William Maley

Subscription services are beginning to become more popular as more companies and OEMs come into this market to offer consumers a range of different vehicles that can be swapped. Mercedes-Benz is the latest automaker planning to launch such a service in the U.S. "We plan to have something ready within this year. We are in the final conclusion" stage, said Britta Seeger, global head of sales for Mercedes-Benz to Automotive News. "With everything we see from the markets, from the customer … going forward, choice is really the topic of the future. Customers are so diverse and they want to have different offers. Subscription is another part of how to offer mobility to our customers." Earlier this month, Mercedes launched a pilot program called Mercedes me Flexperience at two of Germany's largest Mercedes' dealership groups. Customers who sign up can select and drive up to 12 new vehicles for a year at an undisclosed monthly rate depending on the vehicle segment. The rate includes insurance, maintenance, repair, tires, and up to 36,000 kilometers (22,369 miles) a year. As for vehicle choices, customers can choose from four different segments: A, C, E, and S-Class models and their crossover and AMG variants. Customers can upgrade to a higher model segment for an additional cost. When it comes to swap into a new vehicle, a customer can do it through the Mercedes me Flexperience app. Details as to where Mercedes plans to launch the pilot program for the U.S. and pricing are still being worked out. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

Kia revealed some details and pictures of the upcoming K900 flagship sedan that will be debuting next week at the New York Auto Show. The K900's new body was styled in California and Korea. It has slightly more presence than the outgoing model with a front grille featuring 176 jewel-like “cells,” and new LED headlights. The back looks Mercedes-esq with similar styling for the trunk and taillights. Kia has extended the K900's wheelbase by 60-millimeters (about 2.3-inches), which is similar to a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. We also got a first look at the K900's interior thanks to someone leaking out the brochure for the Korean-market K900. Compared to the outgoing model, the new K900 has a modern and clean looking dashboard with less buttons and a strip of real wood trim. Two 12.3-inch displays are used - one for the instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment system. The KDM brochure reveals that that K900 will offer a 3.6L V6, twin-turbo 3.3L V6, and 5.0L V8 engines. We think the 3.3T and 5.0L V8 engines will be available for the U.S. market. We'll have more details when the K900 rolls out on March 28th. Source: Kia, Motor Graph Press Release is on Page 2 Kia reveals first glimpse of all-new K900 luxury sedan Kia releases first images of new flagship luxury sedan Rich, sophistacted design and balanced proportions ensure a strong on-road presence for K900 Analog clock developed exclusively by Swiss watch brand Maurice Lacroix Minimalist interior with advanced in-car technologies, new Human Machine Interface (HMI) and co-developed Pantone customizable mood lighting Kia Motors has revealed the design of the all-new K900 today in a series of exterior and interior images. The all-new K900 has been created in close collaboration between Kia’s global design headquarters in Namyang, Korea and the brand’s U.S. design studio in Irvine, California. The new model will make its world debut at the New York International Auto Show later on March 28. Exterior design and the Gravity of Prestige Combining a beautifully balanced design with elegant, flowing lines and geometric details, the K900 introduces a modern air of elegance and gravitas to the large sedan segment. Kia’s designers were inspired by the ‘Gravity of Prestige’ design concept, which exudes strength through rich detail and solid surfaces. Based conceptually on the the changing shape of condensed energy, a new ‘Quadric pattern’ signature grille – seen for the first time today – is the focal point of the K900. Embodying the K900’s design concept, the grille contains 176 jewel-like ‘cells’, suggestive of released energy accelerating away from its center. Lines in the high-strength steel bodywork flow naturally from the grille, rising over the hood and, in profile, sweeping through to the rear flanks before meeting at the back. Geometric design details add an element of modernity and technology. Evoking the trajectory of light, the design of the ‘Duplex’ LED headlamps provides the K900 with a visually progressive, high-prestige image. In profile, a chrome flash adds visual depth to the smooth bodywork, running along the base of the doors and around the lower rear section of the K900. The chrome window-line adds a degree of technicality and structure to the free-flowing C-pillar before it merges with the rear deck. The tail lights and exhaust housings are also finished with fine chrome details. A key element in the design of the all-new K900 comes from its new platform and elongated proportions. Longer and wider than its predecessor, the wheelbase of the new model has been extended by 60mm (2.3 inches) to 3,105mm (122.2 inches), while both the front and rear overhangs are shorter, pushing the wheels further out to the corners of the car. This subtle change to the K900’s proportions is a strong expression of space, while underpinning improvements in ride quality and creating greater passenger room on the inside. Elegant, minimalist and innovative interior Elegant by design, and with a high-class, minimalist layout, the interior of the new K900 provides the driver and passengers with a peaceful retreat in which to spend time. Kia has also developed a series of more expressive features for occupants to enjoy. Kia has created a refined and luxurious cabin which wraps around the driver, enhancing the sense of being cocooned from the outside world. Flowing from the center of the dash and outwards to the doors, surfaces are trimmed in a sophisticated combination of materials, with soft-touch surfaces, a blend of highly tactile wood and metal veneers, and genuine leather throughout the interior. The cabin is designed to offer greater space and comfort than ever before. The all-new K900’s longer, wider exterior proportions provides a more spacious cabin for occupants than its predecessor, while seats are trimmed in genuine leather, with smooth and quilted surfaces enhancing the prestige aspect of the interior. The K900’s 12.3-inch HMI screen is integrated in such a way as to enhance a sense of calm and serenity on-board, with a bezel-less display and simplified switchgear layout. At the base of the center console, the driver can also use a manual dial to rotate through on-screen functions. Inspired by the simplicity of fine watch design, the K900 dashboard also houses an elegant analog clock, developed specifically for the new model through an exclusive collaboration with Swiss luxury watch brand, Maurice Lacroix. The HMI features a new intelligent lighting control with proximity sensors, only illuminating the dashboard when it detects the driver’s hand reaching for a switch. Drivers can also adapt the cabin of the new K900 to personal preferences with a new mood lighting system. The new K900 is the first car in the world to incorporate an ambient lighting system developed in partnership with the Pantone Color Institute, the global authority on color. Customizable on the move, the subtle ambient lighting floods the interior in one of seven colors, jointly developed by Kia and the Pantone Color Institute. Drivers can also choose from 64 unique settings to adapt light levels throughout the car. Harmonizing with the cabin’s design, the glow of the lights creates a truly contemporary ambience while providing stability and rest for K900 occupants. The all-new Kia K900 will be manufactured in Korea and will go on sale across selected global markets from the second quarter of 2018. View full article

Today, Volkswagen announced that it would be building a five-passenger variant of the Atlas crossover. The “Five-Passenger Atlas,” as Volkswagen is calling it at the moment will be shown in concept form next week at the New York Auto Show. It is unclear whether the five-seat version will be shorter, but it appears to look slightly different than the standard Atlas. The new model will be built on Volkswagen's MQB platfrom and produced alongside the Atlas at the Chattanooga, TN plant. “The Atlas has built strong momentum for Volkswagen in the SUV segment, and we are excited to grow our SUV portfolio with this new, Chattanooga-assembled five-passenger SUV. We are not only committed to this market, we are committed to our U.S. manufacturing home in Chattanooga, Tennessee,” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. Source: Volkswagen Press Release is on Page 2 VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES A NEW FIVE-PASSENGER ATLAS SUV TO BE BUILT IN CHATTANOOGA Mar 19, 2018 Based off Volkswagen’s award-winning MQB platform, a concept version will be unveiled at the 2018 New York International Auto Show Chattanooga, Tenn. – Volkswagen of America, Inc., announced today that it will be building a new five-passenger SUV at its Chattanooga factory. Based off Volkswagen’s award-winning MQB platform, the new Volkswagen SUV will be a variant of the seven-passenger Atlas and, like its sibling, will be designed and engineered for the American market. “The Atlas has built strong momentum for Volkswagen in the SUV segment, and we are excited to grow our SUV portfolio with this new, Chattanooga-assembled five-passenger SUV,” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “We are not only committed to this market, we are committed to our U.S. manufacturing home in Chattanooga, Tennessee.” Woebcken made the announcement in Chattanooga today with Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam. “During my time as Governor, I’ve watched Volkswagen Chattanooga flourish from a single vehicle producer, starting with the Passat, into what it is today—a thriving U.S. manufacturing operation that can produce three models, and counting,” said Governor Haslam. “We value Volkswagen as a committed partner, whose investments in the state have not only created new jobs, but have helped us build a skilled Tennessee workforce. I look forward to watching as VW continues to grow in Tennessee.” Volkswagen will invest approximately $340 million to bring the vehicle to market, in addition to approximately $900 million already invested to expand the plant for Atlas production. The five-passenger Atlas variant will mark the third Volkswagen model assembled at the Chattanooga factory. Volkswagen Chattanooga also manufactures the Passat, which went on sale in 2011, and the Atlas, which started sales in 2017. A concept version of the five-passenger SUV will be officially unveiled at the 2018 New York International Auto Show. View full article

Audi is one of the few brands that offers a 12-cylinder engine in the form of the A8 W12. But after this new-generation A8, the W12 will be no more for the four rings. “We will not have the 12-cylinder forever. There are customers who really want the 12-cylinder and they are happy with it and are going to get it. But this is going to be the last installation,” said Peter Mertens, Audi’s R&D boss. This decision won't affect the U.S. since Audi retired the W12 in 2017. The W12 engine has only been modest seller since it was launched in 2011 for Europe and Asia, and in 2005 for the U.S. Bentley will continue to use the W12 in the Bentayga and Continental GT. Possibly on the cutting block is Audi's 5.2L V10 engine used in the R8. Various reports say Audi is working on a twin-turbo V6 for their supercar, which would likely divert a lot of the demand for the more expensive V10. Source: Car and Driver View full article

The fate of the Nissan Z has been up the air for a number of years. One minute, it seems the Z will be killed off. The next, Nissan is figuring out how to keep the Z alive. This brings us neatly to a report from Autocar which says a new Z car is expected in 2020. But after reading this report, we have some questions as to the validity of this information. According to "senior officials from Nissan," the new Z car has the codename of Z35 and will share a number of components with the Infiniti Q60 Coupe including the rear-drive platform and engines. Using the Q60's platform would make the Z a bit larger - the Q60's length is 17 inches longer and the wheelbase is about a foot longer. Power will come from a twin-turbo 3.0L V6 engine from the Q50 and Q60 producing 400 horsepower. There will also be a high-performance NISMO model that will use a re-tuned version of the twin-turbo V6 to produce 475 horsepower and be paired with an all-wheel drive system. But this report has a huge red flag. Emphasis ours. The issue is that there will not be a 2018 Tokyo Moto Show. It is a bi-annual auto show. The last one took place in 2017, meaning the next one will not happen till 2019. This also puts a red flag on the reveal of the production model at the 2019 LA Auto Show. This report comes a week after another rumor about the Z car was debunked. Japanese site Response reported that Nissan has asked their partner Mercedes-Benz on developing a new Z car. Using a Mercedes-Benz platform, the new Z would be offered with two engines. A 2.0L turbo-four from Mercedes as the base and the twin-turbo V6 from Infiniti. But as Japanese Nostalgic Car notes in their report, "the automotive rumor mill in Japan is like 1990s Motor Trend on crack." The partnership between Nissan and Diamler hit a rough patch earlier this year as Reuters reported that Infiniti would not use Mercedes' MFA2 modular platform due to cost issues. The new QX50 which was supposed to be the Infiniti vehicle to use this new platform would instead use its own unique platform. Motor Trend would deliver the final nail in the coffin of this rumor. According to their sources, Mercedes and Nissan did talk about the possibility of working together on a new platform that would be shared between the Z and SLC roadster. But these talks reportedly went nowhere. Also, Mercedes is planning to kill off the SLC once production of the current model ends. We know that Nissan does want to keep the Z alive from comments made by Philippe Klein, Nissan's chief planning officer back in January. As of right now, your guess is as good as ours. Source: Autocar View full article

When Volkswagen introduced the new T-Roc crossover last year, there were some who were hoping it would come to the U.S. But that would not be the case as would learn. Still, Volkswagen is planning a separate compact crossover that will be aimed at various global markets such as the U.S. and China. According to Automotive News, the new crossover known internally as Volks-SUV will sit underneath the Tiguan and be first built in China by the SAIC-Volkwagen joint venture with sales beginning in August. Production will expand to Argentina, Mexico, and Russia in 2020. "We will supply the U.S. from Mexico," said Volkswagen brand CEO Herbert Diess. No timeframe was given as to when the U.S. will see the new SUV. Automotive News reports the new crossover will be underpinned by the MQB modular platform and the final design was approved last week. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

Ford held an event today at their Dearborn HQ for automotive media to talk about what they have in store for the next 24 months. Between now and 2020, Ford will have replaced three-quarters of its lineup. According to those who attended the event, Ford is primarily focusing on two areas; utility vehicles and electrification. Here is what you need to know Ford teased the new Bronco by hiding it underneath a mud-stained sheet. It will be boxy like the original model and appear to have a spare tire carrier. Ford also teased a new a small, purpose-built SUV built for off-roading. The unnamed model looks to be quite chunky in its design. Ford describes this model built for "people who love getting away and spending time outdoors with their families and friends." Expect an Explorer ST to arrive sometime before 2020 Sticking with performance for a moment, Ford dropped a teaser for the next Shelby GT500. It looks quite angry with a massive opening. Those who were at the event got a few details, but sadly cannot talk about them for the time being. Ford will be "going all-in on hybrids". Nearly every model in Ford's lineup will have some sort of hybrid powertrain. The company will be tuning the hybrid system for each model to provide a different strength. For the Mustang, it will be delivering acceleration similar to the V8. On the F-150, the hybrid system will be tuned to provide more low-end torque and also give worksites an on-board generator. Ford is planning to launch six electric vehicles by 2022. The first will be a performance utility vehicle. Brief mention of Lincoln during this event. We'll be seeing a new SUV making its debut at New York later this month. Motor1 says there are "no fewer than four additional utility models" in the pipeline. Source: Automobile, Motor1, Ford Press Release is on Page 2 Ford Readies North America’s Freshest Lineup By 2020 With Onslaught Of Connected New Trucks, SUVs And Hybrids Building toward its vision of smart vehicles in a smart world, Ford is revamping its lineup, building on truck, SUV and commercial strengths, investing in new propulsion and delivering full connectivity to pave the way for over-the-air updates and the Transportation Mobility Cloud Ford brand targeting North America’s freshest lineup among full-line makers by 2020, replacing more than 75 percent of its current portfolio and adding four new trucks and SUVs All-in push on hybrid-electrics to bring new capability and features to customers on high-volume, profitable vehicles like F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Escape and Bronco; battery electric vehicle rollout starts in 2020 with performance utility and six BEVs by 2022 Ford announces Ford Co-Pilot360™, a package that includes standard automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning and other driver assist features Redesigned organization and product development system sharpening focus on customers and market insights to define bets; new tools and technology to improve speed-to-market by reducing sketch-to-showroom and changeover time, adding to the company’s bottom line DEARBORN, Mich., March 15, 2018 – Ford is revamping its lineup, building on truck, SUV and commercial strengths, investing in new propulsion and delivering standard connectivity on new vehicles, paving the way for over-the-air updates and the Transportation Mobility Cloud, an open platform that will empower tomorrow’s mobility systems. By 2020, Ford will offer North America’s freshest lineup among all full-line automakers, with its average showroom age dropping from 5.7 to 3.3 years as it replaces three-quarters of its lineup and adds four new trucks and SUVs. Ford is going all-in on hybrids, offering customers more performance and capability yet serving as a hedge against higher gas prices. All new Ford vehicles will have 4G LTE connectivity by the end of 2019. Ford is also introducing Ford Co-Pilot360, a new driver-assist technology package with standard automatic emergency braking and helps protect from the front, rear and sides. “Our passion for great vehicles is stronger than ever,” said Jim Hackett, Ford president and CEO. “This showroom transformation will thrill customers, drive profitable growth and further build toward our future of smart vehicles in a smart world.” Where Ford is Playing Ford is strengthening its position in the following segments: trucks, SUVs (including off-road and performance versions), hybrids, battery electric vehicles and commercial vehicles. Trucks: Since the 2014 debut of the new F-150 with a high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body, Ford has gained 1.3 percentage points of share in the full-size pickup segment. Average F-Series transaction prices lead the segment – up $6,700 per vehicle since 2014 – because of high-end versions like Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum. Ford’s F-Series revenues alone are higher than revenues of Fortune 500 icons such as Facebook, Coca-Cola and Nike. Ford’s truck business will continue growing as the company adds new models and powertrains with an eye toward continued growth in high-end trims. Some highlights include: 2018: New 3.0-liter Power Stroke® diesel engine for F-150, updated version of the popular F-150 Raptor 2019: Ranger returns to midsize truck segment; new F-Series Super Duty debuts 2020: New F-150 debuts with new hybrid powertrain featuring a mobile generator SUVs: By 2020, Ford estimates SUV sales could account for 50 percent of U.S. industry retail sales – one reason Ford is reallocating $7 billion in capital from cars to SUVs. By 2020, Ford plans an industry-leading lineup of eight SUVs – five of which will offer hybrid powertrains and one battery electric. Ford SUV sales are estimated to grow 20 percent – more than double the industry rate – to more than 950,000 by 2020, according to LMC Automotive, and surpass 1 million by 2021. After recently introducing an all-new model at each end of the SUV spectrum – the subcompact EcoSport and full-size Expedition – Ford’s next push is in the highest volume SUV segments. Entirely new versions of the Escape and Explorer debut next year; combined, these two models make up 70 percent of Ford’s SUV volume. Ford also plans to drive growth with two all-new off-road models: the new Bronco and a yet-to-be-named off-road small utility – both designed to win a growing number of people who love getting away and spending time outdoors with their families and friends. “Ford helped start the off-road phenomenon and has majored in off-road capability for decades – from the Bronco to the Raptor,” said Jim Farley, Ford president, Global Markets. “Now, we’re ready to reclaim our rightful place as the off-road vehicle leader.” Ford also will grow its lineup of performance SUVs. Two additions to the Ford Performance lineup include the all-new Edge ST later this year, and an Explorer ST will soon follow. These two new SUVs will help Ford Performance deliver on its promise of 12 new models by 2020, and will help extend the division’s growth, which has risen 81 percent in the last four years. Ford Performance sales are on track to grow another 71 percent by 2020, driven by SUVs. Next-Gen Hybrid Electrics: Part of Ford’s new strategy includes going all-in on hybrids to bring more capability to customers of our most popular and high-volume vehicles like F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Escape and Bronco – and serve as a hedge for customers against higher gas prices. Ford’s new hybrids will offer customers more space than today’s hybrids. On the F-150 Hybrid, Ford will lean in to capability, such as the low-end torque for extra pulling power and the fact it can serve as a mobile generator. Mustang Hybrid will be all about delivering V8-like performance with more low-end torque. “Hybrids for years have been mostly niche products but are now on the cusp of a mainstream breakout,” Farley said. “The valuable capability they offer – plus fuel efficiency – is why we’re going to offer hybrid variants of our most popular and high-volume vehicles, allowing our loyal, passionate customers to become advocates for the technology.” Ford’s new hybrid system is designed to be more efficient and less expensive than previous generations. These lower costs – achieved through supply base relationships, using common cell and component design and by manufacturing motors, transmissions and battery packs – with the intention of lowering cost of ownership for customers. Battery electric vehicles: Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) represent more than a different powertrain – they represent a lifestyle change for consumers, especially for those who have never driven an electric vehicle. That is why Ford’s strategy includes rethinking the ownership experience so it is more seamless than with today’s gas-powered vehicles. That means making charging an effortless experience at home and on the road as well as offering full-vehicle over-the-air software updates to enhance capability and features. “Throwing a charger in the trunk of a vehicle and sending customers on their way isn’t enough to help promote the viability of electric vehicles,” said Sherif Marakby, vice president, Autonomous and Electric Vehicles. “In addition to expanding our electric vehicle lineup, we are redesigning the ownership experience to ensure it addresses customer pain points that currently hold back broad adoption today.” Ford’s BEV manufacturing plan will be more efficient. The company will halve floor space for final assembly operations and reduce capital investment 50 percent. A projected 30 percent improvement in labor efficiency will allow Ford to redeploy employees to do other jobs, including assembly of battery packs (which are normally expensive and complex to ship). Ford’s new performance battery electric utility arrives in 2020. It is the first of six electric vehicles coming by 2022 as part of the company’s $11 billion global electric vehicle investment. Commercial vehicles: Ford, the only full-line brand with offerings that stretch from Class 1 to Class 7, has a commanding 38 percent share of the U.S. commercial vehicle market. Last year, it sold more CVs than the second, third and fourth place competitors combined. To continue building on its commercial vehicle leadership, Ford plans to: Debut a new Transit with 4G LTE connectivity, coming in 2019 Extend production of its E-Series cutaway and stripped chassis into the 2020s Offer Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Alert System and more on future E-Series, F-650, F-750 and F59 chassis products Ford earlier this year introduced new versions of its Transit Connect Cargo Van and Transit Connect Wagon, with both arriving at dealerships later this year. Designing a better PD system While delivering this new vehicle portfolio, Ford is continuously improving its operational fitness by increasing product speed to market, improving quality and further reducing complexity, and reducing cost. Driving improvements are the company’s new structure and new tools and technologies that drive even more human-centered designs. Ford’s new organization is designed to ensure company leaders view market and regional demands holistically to decide which vehicles and features customers value most. This drives more strategic and efficient investments, instead of trying to satisfy individual market requests. The efficiencies benefit the company and individual regions like North America. Ford also is moving to flexible vehicle architectures and more common parts across models, cutting new product development time – from sketch to dealer showroom – by 20 percent. This is helping Ford achieve its commitment to deliver $4 billion of engineering efficiencies. The company intends to have the most efficient Product Development organization among full-line automakers within five years. Ford’s five flexible vehicle architectures – body-on-frame, front-wheel-drive unibody, rear-wheel-drive unibody, commercial van unibody and BEV – are paired with module “families” that address the power pack, electrical pack and vehicle configurations. Seventy percent of each vehicle’s engineering will be driven from this new architecture approach, with 30 percent of content – including grilles, hoods, doors and more – customized for each vehicle. For instance, as more vehicles become connected, new analytics tools will show which vehicle technologies customers use most often. This new data-driven insight will help determine which features to grow and invest in and which to eliminate, reducing manufacturing complexity, improving pricing, reducing incentives and building revenue over time. Simplification is another key aspect of the plan. Ford already has reduced orderable combinations on Ford SUVs by 80 percent since 2014, including a 97 percent reduction on the new Edge coming later this year. New manufacturing tools and technologies: Increased use of augmented and virtual reality are helping reduce Ford’s plant changeover time by an estimated 25 percent, which adds an average $50 million to the company’s bottom line per changeover. Simulating various production processes and assembly line configurations in the virtual world helps identify potentially hazardous maneuvers and fine-tune workflows before construction even begins, saving an estimated 20 percent of tooling cost on each vehicle program. The company also is increasing its use of collaborative robots that can perform jobs quickly and repetitively, helping reduce the risk of injury to employees, freeing them up for more high-value jobs and improving the company’s bottom line. “We’re looking at every part of our business, making it more fit and ensuring that every action we take is driven by what will serve our customers in a way that supports our fitness and performance goals,” said Joe Hinrichs, president, Global Operations. View full article

The grim reaper appears to circling around the Lincoln Continental if a new report is to believed. Ford Authority has learned from sources familar with Lincoln's future product plans that the Continental will be end after this current-generation. No reason was given as to why the Continental could be shown the door. If we were to hazard a guess, it might be due to low sales number. Throughout its 18 months of being on sale, Lincoln has only moved 18,846 Continentals. 2016 (Sept to Dec): 5,261 2017: 12,012 2018 (so far): 1,573 The Continental is doing much better than the Lexus GS (1,009 models) and Acura RLX (285 models) so far this year. But it pales in comparison to the Cadillac XTS (3,163 vehicles, most going to fleets). The 2018 sales figures become more disheartening when you take into account that Lincoln spent close to a billion dollars to launch the Continental. The Truth About Cars also notes that other models that use Continental's platform, CD4 don't have a bright future. As we reported previously in the rumorpile, the Ford Fusion will not be built in North America after 2020. Plans for a redesigned Fusion have also been canned. We wouldn't be surprised if this carries over to the sister MKZ model. Ford has been working on a new CD6 platform that reportedly can be configured for front-, rear-, and all-wheel drive. A source tells The Truth About Cars that this platform would have underpinned the next-generation Continental, MKZ, Ford Fusion, and Mustang under CEO Mark Fields. With a new CEO, those plans have changed as the only models that will use CD6 are the next-generation Explorer and sister Lincoln model. Source: Ford Authority, The Truth About Cars View full article