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Ford Platforms 101

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#1 ·
Ford Platforms 101

Image via motleyfool.com

Ford has stated that the goal is to bring the number of platforms used for vehicles globally down to just 9 by 2016. This will create tremendous cost and time savings when producing new models.

Here I will try to identify vehicles based on current/future platform:

1. B Platform: Fiesta, Figo, EcoSport and (new Ka)

2. C Platform: Focus, Escape, C-MAX, (Escort), MKC, Transit Connect, (New Lincoln entry sedan)

3. C/D Platform: Fusion, Mondeo, MKZ, (New Edge), (New MKX), (New Taurus), (New MKZ Coupe)

4. Sports Car: Mustang (New Lincoln Performance Sedan/Coupe/Convertible), (New MKS)

5. D Platform: Explorer, Flex, MKT, Current Taurus, (New Lincoln Aviator)

6. Light Truck: Ranger, (Everest Concept)

7. Full Size: F-150, Expedition, Navigator

8. Over 8500: Super Duty

9. Full Size Van: Transit


Here is another interesting bit of info from the article:

"A Ford spokesman told me on Friday that Ford's current plan is to build "virtually all" of its vehicles on just nine "global core platforms" by 2016.

But — at least as of right now — the Mustang's new platform isn't shared with any other Ford model anywhere in the world. According to Pericak, it was developed and optimized specifically for the Mustang.

That doesn't mean that it won't be shared with future models at some point. But at least as of right now, the Mustang has a very special status in Ford's current global plan."
 
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#27 ·
"Rumors about a Mustang-based Lincoln have been swirling around for years but Ford executives have finally acknowledged the possibility.

Speaking at the Australian unveiling of the 2015 Mustang, Ford's Vice President of Product Development for Africa and the Asia Pacific region said the platform could "presumably" spawn additional model. When pressed for more details, Trevor Worthington told Motoring...

"If we chose to make a Lincoln version of the Mustang - I can't imagine ever doing that - but if somebody smarter than me decided to do that, then yeah you could use that architecture."

As for the Mustang itself, Worthington said...

"There's a lot we can do with Mustang. I can't talk about the details at this moment, but there's a great heritage we can draw from and I guess I would just say 'stay tuned.'"

"I mean if you've got something ... designed to do what this car is designed to do or use it for something else, if you wanted to [you could]," explained Worthington, an Australian who knows a thing or two about rear-wheel drive architecture."

Source: Motoring"

Worthington could not have been any clearer without actually spilling the beans about the new upcoming models.

It's obvious that the Mustang 'architecture' will be used for RWD Lincoln sedan, coupe and convertible. It could either be a sedan or coupe under the black tarp. But based on all other model launches from other manufacturers, it seems the sedan will be out first.
 
#28 ·
I found this article on this very subject that was published by Edmunds a couple years ago. The article suggested that Ford is taking a page from the VW group's MQB platform family with some caveats of course. The article also seems to corroborate what others have suggested here about the D platform riding off into the sunset sometime in the next couple years.
 
#29 ·
I found this article on this very subject that was published by Edmunds a couple years ago. The article suggested that Ford is taking a page from the VW group's MQB platform family with some caveats of course. The article also seems to corroborate what others have suggested here about the D platform riding off into the sunset sometime in the next couple years.
There could be an alternative view on the missing mention of a D platform. It could be that the large sedan market having shrunk as much as it has will be reserved for the premium brand going forward with Bloggin's dedicated aluminum bodied RWD platform MKS being the sole member, thus no parts sharing platform required! I doubt it, but it sure sounds good!

:thumb:
 
#30 ·
remeber this from a year ago??:

RWD Lincolns are coming, fate depends partly on MKZ success
The product portfolio at Lincoln may seem a bit sparse at the moment, but if a report is to be believed, new products are on the way. TheDetroitBureau.com spoke with sources at Lincoln and Ford, who claimed the American premium brand is working on, perhaps more than one, rear-wheel-drive vehicle.

Lincoln would likely platform-share with the next-generation Ford Mustang to develop those RWD offerings in the early going. Moving forward, the report indicates that Lincoln could take the lead on other rear-drive projects in the future. As the RWD architecture continues to take shape, "most or all" of the front-wheel-drive portfolio will also be offered with all-wheel drive as an option, ala Audi.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/04/rwd-lincolns-are-coming-fate-depends-partly-on-mkz-success/
 
#31 ·
Lincoln pushing for access to next-gen Ford Mustang platform
Don't get ahead of yourselves: This is not yet another Lincoln-badged Mustang rumor post, the likes of which seem to crop up every few years. Instead, Ford's wayward luxury division is reportedly hoping to gain access to the bits and pieces that will underpin the next-generation pony car – specifically, the MacPherson front and independent rear suspension setup.

Having this rear-wheel-drive platform could do a number of good things for Lincoln. For example, it could finally give the brand a proper entry-level luxury fighter for the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac ATS, Infiniti G and so on, though brand officials will still insist that the all-wheel-drive MKZ suits this need just fine.

According to Car and Driver, this forthcoming rear-wheel-drive architecture could be used to better place the awkward MKS in its mid-size luxury segment. Rather than being simply a more expensive Ford Taurus, the MKS could transform itself into a genuine 5 Series or CTS fighter.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/26/lincoln-pushing-for-access-to-next-gen-ford-mustang-platform/
 
#32 ·
remeber this from a year ago??:

RWD Lincolns are coming, fate depends partly on MKZ success
The product portfolio at Lincoln may seem a bit sparse at the moment, but if a report is to be believed, new products are on the way. TheDetroitBureau.com spoke with sources at Lincoln and Ford, who claimed the American premium brand is working on, perhaps more than one, rear-wheel-drive vehicle.

Lincoln would likely platform-share with the next-generation Ford Mustang to develop those RWD offerings in the early going. Moving forward, the report indicates that Lincoln could take the lead on other rear-drive projects in the future. As the RWD architecture continues to take shape, "most or all" of the front-wheel-drive portfolio will also be offered with all-wheel drive as an option, ala Audi.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/04/rwd-lincolns-are-coming-fate-depends-partly-on-mkz-success/
Lincoln pushing for access to next-gen Ford Mustang platform
Don't get ahead of yourselves: This is not yet another Lincoln-badged Mustang rumor post, the likes of which seem to crop up every few years. Instead, Ford's wayward luxury division is reportedly hoping to gain access to the bits and pieces that will underpin the next-generation pony car – specifically, the MacPherson front and independent rear suspension setup.

Having this rear-wheel-drive platform could do a number of good things for Lincoln. For example, it could finally give the brand a proper entry-level luxury fighter for the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac ATS, Infiniti G and so on, though brand officials will still insist that the all-wheel-drive MKZ suits this need just fine.

According to Car and Driver, this forthcoming rear-wheel-drive architecture could be used to better place the awkward MKS in its mid-size luxury segment. Rather than being simply a more expensive Ford Taurus, the MKS could transform itself into a genuine 5 Series or CTS fighter.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/26/lincoln-pushing-for-access-to-next-gen-ford-mustang-platform/
Lincoln plans a RWD sedan....but I think it is not coming the next year as the MKS.....I think Lincoln will continue with FWD-AWD for now, the fate of the RWD models depends on the success of the Brand this upcoming years
 
#33 ·
remeber this from a year ago??:

RWD Lincolns are coming, fate depends partly on MKZ success
The product portfolio at Lincoln may seem a bit sparse at the moment, but if a report is to be believed, new products are on the way. TheDetroitBureau.com spoke with sources at Lincoln and Ford, who claimed the American premium brand is working on, perhaps more than one, rear-wheel-drive vehicle.

Lincoln would likely platform-share with the next-generation Ford Mustang to develop those RWD offerings in the early going. Moving forward, the report indicates that Lincoln could take the lead on other rear-drive projects in the future. As the RWD architecture continues to take shape, "most or all" of the front-wheel-drive portfolio will also be offered with all-wheel drive as an option, ala Audi.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/04/rwd-lincolns-are-coming-fate-depends-partly-on-mkz-success/
If the RWD cars for Lincoln depends on MK Z success, well, we wont have RWD Lincolns. The MK Z is a fail...
 
#35 ·
I think the RWD depends on this upcoming Lincolns FL, it is too early to tell, from sales perspective the MKZ is selling fine (not incredible but fine) lets hope the MKC, new MKX, Navi and new MKS gives Lincoln more sales
The MK Z is selling poor... the expectations for that car was very higth. Sell 2500 cars monthly is a fail. But i agree with you that the upcoming FWD models, like the new MK C ,will be determinant in the Lincoln future. And in the reborn of RWD cars .
 
#36 ·
Lincoln needs more building time before committing to major investments like bespoke platforms, they are still having a hard time convincing even bread & butter luxury customers to buy Lincoln, let alone the fickle Germanic customers. RWD does NOT guarantee you sales, people are treating it like a magic bullet that just needs to happen.

And while the MKZ is by no means a critical or consumer blockbuster, it's a better car and selling at higher prices than before. With more cars comes more progress. I'm not saying Lincoln has a great shot at long term success, but it has a shot assuming its leadership is clever and competent enough to execute this task correctly. Right now they still have to convince me, especially after the MKZ launch kerfuffle.

I think the MKC will do very well. For one thing it's cheaper and in a tremendously popular segment under-serviced by the domestic automakers, unless you want to consider the larger SRX. And remember the Mariner was Lincoln/Mercury's bestseller for years and they never replaced it so the customer is starved. Hopefully MKC does quite a bit to change attitudes about Lincoln, there might be a tipping point with that car, which will then be followed by a slew of posh new vehicles. The MKZ always struck me as something a little too unorthodox for the segment, it gives up too much space and comfort for design and this is a segment that is typically driven by practically minded people who buy Lexus. The MKZ's appeal is intentionally limited to certain enthusiastic customers, and the car does have quite a following unlike most Lincolns. Lincoln has a better shot with crossovers in the short-term, but in the long-term their cars need to be much better than they are now.
 
#37 ·
Lincoln needs more building time before committing to major investments like bespoke platforms, they are still having a hard time convincing even bread & butter luxury customers to buy Lincoln, let alone the fickle Germanic customers. RWD does NOT guarantee you sales, people are treating it like a magic bullet that just needs to happen.

And while the MKZ is by no means a critical or consumer blockbuster, it's a better car and selling at higher prices than before. With more cars comes more progress. I'm not saying Lincoln has a great shot at long term success, but it has a shot assuming its leaderships is clever and competent enough to execute this task correctly. Right now they still have to convince me, especially after the MKZ launch kerfuffle.

I think the MKC will do very well. For one thing it's cheaper and in a tremendously popular segment under-serviced by the domestic automakers, unless you want to consider the larger SRX. And remember the Mariner was Lincoln/Mercury's bestseller for years and they never replaced it so the customer is starved. Hopefully MKC does quite a bit to change attitudes about Lincoln, there might be a tipping point with that car, which will then be followed by a slew of posh new vehicles.
agree with you DetroitBorg.......I would love to see RWD and other stuff from Lincoln but now they have to keep working.
 
#38 ·
Lincoln needs more building time before committing to major investments like bespoke platforms, they are still having a hard time convincing even bread & butter luxury customers to buy Lincoln, let alone the fickle Germanic customers. RWD does NOT guarantee you sales, people are treating it like a magic bullet that just needs to happen.

And while the MKZ is by no means a critical or consumer blockbuster, it's a better car and selling at higher prices than before. With more cars comes more progress. I'm not saying Lincoln has a great shot at long term success, but it has a shot assuming its leadership is clever and competent enough to execute this task correctly. Right now they still have to convince me, especially after the MKZ launch kerfuffle.

I think the MKC will do very well. For one thing it's cheaper and in a tremendously popular segment under-serviced by the domestic automakers, unless you want to consider the larger SRX. And remember the Mariner was Lincoln/Mercury's bestseller for years and they never replaced it so the customer is starved. Hopefully MKC does quite a bit to change attitudes about Lincoln, there might be a tipping point with that car, which will then be followed by a slew of posh new vehicles. The MKZ always struck me as something a little too unorthodox for the segment, it gives up too much space and comfort for design and this is a segment that is typically driven by practically minded people who buy Lexus. The MKZ's appeal is intentionally limited to certain enthusiastic customers, and the car does have quite a following unlike most Lincolns. Lincoln has a better shot with crossovers in the short-term, but in the long-term their cars need to be much better than they are now.
I echo your sentiment as well, as I too do not believe a RWD program at least in the interim will be a pancea for Lincoln especially when there are so many gaping holes in their core portfolio. I think the MKZ was a step forward from it's predecessor but I still think it leaves some things to be desired designwise. I have always felt that due to it's timing the MKZ never really got the full Maxx Wolfe & Co. 'stamp of approval' and this seems to playout when comparing the excution the MKZ vs the MKC. The MKC at least to me is just a more cohesive design. Because of this, I believe the MKC has a clear shot at upsetting several other competitors when released including the Q5, RDX, GLK, QX70 and Volvo XC60. Judging from it's rugged good looks, exceptional appointments, and fair price it should be fairly easy for Lincoln to turnover 3400 MKC units a month. This is only one of the first steps in the direction that I hope the rest of the brand will be heading.:cool:
 
#39 ·
I echo your sentiment as well, as I too do not believe a RWD program at least in the interim will be a pancea for Lincoln especially when there are so many gaping holes in their core portfolio. I think the MKZ was a step forward from it's predecessor but I still think it leaves some things to be desired designwise. I was always felt that due to it's timing the MKZ never really got the full Maxx Wolfe & Co. 'stamp of approval' and this seems to playout when comparing the excution the MKZ vs the MKC. The MKC at least to me is just a more cohesive design. Because of this, I believe the MKC has a clear shot at upsetting several other competitors when released including the Q5, RDX, GLK, QX70 and Volvo XC60. Judging from it's rugged good looks, exceptional appointments, and fair price it should be fairly easy for Lincoln to turnover 3400 MKC units a month. This is only one of the first steps in the direction that I hope the rest of the brand will be heading.:cool:
agree, I think the first Max Wolff design is the MKC, in the MKZ is just the grille.......I really want to see a sedan from him, I have high hopes for the next MKS
 
#41 ·
That 'new' Mustang platform is 107 inches long. With a front track of 63inch and rear track of about 64. For comparison the ATS track is 60, with a wheelbase of 109inches. ATS vehicle width is 71 inches, while the is over 73inches excluding mirrors.

Which makes it clear that a slightly extended version of the New RWD Mustang platform, now with a new front and rear suspension, will work perfectly for a Lincoln aluminum performance sedan. While the base Mustang platform will work as the perfect Lincoln aluminum performance coupe and convertible.

Also it may be that what was thought as being the new MKS with a Fusion mule body, may have actually been the new Taurus which will share and extended version of the Fusion platform.

The New MKS which MUST be RWD, no question, will use a new platform(stretching the Mustang platform 10 inches won't be happening), that it would/could share with an upcoming RWD Continental flagship sedan.

OR, the new MKS and Continental will ride on a new RWD D Platform, with the next gen Explorer/Aviator moving to the C/D Platform with the new Taurus.
The real problem having GMI staffers here is that they infect this place with their ridiculous notions of what Ford should do based on their bias and ignorance being Government Motors suckups.

Lincoln does not need rear wheel drive anything - just because Cadillac continues to build carriages meant to be drawn by horses does not mean Lincoln should build such dinosaurs. After seeing what wretched garbage Cadillac is passing off as luxury cars, I am so convinced that Lincoln needs to go front drive/all wheel drive and to eschew the boneheaded rear wheel drive move.

There is no sense doing what an also ran company like Cadillac is doing - they have no sales growth except by adding new nameplates - new models are taking sales from existing products and this is not success - it is shifting the problems with the vehicles to the future where Cadillac has huge future update costs that will come back to bite them.

I do think Lincoln needs to go back to naming its products and does need a halo luxo cruiser vehicle - but instead of being rear wheel drive like the Mustang, it must be all wheel drive to give it premium - and - each Lincoln should be all wheel drive if not front drive - again, AWD is a premium differentiation that could be exclusive to Lincoln.

And to dig at this foolish GMI correspondent ... I bet the new Mustang will have more usable rear seat room than the new ATS despite the new Mustang having two inches less in wheelbase - that ATS is a horrific and dreadfully disgusting product - absolutely one of the worst vehicles I've ever been tormented by - first ever vehicle to cause me to cramp trying to get into.
 
#42 ·
What if Lincoln went with a number system for car names, that relate to displacement, horsepower or model trim level.

Cars:
B-Segment - MK100
C-Segment - MK200 (new Focus based Lincoln)
C/D Segment - MK300 (MKZ would become MK300 or MK350)
Sports Segment: MK400 (Mustang based Lincoln would be MK400 or MK450 based on displacement/hp)
D Segment: MK500 (MKS would become MK500....remember the Taurus based Ford 500?)
Large Car Segment: Flagship Name (Continental)

SUV:
C-Segment: MX200 (MKC would be MX200 or MX230 based on displacement)
C/D Segment: MX300 (MKX would become MX300 or MX340 depending on displacement)
D-Segment: MX500 (Aviator would become MX500 or MX550)
Large SUV: Flagship Name (Navigator)
 
#43 ·
What if Lincoln went with a number system for car names, that relate to displacement, horsepower or model trim level.

Cars:
B-Segment - MK100
C-Segment - MK200 (new Focus based Lincoln)
C/D Segment - MK300 (MKZ would become MK300 or MK350)
Sports Segment: MK400 (Mustang based Lincoln would be MK400 or MK450 based on displacement/hp)
D Segment: MK500 (MKS would become MK500....remember the Taurus based Ford 500?)
Large Car Segment: Flagship Name (Continental)

SUV:
C-Segment: MX200 (MKC would be MX200 or MX230 based on displacement)
C/D Segment: MX300 (MKX would become MX300 or MX340 depending on displacement)
D-Segment: MX500 (Aviator would become MX500 or MX550)
Large SUV: Flagship Name (Navigator)
uhmmm not sure Bloggin, too much IMHO, maybe just MK1, MK2....MX2
 
#45 ·
What if Lincoln went with a number system for car names said:
What if Lincoln went with a number system for car names, that relate to displacement, horsepower or model trim level...
I've thought about a 2 digit number size scheme - think it'd sound nice and not contend with BMW & Audi
((wouldn't work with displacement (by itself) tho - can imagine ALL Lincolns with a 2.7EB))
and maybe increment the numbers by generation
like
for the 30-series: concept = "30", 1st gen = "31", next "32", etc


THO
if in the future MucK is limited to Z X C and maybe/hoping E;
with the rest getting Real Names
I'd prefer that


I wouldn't mind changing the muckZ muckX muckC to Z27 Z23 Z23h, X29 X23h, C23 C20 C15h or so
MKE could stay MKEnergi/MKElectric and anyway MKE rhymes with XKE
 
#46 ·
I've thought about a 2 digit number size scheme - think it'd sound nice and not contend with BMW & Audi
((wouldn't work with displacement (by itself) tho - can imagine ALL Lincolns with a 2.7EB))
and maybe increment the numbers by generation
like
for the 30-series: concept = "30", 1st gen = "31", next "32", etc


THO
if in the future MucK is limited to Z X C and maybe/hoping E;
with the rest getting Real Names
I'd prefer that


I wouldn't mind changing the muckZ muckX muckC to Z27 Z23 Z23h, X29 X23h, C23 C20 C15h or so
MKE could stay MKEnergi/MKElectric and anyway MKE rhymes with XKE
could be something like you say 2b2......I'm think something like this:
Z20 (2.0lEB) Z37(3.7l V6)
C20 (2.0lEB) C23(2.3l EB)
 
#48 ·
could be something like you say 2b2......I'm think something like this:
Z20 (2.0lEB) Z37(3.7l V6)
C20 (2.0lEB) C23(2.3l EB)
Naming based upon engine displacement doesn't work anymore when a Fusion can come standard with a 2.5, and then the upgrades are 1.5EB, 1.6EB, and 2.0EB, or the MKS, it has a base 3.7 with an upgrade 3.5EB. Today there is in fact a replacement for displacement!
 
#50 ·
One of these days I was thinking about platforms and this specific topic for Lincoln.

Linc needs a unique platform on its own for a flagship. But at this moment its not on Fords plan and trust me, I get it. They need to build up a reputation and sales will follow (like Lexus).

but, can Lincoln partner up with a premium/luxury company to co-develop a platform and dont spend much? (share costs and technology)

its a crazy idea. However I've seen many companies trying to make a dent on the luxury market and fail due to resources... So there are plenty of brands trying to compete.



my ideal brands would be

Volvo - they were part of ford already, now trying to keep up with the Germans. They have the cash,(Chinese), they got a R&D department, and even go with a high performance division of its own"Polestar". Volvo needs a new platform for a flagship same as Lincoln.

Jaguar- cuz. Why not?

Aston- Martin - ever heard of that sedan they are trying to make?

Tesla - a high performance full size sedan gas/electric (why not hyper) car?


wishful thinking lol

gotta kill some time while I wait for my Z Red Line ��
 
#51 ·
Naming based upon engine displacement doesn't work anymore when a Fusion can come standard with a 2.5, and then the upgrades are 1.5EB, 1.6EB, and 2.0EB, or the MKS, it has a base 3.7 with an upgrade 3.5EB. Today there is in fact a replacement for displacement!
Well it could be only for lincoln and specially if they decide to only.have a ecoboost line of engines
 
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