Ford drops plans for new RWD sedans

Posted Mon Jan 12 2009 9:35 AM by Alex Kaufmann

The new RWD platform would have spawned models for both the Ford and Lincoln brands

The Blue Oval has been vocal about its plans to develop a new generation of RWD sedans for both its Ford and Lincoln brands, but with demand for big and powerful sedans on the decline management have revised those original plans. In light of rising fuel costs and toughening fuel economy standards, Ford has decided to drop plans for new RWD sedans.

Speaking with Automotive News at this week’s Detroit Auto Show, Ford design chief J Mays said the RWD future was “out of the cycle plan.” He went on to reveal that Ford would focus its design efforts on other segments and that the path it was going down at the moment was all about fuel efficiency. “We're not talking about RWD," he said.

Ford CEO Alan Mulally and product chief Derrick Kuzak confirmed the development of a new RWD platform last year, but six months after the original announcement managers were already beginning to rethink the feasibility of the project.

The new platform was expected to be jointly developed with engineers in Australia and would have spawned models for both the Ford and Lincoln brands.

Reader Comments

Mon Jul 14 2008 12:27 PM
mlevere1992 says

Are front wheel drive cars really that much more economical than rear wheel drive cars? I thought rear wheel drive cars would be better beacuse the fronts don't have to do all of the work. Or is it that rwd cars have too much drive train loss compared to fwd?
Mon Jul 14 2008 3:55 PM
Michael D. says

I hope they continue and move forward with this, they're fools if they stop!
An addition of Eco-Boost power-plants in RWD lines would be of some help, too.
Also, it's essential for the current Panther based line will end it's long life-cycle; they've been around in some form or another since MY1978!
Mon Jul 14 2008 4:52 PM
LJS says

Bring Falcon.
Mon Jul 14 2008 5:49 PM
Knight3058 says

I want whatever that is that's pictured up there!
Mon Jan 12 2009 1:32 PM
Michael D says

It's a bummer, but then again, the D3-based vehicles are large and have AWD with the Eco-Boost V6s, so, I feel that this makes up for the lack of RWD sedans.

I suppose that the Mustang will be the only RWD ford product, outside of BOF trucks and SUVs.
Mon Jan 12 2009 4:33 PM
NoNameDenton says

Michael D, there is a big difference between rwd and awd cars. For one thing rwd cars are lighter and have 50/50 weight distribution (usually some exceptions, like the GT500), and are better handling for sports cars and such, or for the Charger. Thanks Ford for proving that smart of moves you have been making lately, you still have idiots running that company.
Tue Jun 23 2009 7:13 PM
NaturalD says

Quote:
Originally Posted by NoNameDenton
Michael D, there is a big difference between rwd and awd cars. For one thing rwd cars are lighter and have 50/50 weight distribution (usually some exceptions, like the GT500), and are better handling for sports cars and such, or for the Charger. Thanks Ford for proving that smart of moves you have been making lately, you still have idiots running that company.

how can a real wheel drive car be lighter?

rwd cars, need a differential case + cardan axle.

fwd cars put the differantial in the gearbox, no cardan axle needed.

your are right about the weight distrubution.
but fwd cars are better is most conditions, like rain and snow.
a fwd car puls your around a corner, while a rwd pushes your true the corner.
that's why fwd cars are better for the far most of the consumers.

MotorAuthority