C&G Spy Shot: Aviator Test Mule

[Guest Josh]

While the pictures below can be slightly misleading sources have told C&G that what you are looking at is not a Mazda MPV undergoing testing, rather it's Fords clever attempt at disguising the powertrain of the Lincoln Aviator which is due sometime in '06. As you can tell from the front/side images, the grille on this tester is clearly that of the Mazda MPV, the tail-lights also hint that this is an MPV, however such is not the case.

[The O.C.]

You may be right.....BUT....I saw this exact car on the 5 freeway in Orange County a few weeks ago and it was followed by about 5-6 other SUVs with MFR plates on them.....a Pilot, Toureg, MDX, and I forget what else.... If it's the new Aviator, then the uplevel SUVs following it would make sense...

[Northstar]

Interesting. I don't see why Ford wouldn't just camo the hell out of the Aviator and test it with the body on it if they really didn't want people to get a good glimpse of it.

[mustang84]

If the Aviator looks as good as the Edge pic I saw, it should do really well for Lincoln. When I first saw those pics though, I didn't read and thought that WAS the Aviator...I would be thoroughly disappointed if that was what it was going to look like. But after seeing how upscale Ford made the Edge, I wouldn't be surprised if the production Aviator is very close to the concept.

[CSpec]

It would appear that the Aviator is a long ways away if they're still using a completely different body to test the powetrain and platform.

[mute]

looks like a minivan to me, kinda lame

[fordrules]

looks like a minivan,Definatly a mpv

[Guest Josh]

looks like a minivan,Definatly a mpv

[post="1756"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Re-read my lead in paragraph to the pictures.

[NOS2006]

Wow those taillights look like some cheap aftermarket ones I could find for a Caravan or something...

[mute]

this is def a minivan body, it may be a mule considering the larger exhaust trailer hitch, higher front and unusually sexy proprtions for a van i apologize for the previous assumtion josh, looks great thanks for the shots and info

[mustang84]

It's a mule...a Mazda MPV




The MPV is probably about the same length as the Aviator so it works as a body. Notice that the two exhaust pipes are different sizes. The MPV just has one small exhaust pipe on the right like in the picture. All the badging is gone and the bumper looks like it was tacked on. This is no doubt a mule.



As for the concept, I have a feeling the front end will be produced with few changes made. The rear will probably be toned down some...I don't think that all-glass hatch will make it.

[BlkHhr104]

The other day i saw an mpv with last generation tailights but the mazda 5 headlights gut this gen grille it was a whole mix of things i wonder if it was a mule

[Robert Hall]

It's probably just a prototype for a mid-cycle freshening of the MPV.

[JONSULLIVAN]

I HOPE THE MISMATCHING EXHAUST MAKES PRODUCTION, I HONESTLY DON'T KNOW WHY LINCOLN JUST DOESEN'T GIVE UP IF THEY'RE NOT GOING TO STEER LINCOLN IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION ANYWAYS. LOOK HOW WELL CADILLAC AND CHRYSLER ARE DOING BY GOING RWD, SOME ANALYST AT FORD IS GETTING PAID WAY TO MUCH TO BE A MORON.

[Ultra Magnus]

You can tell its a Lincoln. The wheels alone give it away. Besides the ground clearance alone is too high for the MPV.

[daves87rs]

You can tell its a Lincoln.  The wheels alone give it away.  Besides the ground clearance alone is too high for the MPV.

[post="2051"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

I noticed that too.

I also noticed a MPV simular to that one driving in dearborn a week ago.

I wonder how many are out there? :huh:

[mustang84]

It's not a Lincoln body...compare the pictures I posted to the spy shots. I have actually seen a leaked picture of the Ford Edge, and it looks damn good...why would Ford make the Edge look better than the Aviator? Edited August 22, 2005 by mustang84

[DATFORDGUY20]

It's not a Lincoln body...compare the pictures I posted to the spy shots.  I have actually seen a leaked picture of the Ford Edge, and it looks damn good...why would Ford make the Edge look better than the Aviator?

[post="2091"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

CAN WE GET A LINK TO THIS SITE WHERE YOU SAW THE FORD EDGE, I'VE SEARCHED HIGH AND LOW AND COME UP WITH NOTHING. THANKS!

[mustang84]

CAN WE GET A LINK TO THIS SITE WHERE YOU SAW THE FORD EDGE, I'VE SEARCHED HIGH AND LOW AND COME UP WITH NOTHING. THANKS!

[post="6331"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

It was originally at BON, then at carspyshots.com, but since then the picture has been removed from both sites. I don't know where they can be found now.

[Satty]

I found it in about two minutes. Just Google "Ford Edge" and the second or third link, the one to TCC has a live link to the pic.

[LosAngeles]

So this Aviator is either surely separating from Explorer and Mountaineer, or the Edge is replacing the Explorer too.... Either way, I'd like to think the SRX and FX still have the Aviator beat, but they may have one in the chamber for the RX Lexus and Rendezvous (with the Edge aimed at Murano, B9, and Highlander)

[DATFORDGUY20]

It was originally at BON, then at carspyshots.com, but since then the picture has been removed from both sites.  I don't know where they can be found now.

[post="6363"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

THANK YOU! LAST NIGHT AFTER I SENT THAT MESSAGE I TRIED AGAIN AND I FOUND IT AT THE CAR CONNECTION IN THE MESSAGE BOARDS.
http://forum.thecarconnection.com/showthre...16&page=1&pp=25

[Mule Bakersdozen LS]

looks like a minivan to me, kinda lame

[post="1743"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

It IS a minivan-its the Mazda MPV body placed atop an Aviator CD3 platform. Its not a new concept for manufacturers to do that with prototypes in early testing.

[mute]

It IS a minivan-its the Mazda MPV body placed atop an Aviator CD3 platform. Its not a new concept for manufacturers to do that with prototypes in early testing.

[post="7306"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

already settled this, soory, read the whole convo