2b2

IF Cadillac made a CTS as big as a DTS, would you buy That instead? ...use your imagination!! fixed ^ OR (edit) *WHEN* Lincoln brings out the new Awd MKZ 3.5EB Next year, (the one rumored to look a bit like a Jag XF) would you prefer THAT to either the MKS or CTS?

yes, great topic, mudmonster & hopefully the suits at FoMoCo are aware of this (I tend to believe ALL designers are but they're not allowed/approved to do something about it!) altho (minor point) during the 70's, whatever problems existed under the skin at least the cars looked good (imho) if I may be permitted to wax poetical, the designs had a 'Heart Of Darkness' that was powerful and seductive. those were some 'sinister' rides! This where I think Lincoln lost it - 1980cy/1981my (& I don't see what technical challenges have to do with cars LOOKING awkward unless the suits were so uncomfortable with the changes that they subconsciously had to have the styling reflect that) Agree they got some of their panache back in the 90's maybe 50%? but then they went 'weird' again for '98 with only glimmers of recovery since (imho). At a small local autoshow yesterday, it seemed most Mfgs are indulging in "flashy" - esp with 'graphics': headlights, odd shapes & swoops, etc. I'm sure they're pandering to consumers' lack of taste/shiny object fixation at least the percieved/focusgroup lack of taste... ...took me a LONG time to reach that conclusion - don't know of a solution. I'm wondering now if (per my timeline) that the first generation Panther styling 1980cy/81my killed Lincoln's mojo - because they've just never figured out how to do Less-Than-Huge? Could the root cause be that simple? I've collected some web expert statements about the nextgen MKZ - sounds Great - but not quite like it's addressing my 2 Lincoln buzzwords: 'princely' & 'gravitas'

didn't know if I should make a new post titled, "Lincoln: 2013my/2012cy, rumors & web experts" but since I only have one next-year model to start with, stuck it in here... MKZ • platform: euCD4-merger - wingsnut @ FiN • new engine: 3.5EB • performance: 0-60mph under 5 seconds, skidpad over .90 g's - wescoent @ GMI, 1/4 mile well under 14.5 BlueII @ BON • styling: Jaguar XF** - BlueII & jpd80 @ BON, BlueII @ BON ** or 4-door Audi A5/S5?; 2b2

I've just "gotta" buy a new Focus ... eventually cuz I wouldn't feel right turning a used car (or new other mfg) into my new MERCURY C557 that I've been fixated on since the C1 Focus came out** & I said "wow" today = Kia Optima at dealer car show& that sounds like it'd be even more typing imhops** as for wrong-wheel-drive for me, if ANY wheels are turning, that's just fine tho ideally I'd prefer a VirtualAWD

AT, yes IN, no

Great writeup, NOS, THANKS esp cuz we're having our little dealer-sponsored show this weekend & you gave me a good starting point, tho of course we'll only get models already on sale (had hoped for a Focus if the show was later as usual but oh well) Very glad to read your Mopar comments - or should I say Pentastar? - what ARE they called now?? anyway, since my Brand (Mercury) has been absorbed into the Titanium Fords, I'm really hoping for Chrsyler&friends to become an international powerhouse. & question: Did you brave the elements to see Saab & talk to their reps? ...my underdog rooting is in full force

I don't know if I've just never found the right thing but if anyone can provide a url... but Ford has OrderGuide .pdf's that I *Love* - always a thrill when they come out (as the order banks open) & I download them - make great references too, years later if I want to know what colors/options/specs were available 'back then' Does GM have something similar?

ok, it's settled all the sheeple get to avoid the usual stigma (Toyota) by buying VeeDubs instead I can live with that

well, there's all the Focuseses & last year they snuck in a next-year Fusion as the Car of the Year (strange huh?) but in addition to what I asked earlier, Would love it if everyone going to NAIAS stopped by the Lincoln area -not for pix- but just to see what the traffic is like, what people are saying, if anyone bemoans the lack of press-worthy new stuff! (feel free to do that for Cadillac, too! ... "Where's the ULS?")

me too but quite specific IF you can do better-quality/larger shots than these: phonecam 1 - phonecam 2 - phonecam 3 videocapture 1 - videocapture 2 I'd *love* pix of the new Focus cloth interiors for 1. the SE+SportPkg (like in the links, just gray+blk avail) 2. Titanium with cloth (if they have it, only comes in charcoal/blk) which haven't been photographed officially yet afaik!! They do have official ordinary-SE & SEL cloth shots (charcoal & stone-beige) and some SEL/Titanium leather pix, so lower priority ... for me

I *love* product planning threads, intrigued & congrats on your moderatorshipness! I agree with a lot of your post tho mine's a F-Awd/Rwd combo & might recco all EcoBoost + Hybrids if possible... btw afaik the Focus is close to 3-series size, the MKZ = the ES/5-series, & the current MKS is longer than the swb A8 & I keep them that size for the most part ...also keep the MucK tags for the F-Awd vehicles but with lowercase-muck ---(bolded = new)------------------------------ • mkE ('rhymes' with XKE) - Focus-based, very sporty '4-door-coupe', a bit like a 4-seat TT + a global RS version for the next year (those wanting more room can get the mkG) • mkG - KuGa-based, Very car-like CUV • mkZ - nextgen on euCD4 global platform • mkX - ^ditto^ • mkSS - current MKS wlb but less overhang & more sporty '4-door-coupe' styling • mkT - don't know if the larger Lincolns will move to the euCD4 platform, assuming some delay • mkS - stretched MKS on the MKT's longer wheelbase ("flagship" sized) Navigator - based on F-150/Expedition, 5.0v8 & 3.5EB-Hybrid only **GRwdP** - Global Rwd Platform ! ! ! highest performance models designated "HRL" to rival AMG & 'M' 3 killers: • ZODIAC - Mustang-sized coupe-cabrio & sport sedan + international flagship(s): • C O N T I N E N T A L - more "princely" than the MKR, with more "gravitas" • and maybe a "CONSTELLATION" which could be ^ the '4-door-coupe' whichmight replace the mkSS when the euCD4 merger happens + • the BARRA 4.0 INLINE-6 as a North American Lincoln exclusive for their GRwdP cars I also agree with "Highstrength steel, aluminum and magnesium would be used to achive lower curb weights across the board even with standard awd on some models..." may add carbon fibre too

THANKS for posting this, ClassyEldo that really is a gorgeous Cougar!! let's see: DEAR SANTA, PLEASE DISREGARD PREVIOUS LETTER...

& have a good time

not too late ;) :nudge: :nudge:

Thanks for those photos, balthazar! the first 2 a just a bit before 'my time' almost didn't expect that wagon to be Merc but it sure is sweet!

still think the best I've seen is The One You Ought To Avoid words to LIVE by

I'll have 'jetlag' for a week

THAT'S IT ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ the years and years of plotting & sub-standard enginerring & secrets & lies & hidden recalls & cover-ups... ...leading to the Uncontrolled Acceleration was just an attempt of make Toytanics less boring to drive

sounds good but what could we call one of these?

HATCHBACK!!!! ideally: with Continental/RX-8/opera doors & a Skoda-Superb-ish dual-back

I said No, there's more to come, too. Even if some of us on the car forums know or suspect 90% of the problemS, it hasn't made it into the general public's consciousness yet - - BUT IT WILL. Toyota & JAPAN INC. have done a GREAT job with cover-up/conspiracy for years if not DECADES but it looks like it's all unravelling. ABOUT TIME!

esp '69 - '78 fullsize Mercs tho I like the couple years before too, they didn't have that 'gravitas'

^^ HI cire!!! didn't know you were here too & here's my latest C3 Mercury quickie chop (cuz I'd really love some feedback on the name ) < clickable

I'd like to SEE as much ATTENTION paid to Mercury but - the Focus-based Merc is coming in about a year - tho probably only a sedan ...at first [broken record] just wish they'd show a Mercury concept at NAIAS and save the Focus for LAIAS 2010 [/broken record] - the Mariner name will continue - just don't know if it will be Kuga-based or Grand C-Max-based or _ _ _ - when the Eucd/CD# unification happens, it's not unlikely that the Milan will be more distinct from the Fusion (tho the MKZ will be more different)... ...I've wondered if a mix'n'match approach could work? where Mercs could get some Lincoln pieces and some Ford pieces???

imho (& that's all it is) the Dew98 is less relevant today than the Panther otoh the GRwdP is still a possiblity & could happen sooner than in 5 years