Ford Caught Testing Australian Rear-Wheel-Drive Sedan in Michigan

Reply #15 – June 01, 2007, 01:49:17 PM

Excerpt from Hyundai's press-release -

"While some important details like the V-8's 4.6 liter displacement, the six-speed transmission by ZF, and 53/47 front-to-rear weight distribution have been revealed, Hyundai is being a bit shady about some important figures. Horsepower will be "well over 300," pricing will start "well under $30,000 ," and 0-to-60 mph will be achieved in "well under six seconds." Those claims should be well within reach. The new engine, known at the Tau, is a 32-valve unit that Hyundai claims has been designed with the future in mind. That means the Tau is ready for larger displacements, forced induction, and other technologies."

Ford Caught Testing Australian Rear-Wheel-Drive Sedan in Michigan

Reply #16 – June 01, 2007, 01:56:11 PM

I think we would get a lame torqueless V6 rather than the I6...

Ford Caught Testing Australian Rear-Wheel-Drive Sedan in Michigan

Reply #17 – June 01, 2007, 02:05:25 PM

Quote from: Red_LX;151149

I always wondered why Ford used to have such a fondness for straight sixes, but haven't produced one since they killed the 300 in what, '96-97?

Clarify Ford US
Ford OZ has been producing I6's and still is....

Ford Caught Testing Australian Rear-Wheel-Drive Sedan in Michigan

Reply #18 – June 01, 2007, 02:21:56 PM

I have every bit of faith that Ford will screw this opportunity up, Call me a cynic if you will, but Ford has screwed so much up over the past few years that it's hard to imagine them getting this right. Really, the only truly bright spots at Ford have been the Mustang, F150 and Explorer. The Explorer is fading fast, the Mustang is getting some serious competition, and truck sales have fallen on their faces with high fuel costs and the housing industry woes. The Fusion has been a mild success, but it ain't enough. Ford needs a grand-slam, the same way Chrysler did the 300.

My prediction:

I would imagine the Falcon, if it ever sees the light of day, will start out with a 3.5 Duratec V6 pumping out 275-300 horses, a "meat-and-potatoes" three-valve 4.6 generating around 340-350 horses, and the new Hurricane (or Boss, or whatever it's called) 5.0 belting out 400-425 horses in a top-level GT version. Perhaps a Shelby (since that brand name seems to have supplanted SVT) version might get the supercharged 5.4 (or a supercharged Hurricane) with 500 or so horsepower.

We all know the Mustang is Ford's performance leader and that no car shall top it (except the now-dead GT), but one must also remember that the Mustang is due for remodelling in '09 and will very likely have the powertrains mentioned above. I'd bet money on the 3.5 and 5.0, anyway, and with the Camaro and Challenger coming the supercharged top engine offering is almost a given as well. Economies of scale would make the Falcon carrying the same drivetrains the most sensible thing to do.

Wouldn't it be nice if a version of the Falcon was shortened to two doors and called a Thunderbird? (I'd say "Cougar" too, but I think Ford has given up on Mercury). It could pick up where the MN12 left off...

Ford Caught Testing Australian Rear-Wheel-Drive Sedan in Michigan

Reply #19 – June 01, 2007, 02:35:30 PM

Quote from: Thunder Chicken;151161

I would imagine the Falcon, if it ever sees the light of day, will start out with a 3.5 Duratec V6 pumping out 275-300 horses...

Not trying to be a dick, but I find it humorous that you say Ford will probably screw it up, and in almost the same breath say they'd put a 275 hp V6 into something that also has an available V8. Yeah right, far as I can tell, Ford has indicated they don't like to build V6's with horsepower. It would probably have 220-230 hp at most.

Quote from: Thunder Chicken;151161

Wouldn't it be nice if a version of the Falcon was shortened to two doors and called a Thunderbird? (I'd say "Cougar" too, but I think Ford has given up on Mercury). It could pick up where the MN12 left off...

After the last "retro" thunderbird, I doubt it.

If they did make it like that, it'd weigh 4000+ lbs just like the "retro" model did.

Ford Caught Testing Australian Rear-Wheel-Drive Sedan in Michigan

Reply #20 – June 01, 2007, 02:39:26 PM

if they do it, and it gets a v8 im gonna be pissed cause my mom just bought a brand new toyota (blah) id rather see her in that (Plus i could drive it)!!

Ford Caught Testing Australian Rear-Wheel-Drive Sedan in Michigan

Reply #21 – June 01, 2007, 03:29:00 PM

Quote from: Red_LX;151163

Not trying to be a dick, but I find it humorous that you say Ford will probably screw it up, and in almost the same breath say they'd put a 275 hp V6 into something that also has an available V8. Yeah right, far as I can tell, Ford has indicated they don't like to build V6's with horsepower. It would probably have 220-230 hp at most.

The Duratec 35 starts at 265 horsepower, so I doubt it would have 220-230. I can't see Ford detuning a 265-horse engine to 220-230 just because a V8 is available, but then again, this is Ford, and there's that "They'll screw it up" prediction. When I said they'll screw it up, BTW, I meant that they likely won't bring it here at all. As in, they'll miss the boat.

Quote

After the last "retro" thunderbird, I doubt it.

If they did make it like that, it'd weigh 4000+ lbs just like the "retro" model did.

The Mustang already weighs close to 4k lbs (over that, in Shelby GT500 form, IIRC) so a 4k+ pound bigger car would be a given. You're right, though - after the retro Bird I think the Thunderbird name is dead and buried. Still, they brought back the Taurus name...

Ford Caught Testing Australian Rear-Wheel-Drive Sedan in Michigan

Reply #22 – June 01, 2007, 03:47:55 PM

Quote from: oldraven;151112

What this means to you: A full-size, rear-wheel-drive sedan from Ford could be in your future if the Falcon impresses the right people in Dearborn."

If the powers that be in Dearborn weren't sufficiently impressed already,that car would not be there now.

I'd look for that in the FLM showrooms early next year.

Ford Caught Testing Australian Rear-Wheel-Drive Sedan in Michigan

Reply #23 – June 01, 2007, 04:15:34 PM

Maybe theyll debore the 4.6 to 4.2 liters and make it the 120hp option, lol.

Ford Caught Testing Australian Rear-Wheel-Drive Sedan in Michigan

Reply #24 – June 01, 2007, 04:50:49 PM

Quote from: Thunder Chicken;151161

Wouldn't it be nice if a version of the Falcon was shortened to two doors and called a Thunderbird? (I'd say "Cougar" too, but I think Ford has given up on Mercury). It could pick up where the MN12 left off...

That's exactly what I was saying to the guys on the Fordxr6turbo forum. (I've been leghumping over there for a couple of years now.) :D

Ford Caught Testing Australian Rear-Wheel-Drive Sedan in Michigan

Reply #25 – June 02, 2007, 01:28:09 AM

Something like that?

Ford Caught Testing Australian Rear-Wheel-Drive Sedan in Michigan

Reply #26 – June 02, 2007, 08:29:00 AM

Quote from: Red_LX;151149

I wouldn't be surprised to see an I6.

Although, if it has to come from Australia, who knows.

I always wondered why Ford used to have such a fondness for straight sixes, but haven't produced one since they killed the 300 in what, '96-97?

There are two engine configurations that have an inherantly perfect balance, V12s and I6s. That's why automakers like Ferrari and Jaguar commonly produce V12s, and the most legendary BMWs have I6s. Better balance means better power.

Ford Caught Testing Australian Rear-Wheel-Drive Sedan in Michigan

Reply #27 – June 02, 2007, 09:36:34 AM

I think those cars would be a really good hit over here.

Ford Caught Testing Australian Rear-Wheel-Drive Sedan in Michigan

Reply #28 – June 02, 2007, 10:59:23 AM

Quote from: slamedcat;151255

Something like that?

I would KILL for that to be the new Thunderbird!!!

Add in the Aussie I6 Turbo and call it a Turbo Coupe!

Ford Caught Testing Australian Rear-Wheel-Drive Sedan in Michigan

Reply #29 – June 02, 2007, 11:51:27 AM

Quote from: slamedcat;151255

Something like that?

That is killer, man!