Evil_Capri

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti.../301310001/1065

MusicMan66

Jason, good article. Thanks for posting.

Galaxie

I agree pretty much with all the ideas,

I personally don't think the ranchero and FWD pickup ideas will stick down here.

If properly marketed, the Ford Ka could sell, alhtough it would be better suited to be sold up in Canada where there is more demand for smaller cars than the US.

mr-mstng

I dunno Steve, I think a Ranchero type vehicle *might* make it. If they could make one with a small backseat, then there is an opportunity there, IMO.

jsaylor

I think a bare bones, elemental, rugged Ranger replacement that is a true compact and offers a lot of value for the money could be a huge hit in pickup happy America in light of the price of gas. Something that would contain the kind of appeal that made the old Toyota compact pickups so popular and a legend for that matter.

Think rubber flooring updated for a modern world (something like a less effiminate version of the Elements floors) that offers true water hose cleaning and a rugged image. Give the interior a simple dash with distinct gauges (imagine a truck-like version of the Mini's gauge setup) and continue this simple, rugged them throughout.

Ford would also do well to remember that things like CD players and MP3 capability would be far more important in this truck than power seats or power windows. No doubt this should have great appeal to young buyers and the above would cater to this audience while not breaking the bank. Give me cruise control and the above radio and I would be a very happy fella.

I have also often wondered if a V-4 wouldn't be ideal for this application? Imagine cutting a 5.4L 3v V-8 in half and you will get my idea. Inherently balanced, torquey due to the relatively large size and 3 valve heads but with good range like a typical V-4, and cheap since the vast majority of development and tooling is already in existence. This would also provide for a short schnoz which could increase off-road ability and minimize size.

Finally, give it simple but rugged style. A more basic version of the current Super Duty look might be appropriate, or it could share a little styling with a logical Bronco big brother (big being relative here since proper Bronco's are large by no means) Put it on the market for around 10-12k to start and offer 4wd for around 3-4k more and I might be in line myself.

I also think there is plenty of room between this truck and the F-150 for a mid size "F100" of sorts for which the current Explorer platform seems like a logical basis. However, I seriously doubt we will ever see the same since it threatens to dethorne the F-150 as sales king through cannibalization.

jsaylor

Actually, I have often thought that a Mustang-based Ranchero would make a great "niche" replacement for the defunct Mustang hatchback. Leave the overall length and wheelbase roughly similar to the Mustang since large beds are more or less overkill these days, give it a sort of "open fastback" theme in the back something like a fastback-hatchback only without the hatch, and put a 427 concept inspired nose/styling theme on it to finish the transformation. A flip out cargo cage like the one used on the Crew Cab F-150's could increase utility even further while keeping it a fun to drive coupe at heart. IMO this would likely seel wee even as a two seat, two door. And, I could easily imagine this conjuring enough sales to make a tidy profit.

Zastava_101

Bronco ....

Knight

If they make a ranchero it better be like the one i made a while back

Hotrod

I want a Falcon.

cheech6g

agreed

mustang_sallad

i can't wait to see what they're gonna come up with for the b-segment. I hope they don't just put out a tiny SUV. I wanna see an actual compact car that really looks good. The yaris is pretty good looking, though i know many would argue against that. Other than that, i guess there's the mini, and pretty much every other small car is ugly. The GM ones, chevy aveo, pontiac wave, suzuki swift, those are all pretty ugly and weirdly proportioned. The Fit is a big let down in my eye. The wheels are so tiny, looks like a hippo on a skate board. The smart car is too gimicky. I wanna see ford build a tiny car that'll look cool!

Galaxie

Hopefully the next-gen Falcon is built of a variant of the S197 Chassis, that would make it easy to build in North America. (Its also a rumour)

97svtgoin05gt

Am I the only one who loves that Euro-Focus??

GottaHaveIt

I would again like a 1966 Falcan 3 speed it hummed !

Moosetang

No, 97svt, you aren't. I love the "Asbo" as Jeremy called it. And Autoweek's right, there's no good reason to not bring it over here any more.

mustang_sallad

ya... especially if they're looking to bring in a slightly upscale B-segment car that would slot nicely underneath. They say cheap small cars don't bring in profit. Slot a tiny B-segment car with a slightly upscale price, slot the european focus in there just above that. Then you've got a sweet car line up from the Fusion down.

jsaylor

disregard...sorry

mobster

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>i can't wait to see what they're gonna come up with for the b-segment. [/b][/quote]

Maybe something like this...
http://forums.bradbarnett.net/index.php?showtopic=44257

I don't know about everybody else, but this is what I'd like to see.

- 3.5 V6 making about 250hp
- FWD
- Manual or paddle-shift auto
- two door with edgy styling
- keep the weight under 2200lbs/2400lbs
- Price it starting around $14K

Zastava_101

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mobster @ February 5, 2006, 9:15 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
Maybe something like this...
http://forums.bradbarnett.net/index.php?showtopic=44257

I don't know about everybody else, but this is what I'd like to see.

- 3.5 V6 making about 250hp
- FWD
- Manual or paddle-shift auto
- two door with edgy styling
- keep the weight under 2200lbs/2400lbs
- Price it starting around $14K
[/b][/quote]

That's impossible. Car with 250 hp and starting price $14,000?

mobster

not really, ford has a 3.5 V6 making 250hp that going to start showing up this fall, but if that engine is to expensive they could use the V6 out of the Fusion/500.