Ford Oz engineers to develop new SUV off T6

[jpd80]

LINK

 

FORD is set to develop a new sports utility vehicle (SUV) in Australia for international markets.

 

Fresh from leading the design and engineering of Ford's next-generation Ranger light truck – code-named T6 – Ford Australia has been tasked with spinning off a new off-roader from the Ranger platform, aimed at the Asia Pacific region.

 

GoAuto understands the project will be headed by Ford Motor Company vehicle engineering manager and SUV specialist Todd Hoevener, who has just signed off on the all-new Ford Explorer launched this week in the United States.

 

Mr Hoevener, an American born in Indiana, has confirmed he is coming to Australia for the new project, adding: "This is going to be fun."

 

Details of the vehicle, its projected launch date and production location remain secret, but Mr Hoevener's seniority and extensive experience in midsize and large SUVs point to a major SUV under Ford's One Ford global vehicle program.

Ford Australia communications manager Sinead McAlary declined to comment specifically on the SUV project, saying only that Ford Australia had always said it would produce more than one model off the T6 platform.

 

GoAuto understands that the massive engineering team that has been working on the Ranger ute in Victoria is now ready to swing on to the SUV variant that, like the ute, is unlikely to be built locally.

 

The Ranger ute is in its final testing phase before being rolled out internationally from 2011 to multiple markets around the world, including Australia and the United States.

 

Here, the T6 will replace the Thai-made Mazda B-Series-based one-tonner that received an update last year. The new model, which has occupied 450 local engineers and designers in a $700 million development project in Victoria, will go into production in Thailand, South Africa and the United States in dual-cab and king cab variants.

 

The new SUV – built on the rugged T6 ladder-chassis platform – will be pitched directly at rivals such as Nissan's Navara-based Pathfinder and Mitsubishi's Triton-derived Challenger.

 

The vehicle is unlikely to replace the Falcon-based Territory, but might make it into Australia as an import from Thailand.

 

Mr Hoevener, the chief technical officer overseeing the Explorer project, would have extensive knowledge of Ford's new fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine technology that has just been applied to the new Explorer in the same 176kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder form that will appear in both Ford's Australian Falcon and Aussie-designed T6 Ranger next year.

 

Ford has already ruled out the EcoBoost engine for the current-generation Territory. Instead, it is planning to graft its European 2.7-litre diesel – formerly used in Land Rover, Jaguar and PSA Peugeot-Citroen vehicles – into the Territory next year when the Falcon-based SUV gets its first major makeover since it was launched in March 2004.

 

Ultimately, Ford Australia will be faced with the challenge of replacing Territory, which, like the Falcon, is expected to lose its locally derived rear-drive format under Ford CEO Alan Mulally's One Ford model strategy that requires the company to develop global models and shed small regional-interest vehicles that deliver less reward to the bottom line.

 

Ford Australia president and CEO Marin Burela has not ruled out a switch to a front-drive model – presumably based on the Taurus - in the next generation beyond 2016.

 

Without a rear-drive Falcon, Ford Australia would then be faced with killing the rear-drive Territory or finding a replacement on a One Ford platform, such as the US-developed Taurus – which would fit with a front-drive Falcon for local production purposes at Broadmeadows – or some other alternative.

 

As Ford's big new Explorer is already built on the Taurus platform in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive, Ford Australia might be able to modify that, perhaps scaling back the dimensions and restyling it to sit below Explorer, which is essentially aimed at North American consumers.

 

And, conveniently, Ford Australia would have the Ford Explorer engineering chief, Mr Hoevener, already on hand.

 

Another possibility is a mid-sized SUV built on the European Mondeo architecture, delivering a direct competitor for General Motor's successful Captiva and Toyota's Kluger.

 

This would be unlikely to go into Australian production, but neither is the T6 Ranger that was designed at Ford Australia's tech centre.

 

Although Ford Australia could sorely use a new compact SUV, Ford of Europe already has that base covered with the Kuga, using the company's C1 small-car platform that also has spawned the global Focus and C-Max crossover.

Edited July 30, 2010 by jpd80

[pictor]

Could we be seeing the rebirth of the Bronco?

[PREMiERdrum]

With Mulally's mention of a "new Ranger" earlier this week, this makes me smile.

 

Here, the T6 will replace the Thai-made Mazda B-Series-based one-tonner that received an update last year. The new model, which has occupied 450 local engineers and designers in a $700 million development project in Victoria, will go into production in Thailand, South Africa and the United States in dual-cab and king cab variants.

 

I wonder where it would be built here in the States?

[Chester]

Way to many leaks on a new Ranger lately coming to the U.S. for it not to happen. When the CEO says a new Ranger is on the way, I will take him at his word.

 

Sounds like a new Bronco too. This is awesome.

Edited July 30, 2010 by Chester

[jpd80]

Way to many leaks on a new Ranger lately coming to the U.S. for it not to happen. Whne the CEo says a new Ranger is on the way, I will take him on his word.

 

Sounds like a new Bronco too. This is awesome.

 

Sounds like New Everest on T6 platform...

 

[NLPRacing]

Sounds like New Everest on T6 platform...

 

 

That's what I was thinking too. Would make a great vehicle to base a new Bronco.

[Chester]

Sounds like New Everest on T6 platform...

 

 

 

If it's a global vehicle, I think the Bronco name would have more significance. Personally I could care less what they call it, but I do hope it's a global vehicle designed to compete with the Wrangler. Ford needs something bold, and a new Bronco could be a smash hit, if it corrects some of the true shortcomings of the Wrangler (gas milage, weak engine etc.). I could see the ecoboost work wonders in this type of vehicle.

[twintornados]

Seeing as Ford has moved away from "body on frame" for Explorer, my thoughts are, can the T6 be made "large" enough to provide a viable replacement for Expedition and Navigator? I see both vehicles going on a diet to reduce their gargantuan proportions to keep themselves relevant with todays' more economically popular offerings. Will these be a requirement due to ever increasing CAFE ratings?

[7Mary3]

As much as I would like to see Ford offer something like this for sale in th U.S., I say the chances are between slim and none. The market for small/mid-size BOF SUV's is gone, just enough left for Jeep and Toyota. Explorer sales last year were less than 10% of peak back 10 years ago. Diesel? That will push the price north of $35k. Still, would be neat to see.

[akirby]

Seeing as Ford has moved away from "body on frame" for Explorer, my thoughts are, can the T6 be made "large" enough to provide a viable replacement for Expedition and Navigator?

 

Expedition and Navigator will share the F150 platform with minimal modifications (IRS being a likely one).

[fordmantpw]

As much as I would like to see Ford offer something like this for sale in th U.S., I say the chances are between slim and none. The market for small/mid-size BOF SUV's is gone, just enough left for Jeep and Toyota. Explorer sales last year were less than 10% of peak back 10 years ago. Diesel? That will push the price north of $35k. Still, would be neat to see.

 

The good thing about "One-Ford" is that they don't have to sell 100k in the US to make a profit. The cost is spread across units in all countries where the product is sold.

[twintornados]

..

Edited July 31, 2010 by twintornados

[ausrutherford]

Seeing as Ford has moved away from "body on frame" for Explorer, my thoughts are, can the T6 be made "large" enough to provide a viable replacement for Expedition and Navigator? I see both vehicles going on a diet to reduce their gargantuan proportions to keep themselves relevant with todays' more economically popular offerings. Will these be a requirement due to ever increasing CAFE ratings?

 

T6-Ranger, Everest/Endeavor, hopefully Bronco and T4

 

P3-F-150, Expedition, Nav.

[Sevensecondsuv]

It's almost as if Ford was listening to my ranting about the "nuetered" explorer in other threads.

 

Now it looks as if I'll have a choice between a pickup or a "real" SUV in a few years.

 

I'll start saving my cash now.....

 

I want a compact/midsize 4-door crew cab pickup with 4 wheel drive (and low range) with a manual transmission. I don't care what engine, it could be a 4-banger, V6, V8, diesel, ecoboost, whatever, just as long as the fuel economy is 25 MPG or better on the highway.

 

If Ford will build it, I will be waiting with the cash.

 

One word of caution though - If it doesn't come with a manual transmission, even on the high-end crew cab with leather seat model, I'll have to look elsewhere. I don't think this will be a problem though as it will be a global vehicle and manual transmissions are a lot more common overseas.

[bzcat]

As much as I would like to see Ford offer something like this for sale in th U.S., I say the chances are between slim and none. The market for small/mid-size BOF SUV's is gone, just enough left for Jeep and Toyota. Explorer sales last year were less than 10% of peak back 10 years ago. Diesel? That will push the price north of $35k. Still, would be neat to see.

 

Just as Toyota doesn't sell that many 4Runner in the US... the point of One Ford is so that vehicles like this CAN be sold in the US if you designed it with that purpose in mind from the beginning. BOF SUVs is a big enough seller in Australia, Africa, and parts of Asia that Ford would be stupid just ignore it especially when they have a brand new T6 pickup chassis at their disposal.

[timmm55]

The Ranger MAX concept from 2008.

 

The front end looks like a swap for the Everest. I don't think it was locked in then, but it seems to be a recurring project.

I won't say "I told ya so" till they make it though!

Edited August 9, 2010 by timmm55

[jpd80]

Just as Toyota doesn't sell that many 4Runner in the US... the point of One Ford is so that vehicles like this CAN be sold in the US if you designed it with that purpose in mind from the beginning. BOF SUVs is a big enough seller in Australia, Africa, and parts of Asia that Ford would be stupid just ignore it especially when they have a brand new T6 pickup chassis at their disposal.

Precisely, it is because the T6 Ranger exists that the BOF SUV is possible and sells much better in the Ford Asia Pacific South Africa region. The current and previous versions of the Everest SUV were not imported to Australia due to the standard of finish and trim not being competitive with Toyota Prado (4Runner). If Ford were to provide an SUV wit a bit more refinement, they may indeed claw back much of the market moved onto Toyota products.

 

I can't say whether the same mood would apply in North America but having more niche products already available elsewhere neatly avoids additional costs usually associated with product delivery. In that respect, regional areas are participating in "one Ford" but in a different way.

Edited August 9, 2010 by jpd80

[jasonj80]

 

One word of caution though - If it doesn't come with a manual transmission, even on the high-end crew cab with leather seat model, I'll have to look elsewhere. I don't think this will be a problem though as it will be a global vehicle and manual transmissions are a lot more common overseas.

 

Even if a manual is offered on the base versions, it’s not going to be available on a higher trim version. No market, and a huge chance a dealer will get stuck with a model no one wants when someone orders one then doesn’t take it. The odd configs are what Ford is getting away from with Rapid Spec.

 

I wonder where else where is you're going to look, Nissan/Toyota also don't offer manuals on their top of the line models, and GM/Ram don't offer them at all on their crew cabs. Even the Mahindra is going to have a six speed auto if it shows up. Don't get your hopes up, it isn’t going to happen.

[Sevensecondsuv]

Even if a manual is offered on the base versions, it’s not going to be available on a higher trim version. No market, and a huge chance a dealer will get stuck with a model no one wants when someone orders one then doesn’t take it. The odd configs are what Ford is getting away from with Rapid Spec.

 

I wonder where else where is you're going to look, Nissan/Toyota also don't offer manuals on their top of the line models, and GM/Ram don't offer them at all on their crew cabs. Even the Mahindra is going to have a six speed auto if it shows up. Don't get your hopes up, it isn’t going to happen.

 

I guess I overstated that - I didn't mean on the "limited" model or whatever the top of the line one is. Just so long as I can order a 4 door crew cab XLT and opt for the leather seat option but not the automatic transmission option. Also I fully expect to have to order it - I'm not planning on finding one on a dealer's lot. I understand they don't want to risk having a new truck sit on their lot for 9 months before the special buyer specifically looking for a manual comes along. If I have to, I'll just get a crew cab 4x4 with an automatic and swap the manual transmission and related parts from a base model truck if the factory won't assemble it that way for me.

 

As for the current offerings, here is what I've found:

 

2010 Ford Ranger - Manual trans available on all configurations.

2010 Toyota Tacoma - Manual trans limited to regular cab and 4 cylinder models.

2010 Chevy Colorado - Manual trans limited to regular cab and 4 cylinder models..

2010 Nissan Frontier - Manual trans available on most models, including the 4.0L 4x4 Crew cab, until the top trim level.

 

However, the Ranger doesn't have a crew cab option (and the sport trac just isn't what I want); The Taco's are way over priced and have had some bad issues with rusting frames; I've had just enough experience with Colorados to know that they are every bit of the stinking piece of crap that it's predecessor, the S10, was; and the Frontier is rated is 15/19 for gas mileage - about as good as an F150.

 

So here I sit, waiting for someone to build me a 4x4 crew cab compact/midsize pickup with a manual transmission that gets 25 mpg on the highway. It shouldn't be that hard. I just returned from a vacation where I drove my 1992 Explorer sport 4x4 about 4500 miles around the US and Canadian west. My best gas mileage was 24.5 mpg and my worst was 19.8 mpg. And this was from a 18 year-old, 190,000 miles 4.0L OHV Cologne V6 and 5-spd manual in a heavily loaded 4wd truck. If, 20 years later, they can't make a comparably-sized truck that does a couple of MPGs better on the highway, I see no reason to buy a new vehicle. My explorer is easy to work on, parts are abundant and cheap, and I won't hesitate to drive it another 20 years if no one will build what I want to buy.

Edited August 11, 2010 by Sevensecondsuv