Ford of Europe Kinetic design makes its way over the pond (dial-up warning)

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Ford of Europe Kinetic design makes its way over the pond (dial-up warning)

Reply #15 – April 10, 2008, 04:34:37 PM

Quote

The majority of people have no fond memories of Domestics anymore, and that is mostly due to what we were sold in the 80's and 90's.

For the most part I'll agree with you on that. We can thank GM's switch to FWD vehicles for that, although Chrysler had a pretty big hand in that as well.

A few years ago I was asked by the Cougar Club of America if I would be interested in making rules for full judged classes of 1983-88 Cougars at their national shows. You can imagine how giddy I was. They sent me over a copy of their then-current judging rules for me to emulate for our classes. I started to read them, pouring over the nuances of the judging...

...and then it hit me. I would probably never be able to get a complete, full set of judging rules for our 1983-88 Cougars. You want to know why?

In just six model years there were...

- Two different computer management systems (EEC-III, EEC-IV)
- Multiple engine intake setups (carb, CFI, EFI, MPI, etc.)
- Three different engines (I-4, V6, V8)
- At least 8 different engine bay configurations
- Four different transmissions (C3, C5, AOD, T-5...and if you count the A4LD in the Turbo Coupes, that's 5 transmissions)
- Two general interior types
- Roughly half a dozen different door panel styles
- About a dozen different wheel types
- About a dozen radio types
- Three levels of trim (base/GS, LS, XR7), each with their own features
- Do we even want to get into the yearly-changing paint?
- Shall we figure out the different interior colors like we did in the other thread?

This is just for starters. Before the end of the decade the MN12 debuted with virtually nothing carried over. And the cars started the decade with almost everything changed from our cars, even though it was technically the same chassis. You even have to treat the 1987-88 Turbo Coupe as its own separate car line, with all its different wiring and sensors and technical equipment.

We've had so many discussions on this board in the last few years about what is "correct" for a particular car, what might be, what can't be, etc. that we really can never say for sure what is right or wrong when it came to these cars. I cannot tell you another car line, except for maybe the Corvette, where so many things were changed in such a rapid succession.

And these were some of the better built cars of that decade!

My point here is that I have never, nor probably will I ever, see another decade where so many changes have happened to an auto industry and, subsequently, a single car line like the 1980's. Like it or not, we are still slaves to its legacy. Fortunately we can hold our heads high because of the styling and general overall quality of our cars. That isn't true for all 1980's vehicles, of course, but I like to think that those rules don't apply to us. :)

Ford of Europe Kinetic design makes its way over the pond (dial-up warning)

Reply #16 – April 10, 2008, 09:04:11 PM

Eric, I've gotta disagree with the European Fords failing because they're too European statement. I think it's the opposite - Ford (and GM) have traditionally failed at building "Euro" cars because they make 'em LOOK European, but they dumb their driving dynamics down. That's why the Malibu (and to a lesser extent, Saturn Aura) are doing well - they look good and their driving experience doesn't disappoint. They retained the rock-solid feel of a European car instead of trading driving feel for fat-ass American "ride the couch down the freeway" mushiness.

Think about it - what could be worse than going to a dealership to test-drive a stylish Euro-knockoff only to find that it drives like, well, a 20 year old T-Bird? We (and by "we" I mean "everybody") want a car that drives as well as it looks. Sally soccer mom and Charlie couch potato may not care about all-out handling, but they do notice (and care) if a car feels solid. They equate solid with well built. Well built inspires confidence. A car that falls over on its side when the road bends does not feel solid or inspire confidence. And yes, I know the top-selling Camccords are not known for their handling prowess, but even the worst handling Accord feels better than the best handling Taurus.

I'd like to think we might see a day when Fords regains styling leadership it enjoyed in the 80's (just think of the innovative styling, from the T-Bird/Cougar to the Tempaz to the Taurus/Sable). Unfortunately Ford does not have the resources, manpower, or balls to lead the way like they did back then. Ford is now a follower, several billion dollars short and several years late.

Ford of Europe Kinetic design makes its way over the pond (dial-up warning)

Reply #17 – April 11, 2008, 07:41:12 AM

I will agree, that of all the Domestics, Ford was doing everything right in the 80's. Sure, the sheet metal got a little thin and was pr0ne to rust, but every car in that era suffered from that. The original Taurus was very much made to look like a European car. I fail to see any traditional American styling on either of those two cars (Sable). Put an '86 Taurus beside an '85 Scorpio and you'll see what I mean. In fact, much of the Scorpio look was seen throughout the range. One of the most noticeable design elements of 80's fords, where they left other domestics behind, was in their flush mounted headlights. Ford at the time sited that as being Euro inspired.

Europe is always at the forefront of Automotive design, and it has been that way since the mid 70's. Since then, America has been sampling bits and pieces and melding them with their own design, usually with very good results. puppiesan 'emulates' both Euro and American design. Kia does the same, but indirectly by 'emulating' puppiesanese design. China, well, they just blatantly rip everyone off.

Ford of Europe Kinetic design makes its way over the pond (dial-up warning)

Reply #18 – April 11, 2008, 08:13:14 AM

Quote from: oldraven;213527

I will agree, that of all the Domestics, Ford was doing everything right in the 80's. Sure, the sheet metal got a little thin and was pr0ne to rust, but every car in that era suffered from that. The original Taurus was very much made to look like a European car. I fail to see any traditional American styling on either of those two cars (Sable). Put an '86 Taurus beside an '85 Scorpio and you'll see what I mean. In fact, much of the Scorpio look was seen throughout the range. One of the most noticeable design elements of 80's fords, where they left other domestics behind, was in their flush mounted headlights. Ford at the time sited that as being Euro inspired.

The Sable was even more Scorpio-esqe.

IMO they should have just brought the Scorpio over as the Taurus/Sable. Everyone was wanting FWD at that time though, which is sad. The Sierra/Granada platform was very capable and downright ubiquitous overseas and could have served well here also.
Imagine a RWD SHO however... Wait, that would never have happened here as it would have kicked the Mustang square in the nuts.

Ford of Europe Kinetic design makes its way over the pond (dial-up warning)

Reply #19 – April 11, 2008, 09:44:50 PM

Quote from: Chuck W;213533

Imagine a RWD SHO however... Wait, that would never have happened here as it would have kicked the Mustang square in the nuts.

You cant have competion with the mustang! That is the problem to often... 83-88 non mustang Fox chassis cars ring a bell... yeah the real reason we got :nannerbang: on power.