experience at developing rear-drive vehicles, including performance editions of standard production models. Ford of Australia is preparing to launch a redesigned Falcon sedan in early 2008 and already has begun development work on the next-generation Falcon, which will continue with rear-wheel drive. Now, top executives at Ford headquarters in Dearborn want to expand that work to encompass derivatives for North America and perhaps Europe. Ford suppliers know the future architecture generically as the "global large rear-wheel-drive vehicle platform." Ford's plan for its new RWD/AWD range is relatively modest. For North America, it is expected to include replacements for the Mustang, the Crown Victoria, the Grand Marquis and the Town Car. For Australia, there will be replacements for the Falcon, Fairlane and LTD sedans. There may also be a new rear-drive flagship sedan for Ford of Europe. Ford may even develop a car-based replacement for its Explorer SUV, using the new architecture, while its Australian arm will likely base the next-generation Territory tall wagon on the same component set. Leaked!!! Official 2008 Ford Falcon Performance RWD Pictures Last edited by JoeT : 07-13-2007 at 09:33 PM.

07-13-2007, 07:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
2b2 6.0 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: somewhere off highway395, US 1374304 (aka 'mudball', 'dirt',...) Posts: 1,861	Re: Ford's Global RWD Range Aimed at GM tho I've got other ideas for the time frame other than that, I hope Edmunds is right __________________ time for a new CUTLASS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ available at your local Buick, Pontiac, OR Saturn dealer

07-13-2007, 09:55 PM	#3 (permalink)
Tomko 5.3 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Ottawa - Canada Drives: 1996 Impala SS 1999 Tahoe POC Posts: 1,350	Re: Ford's New Global RWD Range Aimed At GM's Zeta Program I'm smelling a new Panther... __________________ Tomko Current Fleet: 2008 DTS Lux III (5,000 km on the odometer) 1999 Tahoe POC (daily grinder) 1996 Impala SS (garage queen) Retired Fleet: 1988 Caprice 9C1 (first new car) 1984 6000 STE (first car)

07-13-2007, 10:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
Aych Es Vee 3.9 Liter V6 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Canberra, Australia Drives: RB25det powered 1987 Holden VL Berlina & a 2004 Fo Posts: 886	Re: Ford's New Global RWD Range Aimed At GM's Zeta Program The Falcon that is about to be launched is on a new platform isnt it???? They're going to design another platform straight away? It wont be in production for another 6 or 7 years. __________________ My cars: 1986 Holden VL Turbo - Nissan RB25det under the hood 2004 Ford Falcon XLS Ute

07-13-2007, 10:24 PM	#5 (permalink)
mikmak 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Pacific Paradise, Australia Drives: VZ Wagon and JSII sedan Posts: 7,975	Re: Ford's New Global RWD Range Aimed At GM's Zeta Program No, the Orion is on a redesigned BA platform. It is very similar to the current setup with the change of front suspension to shift the rack forward of the front axle (as per the Territory). It's an extensive rework but still a re work. This is very good news for Ford and Holden. As long as one is there to compete with, they are sure to be ever improving. __________________ You start a conversation you cant even finish it. You're talkin a lot, but you're not sayin anything. When I have nothing to say, my lips are sealed. Say something once, why say it again?

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07-13-2007, 10:41 PM	#6 (permalink)
rueben44 3.6 Liter V6 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Houston, TX Drives: 2006 Mazda 3 2003 CTS - Sold Posts: 1,141	Re: Ford's New Global RWD Range Aimed At GM's Zeta Program Another case of Ford leadership leading by following GM. Hell GM is about 2 year behind everyone else so what does that say about Ford. 2012!!!!! LOL!!!!! __________________ 2006 Mazda 3 Car Domain Page

07-13-2007, 11:06 PM	#8 (permalink)
chadbarb99 3.8 Liter Supercharged V6 Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 728	Re: Ford's New Global RWD Range Aimed At GM's Zeta Program With Ford's track record you'll never see these cars hit our shores, but you'll get a nice FWD Taurus though.

07-14-2007, 02:00 AM	#9 (permalink)
Xenon 6.0 Liter LS2 V8 Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 4,845	Re: Ford's New Global RWD Range Aimed At GM's Zeta Program Does this mean Panther replacements? Police cars are starting to look like an eyesore now... __________________

07-14-2007, 02:31 AM	#10 (permalink)
Kennyboy 6.0 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Long Beach, CA Drives: Caddy CTS Posts: 1,504	Re: Ford's New Global RWD Range Aimed At GM's Zeta Program 2012??? And people say GM is behind curve with regards to hybrid technology and fuel efficient cars. Well, at least the 2.5 have their share of rear drive cars. Perhaps Toyota will get into the ballgame and introduce a rear drive car, ala Celica or Supra? __________________

07-14-2007, 02:39 AM	#11 (permalink)
t-rex 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: New Orleans, Louisiana Drives: 1997 BMW 328i S Posts: 5,282	Re: Ford's New Global RWD Range Aimed At GM's Zeta Program They engineered Orion for LHD. I'm wondering if Ford would have spent that much on LHD development just for the Middle East market, where Ford have somewhat of a weak presence (or at least they used to). __________________ *Rick Wagoner's next paycheck....*

07-14-2007, 03:59 AM	#12 (permalink)
editor 3.5 Liter V6 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Rockville, MD Posts: 224	Exports Key, Says Ford Australia Ford Australia has been losing money in the cutthroat Australian market, and now thinks it may have a solution: exporting their big tough cars from Oz. Go HERE for the post... __________________ Brendan Moore Autosavant.net http://www.autosavant.net

07-14-2007, 07:12 AM	#15 (permalink)
kenman923 6.2 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Feb 2005 Drives: 2009 Acura TSX Posts: 2,621	Re: Ford's New Global RWD Range Aimed At GM's Zeta Program Sounds like they are coming late to the party. __________________ Current: 2009 Acura TSX Gone but not forgotten: 2001 Saturn L300 1993 Saturn SL2 1986 Nissan Sentra

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