NEW SCORPIO ON ROAD
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This spy-report has left unusual. It was necessary to write, using a photo made in Nevada by Automedia agency and the official Ford information, sounded by the vice-president in Europe Gerhard Clein. It's continue a theme begun later, concerning prospects of occurrence of new generation Scorpio.
In Clein opinion, model, similar Scorpio in a Ford modelrange in Europe now is no need. " You see at Ford Motor already is prestigious automobiles Jaguar S-Type and Volvo S80 " - he has told on one of recent press conferences.
The truth, this argument is not indisputable, you see the examples of existence are known within the framework of one concern of the automobiles - competitors, as, for example, Mercedes E and Chrysler 300M by DaimlerChrysler, or Opel Omega (in US goes as Cadillac Catera) and Saab 9-5 by GM.
Though for removal of the final decision a Ford management prefers to lean on convincing accounting, some preconditions of occurrence of such machine on light nevertheless are. Within the framework of the company goes a spirit of enthusiasm in this respect. The large success of Granada model, already recollected. On the other hand, the opponents result in quality �������������� a failure of the second generation Scorpio, that is doubtless, of actives to the European Ford concerning this model has not brought. It is interesting, that in such situation the automobile, if will go to a series, can recieve... Other name! For example, Granada.
The passions are warmed up also by that the dealers from all light also are interested by the plans for this account. The technical project on "Large European Ford" in general looks as follows:
- Machine with a sedan and estate body;
- The level of a base complete set is above the average;
- Competitive dynamics and safety;
- acceptable price.
There are and some scripts on start in manufacture of the new "Large Ford".
One of them is, that as a platform should to use the chassis frontwheel drive Mondeo. Naturally, it should be be to be extended and increase a track. For the benefit of this project speaks existing serious experience of operation of all units and units Mondeo. Its not necessary is to lead up and to treated from "of children's illnesses", inherent by all new chassis, and the perspective technical decisions realized in a design, allow to avoid modernization in nearest some years. Important and that such variant of actions enables to do without small enough, in Ford scales, volumes of expenses about $ 200 ���. Besides the high level of unification of spare parts should supply deduction of the price on a low level. Are perfectly entered in this concept and motors V6 2,5 24V (170 h.p) and ST200 (205 h.p.), powerful enough for large sedan. Though last - same, that Sierra Cosworth - after all, the piece goods.
Other variant to make the machine on one platform with "classmates" - the Jag S-Type and Lincoln LS. This approach means a classical drive, that corresponds to habitual image of the "Large Ford". In this case to alter something in a technical part simply there is no need. But the body and interior should be created from zero, and �������������� the configuration is more expensive in manufacture. One more risk factor, which can negatively have an effect on consumer demand - "a foreign platform". You see the most iridescent hopes concerning a level of demand are assigned to Germany.
And now look on a photo and let's think logically. The new generation of the Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable has appeared a year ago, means they here at anything. Jag S-Type and Lincoln LS are already made. What still? New Mondeo/Contour? Or Jaguar �400? On the shorter LS platform? In general nonsense. There is only one applicant for the mechanics latent under a body, cut down in length, LS and a forward part in spirit of last �-bird, let even carefully secreted by camouflage. Correctly, this applicant - new Scorpio. Probably.
The probability and that new Ford (if, certainly, it will be) Volvo S80/V70 chassis now completely will borrow it is possible safely to reject.
In any case that fact is conclusive, that the company aspires to unification of manufacture and to develop an individual platform for a potential novelty is not going. One more moment - on accounts of the economists, the project is necessary volume of manufacture not less than 50-60 thousand automobiles per one year during all term of release of model. The question arises: whether can Europe buy such amount of machines? Very doubtfully. Most likely, it is required to introduce production on Latin American, Asian and Eastern Europe (including on Byelorussian, Russian and Ukrainian) markets.
by Denis SKOROBOGATIY
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