Okay, new motor trend... I'm always giving you guys a heads up to the tiny little tidbits they give us in the MT Confidential section. For those who don't know motor trend... its basically a third of a page text box, with one continuous line of text, blurbs about different rumors separated only by "...". So there's not much, but, without violating any copyright laws, here's what they say this month.

MT is hearing "whispers from Dearborn" about a "crash program" to build a "volume-selling" RWD sedan, that would use "elements" from the S197 platform. It would offer a v8 and "bolder, more American styling." They then point out that the 500 lacks these two things and that Ford seems to have noticed how successful the 300C has been.

I'm thinking something like this would be about the same size as the 500, maybe not quite as much trunk space, but still big enough to serve as a cop car. Or maybe they'd just go all out and replace the 500 altogether, though i dunno about that one. What do you guys and gals think?

 

I dout they'll replace the 500, but who knows they might replace it. A volume-selling RWD that would use elements from the S197 platform and offer a v8 would be the Lincoln version of the Mustang, but then again, they said sedan.

 

I have heard a rumor that the next generation Ford Falcon in Australia will be built on a modified S197 chassis so it can be easily converted to RH drive or LH drive for export to "other" countries [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thumb.gif[/img]

 

Sounds good, I think it will be the next gen falcon.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tacbear @ February 4, 2006, 9:28 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
I have heard a rumor that the next generation Ford Falcon in Australia will be built on a modified S197 chassis so it can be easily converted to RH drive or LH drive for export to "other" countries [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thumb.gif[/img]
[/b][/quote]

I've read the same rumors. I hope that it is true.

 

Oh oh oh I can't wait to see whats in store for us Ford fans!!!!

 

if thats the case.......when do you guys think we'll hear more about this, or even see an actual car?

 

So does this mean that Crown Victoria will be gone soon?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Red Star @ February 5, 2006, 2:45 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
So does this mean that Crown Victoria will be gone soon?
[/b][/quote]

replaced.

 

I hope it is replaced with a car that is built on the Falcon chassis and is called the Galaxie or Galaxie 500! And a line up like this:

Ford 2008 Car Line Up:

Galaxie (based on the Australian Ford Falcon)replaces the Crown Vic.
Base Galaxie—4.6L 2V SOHC V8 245 HP (for GrandMa and GrandPa) 5 sp Auto
Galaxie 460----4.6L 3V SOHC V8 300 HP, 5 sp Auto
Galaxie 540----5.4L 3V SOHC V8 380 HP, 6 sp Auto/Brembo Brakes/opt. Recaro's

Mustang ST---3.5L 4V DOHC V6 275 HP, 5sp Manual/5 sp Auto
Mustang GT---4.6L 3V SOHC V8 325 HP opt. 5.4 360 HP, 5 sp Manual/5sp Auto
Mustang Boss 330—5.4L 4V DOHC V8 390 HP 6 sp. Manual/6 sp Auto(Aluminum Block/Forged internals)All aluminum IRS/Brembo 4 Piston brakes/HUD/Recaro's/Ultralight 18"wheels/decontented for light weight.
Mustang Mach 1-----5.4L 4V DOHC Supercharged V8 475 HP 6 sp Manual/6 sp Manual(Iron Block/Forged internals)Live axle/Shaker hood scoop/Magnum 500 wheels/ Mach 500 or 1000.
Shelby Mustang------ 6.7 4V DOHC V10 550 HP 6 sp Manual(Aluminum Block/Forged internals) HD IRS/Recaro's/Brembo's/HUD/Ultralight 18"wheels.

Fusion-----------2.3L 4V DOHC I4 160 HP 5 Sp Manual or Auto
Fusion Sprint---3.5L 4V DOHC V6 250 HP 5 Sp Manual or Auto
SVT Fusion-----3.5L 4V DOHC V6 turbo/intercooled 330 HP 6Sp Manual or Auto w/ limited slip diff/Brembo Brakes/Recaro's/HUD/ultralight 18"wheels

Five Hundred---3.5L 4V DOHC V6 250 HP CVT or 7 sp Auto w/opt. AWD

Focus (lefthand drive european version)
Base Focus------2.3L 4V DOHC I4 160 HP 5 Sp Manual or Auto
Focus diesel-----2.5L 4V DOHC Direct Injected I4 155 HP/250FtLbs5 Sp. Manual or Auto
SVT Focus------2.5L 4V DOHC Turbo I5 250 HP 6 Sp manual or Auto w/limited slip
diff/Brembo brakes/Recaro's/Lightweight wheels

Shelby GR1---6.7L 4V DOHC V10 600 HP, 6 Sp. Manual 15" Brembo's/Recaro's/19" ultra light wheels/HUD—top speed 225.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tacbear @ February 5, 2006, 7:30 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
I hope it is replaced with a car that is built on the Falcon chassis and is called the Galaxie or Galaxie 500! And a line up like this:
[/b][/quote]

Doesn't Ford have small SUV or minivan in Europe called Galaxie?

 

Good move if they do it but I don't see it replacing the 500. They spent some time and money doing that car, I can't see it being stopped that quickly. The 500 will be more competitive once the 3.5 is in it, I just hope they don't mess with the price too much.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Red Star @ February 5, 2006, 8:00 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
Doesn't Ford have small SUV or minivan in Europe called Galaxie?
[/b][/quote]

What difference would that make? They have a Euro Fusion that isn't anything like the sedan we have here.

In fact, it's an SUV so that may be what you're thinking of.

 

they do have a galaxy and its a weird tall mini van thing, pretty ugly and i'm sure its not very fun to drive... but yeah, it totally doesn't matter. I think Falcon would be a cooler name. It would follow the F thing and a bird of prey is always a pretty cool sounding thing.

I also don't think this should replace the 500. Its doing pretty well with sales, and there are certainly a lot of people that need a car like that rather than a more performance minded thing.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mustang_sallad @ February 5, 2006, 11:48 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
they do have a galaxy and its a weird tall mini van thing, pretty ugly and i'm sure its not very fun to drive... but yeah, it totally doesn't matter. I think Falcon would be a cooler name. It would follow the F thing and a bird of prey is always a pretty cool sounding thing.

I also don't think this should replace the 500. Its doing pretty well with sales, and there are certainly a lot of people that need a car like that rather than a more performance minded thing.
[/b][/quote]

I finally found it with Google:



It's actually made by Volkswagen for Ford. Here's the VW version:



Sorry, I'm getting off topic.

 

volume-selling RWD sounds like a Crown Vic replacement to me....