Fairlane Nearly Identical to Concept

When it will go on sale in 2008, the production version of the Ford Fairlane will look nearly identical to the concept shown at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, says J Mays, Ford Motor Co. chief creative officer and group vice president-design.

Although the new model will not be named the Fairlane, it will feature the codenamed D471, will be built at Ford’s Oakville, Ont., Canada, plant alongside a Lincoln derivative codenamed D472. The two CUVs will debut in 2008.

Source: WardsAuto

mstangpny07 - 11/3/2006 4:32:30 PM

+1 Boost

They put the Freestyle on the market, and it flops, and now they're doing it again?

Designer1 - 11/3/2006 5:37:03 PM

+1 Boost

Is this one built on the Range Rover chassis?

UPshift - 11/3/2006 11:50:18 PM

0 Boost

Looks like an Explorer. I agree, RWD car to compete with Chevy and for service vehicle use (police, taxi, etc..)

S4cabriofox - 11/4/2006 12:26:46 AM

+2 Boost

Hey, hey, hey!

This is a huge step forward!

It's different-looking for a change! I don't thikn it will flop.

S4cabriofox - 11/4/2006 10:28:16 AM

+1 Boost

*Think.

S4cabriofox - 11/4/2006 10:29:03 AM

+1 Boost

But what's the point of it, when there's already the Freestyle, Explorer and Edge? I'm guessing it replaces the Freestyle, but not sure...

golfer38 - 11/4/2006 10:58:24 AM

0 Boost

I think it looks great, and its seems to be a refreshing change in SUV design.

EL34 - 11/4/2006 12:13:22 PM

0 Boost

I'll bet it looks better than those bug lookin' Nissan and Infiniti SUV's.

neutral - 11/4/2006 1:00:01 PM

+1 Boost

No way, this is not anywhere near as good looking as the Infiniti FX series. As for the Freestyle, I think if Ford upped the power on the 3.0L and added their new 3.5L it may sell better. Its a nice car. I've seen a few Ford Edge's here in Michigan and they are cool cars.

UPshift - 11/4/2006 11:21:07 PM

+1 Boost

Still, the U.S. makers pander to a overblown SUV and crossover market, while Toyota cleans up elsewhere, mainly the hybrid and family sedan markets.

Can't we spread our development dollars out more evenly where we can actually meet segment targets?

S4cabriofox - 11/5/2006 2:20:33 AM

+1 Boost

I think they should focus more on great CARS, like a significanlty improved 500 replacement, for example, instead of releasing about six SUVs in two years.

Maybe they should sell a hybrid Edge and market it a ton- that's what's gotten the Highlander Hybrid so popular.

chewy - 11/4/2006 11:51:15 PM

+2 Boost

It replaces the minivan.

S4cabriofox - 11/5/2006 11:20:43 PM

0 Boost

The 500 is the most boring Ford currently on sale.