Frickin search isn't working but I didn't see this posted before -

Guess what's replacing the Taurus in 2005?

http://autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?p..._code=06876524

Ford knows where to go when they want a good car now at least. But the damn thing looks like a mutant Audi to me.

 

Looks too much like a Caddy or new Altima to me. Not a good look in my opinion. Also, isn't Futura a tire company? Seems like there would be problems with that...

 

Also, guess with what other car Ford Futura is going to share it platform and engines? Mazda6, nonetheless. So much for Ford trying not to mess with Mazda sporty image, they are only going to mess this up, not only for themselves, but for Mazda too. Also, if Futura on the Mazda6 platform is replacing Taurus, you know that there must be a Mercury twin!

 

A lot more than just a Taurus and Sable (and there will be a Mercury twin). It sounds like Ford is getting back into that crap GM was pulling (too many cars, too few platforms).

 

they recently did a redesign on both cars as well as a rename, the Ford in now called the Ford 500, and the offical name of the Mercury is the Monteigo (sic). Have you seen pic of the Dodge srt-8 thats looks damn good to me!

 

I think the drawing looks nice, a cross between a G35 and a caddy. Ford already made a car called the futura, I know a guy who rebuilt one with a 302. They were made in the late 70s or early 80s I believe

 

I had a "79 Fairmont Futura, on the fox platform. with a 2.3l. OMG what a POS.

 

It looks better than the Taurus they sell now

 

No, the 500 is an upmarket car from the Taurus. The new order is going to be Focus, Futura, Crown Vic, and 500 (hopefully the 500 will just replace that aging POS Crown Vic, but I haven't heard anything to that effect yet).

 

Well, it looks better than the Ford Catfish/Mercury Mistake...

I don't much like their "K-car" mentality of basing everything off one platform, though. And I hope they let Mazda build 'em. I had a '93 Escort (you know, just like a Gen 1 Protege, but with a crappy engine?) and I can't say much for Ford's build quality.

 

there are falcons and futuras in australias (new ones), old classic names here in the uS

 

hold on, where the new platform for next gen. Focus, Mazda3 and Volvo will be different from original 1999 Focus platform ?
It may be a wider, longer and overall stiffened-up original design of Ford's Europe design team of original 1999 Ford Focus.
Please don't tell me that it was taken by Ford from old Mazda 929.
Ford Europe should take all of the credit for this great rear suspension set up, Mazda6 basicaly uses almost the same set-up but calls it different.
For front wheel drive cars rear suspension set up is a key to handling, stability and overall driving performance.
So I think that even if Mazda- led design effort for next platform of M3, Volvo s40, focus, Mazda really only duplicates great design of current Focus so Mazda should not be credited for it.
Let's be fair here, new Duratec HE based four cylinder engines are mostly Mazda's design and Mazda should get majority (if not all) of credit for that design.
It's hard to understand Ford's thinking and lack of killer instinct, the same 2.3l from Mazda6 making as much as 175hp in Japaneese versions of M6 is used by Ford in current Focus only making 148hp!!!
They should easily get 148hp out of 2.0l along with great fuel economy.

Anyway no matter who get's the credit I'm almost in line for next gen Mazda3 with 2.3l and it's second to none suspension/steering and very good interior design all at Mazda's great prices!!!!
Can't wait.

 

I wonder how many times we had to say the E-type suspension used on the Mazda6 CAME FROM the 929 which means it's NOT A FORD DESIGN....

 

OK Mazda had it 10 years ago and stopped using it until now many years later when it started to use it again? Why wasn't it used in 626, Millenia, Protege earlier if it is by far the best rear suspension set up for a front drive car out there?
Ford Europe did design Focus suspension and it did not copy Mazda's design from 929!
Mazda got back to this set up after great success of Focus in Europe (where handling is everthing). And Mazda6 rear susp. set-up is almost identical to Focus!!!
I think you are forcing Mazda to get credit for it, while it should not get it. Mazda calls it different than Ford, why?
Mazda6 is more european than any Mazda ever was and mostly due to it's alliance with Ford Europe (suspension-handling) and it's not a coincidence that it was build on Ford Focus great success.

I really like Mazda and it's overall approach to cars lately, I will buy new Mazda3 soon and I already own P5 that I'm very happy with but I don't want many people on this forum to bash Ford (Ford Europe) and not give it a full credit for it's latest work; new-Mondeo, Focus, new-Fiesta( that Mazda2 took it's suspension from)
I've been on Focaljet for a while and I'm still checking it from time to time, one thing I have to say it is very very objective and it's first to critisize Ford where needed.
Let's be a little more objective here as well, it only makes it more credible and brings in more respect to it.

 

You can buy a Mondeo in Mexico as well, just not in US or Canada for whatever stupid reasons.

P5er - I don't understand why you like the Focus's suspension so much, while it may be a good starting point for upgrades it is a POS stock. I feel like I'm driving a minivan everytime I rent one it rolls so much.