Dear 001,
Ford scraps all alloy S-type and it’s derivatives, but is it to provide funds for an Aston Martin Lagonda saloon?
Ford has told Jaguar to abandon the all aluminium S-Type replacement, and sadly by default this has destroyed the gorgeous RD6 coupe and at the same time aborted any possible X-Type replacement.
The American parents cost cutting measures mean that the current S-Type will be re-worked giving a longer wheelbase. The use of aluminium and magnesium components will save weight, but this not believed to be the great leap forward that Coventry manufacturer was hoping for.
Stylistically the new cat will be even more svelte than the current car – with a classy interior, however, by the time it’s introduced (2008 ish) the competitions offerings will be very strong indeed.
I am told that the S-Type money is being pumped in to a slush fund for development on an Aston Martin Lagonda, which Ford hopes will revive the 80’s wedge shaped V8 saloon. Although it would look great in a Thunderbirds movie, to the machine looked a little odd, but Ford sees a new Lagaonda - based on the XJ6 platform - as being a profitable seller. No styling or power delivery info in known to me at this time, though a pal owes me more info soon...