Detroit Auto Show: Ford debuts the 2007 Mulally
It was the first auto show press conference for new Ford CEO Alan Mulally, so surely he would roll up in something special right? Well, the 2008 Ford Five Hundred did get a new engine and a few styling updates that make it a little less forgettable than before, but we doubt it was the show stopper Mulally would have liked.
He tried his best to look enthused though. After stepping out of the refreshed sedan he let loose with a, "Wow, I love this car" as he tapped the roof like a proud new owner. It was a less than convincing performance, but he's an engineer not an actor. In fact, it's his background as an engineer that gives us some hope that he can turn Ford around. We've heard he's already tearing into some of Ford's legendary bureaucracy to get things moving again. Good luck with that Alan.
- Permalink | Comments (15)
- Posted by: Ed Hellwig January 7, 2007, 3:26 PM
- Categories: Detroit Auto Show, Ford, Sedans
It's a move in the right direction, but will it be enough?
Stretch another 7 inches and add a better backseat. People ain't buying this type of car because they want a small sedan anyways, if they are looking for a big car, and keep in mind that Ford 500 can't beat buick, avalon, and 300C anyways, why not simply outsize all competition?
The styling is a bit odd......I see a hit of VW/Audi here and there but its not sleek and modern. Its a bbit too upright.
And I thought the Taurus looked like the generic car of the century.
Much better looking then previous version but the stance just isn't as athletic as some of its competitors. I hope the engine gets decent fuel economy because the Avalon is really efficient for a 3.5L.
The editor's are right, its definitely "uglier" than an Impala. They must have been smokin' crack. I'm sure Ford game this car space and comfort over form thus the upright proportions. At least the head lamps are interesting.
I never had an issue with the styling; the changes are nice touche, though. I wish they would have kept the CVT option. The key Japanese competitors have CVT. I test drove a Five Hundred with the CVT and not noticing the shift points was a definite selling point- something to be said for a smooth ride... Not everything is speed and 0-60 times! I hope Ford changes its mind and offers it as an option.
I don't want Ford to fail, and this is coming from a GM-biased person but those "updates" to the current 500 are not a step in the right direction. It looks as though Ford has reached back into its styling past and decided to choose the Tempo (R.I.P) as it's Mona Lisa. Oh my, what were they thinking? In fact, I think the Tempo has risen from the dead and placed its spirit in the "updated" Focus. Scary.
After seeing the new Malibu and CTS I was thinking Detroit may have a shot at actually surviving... and then I saw this car...
jcgable,
Why must they all succeed or fail together?
I think this car should be replaced with the Interceptor Concept. maybe they will.
Ford is being shoved and kicked by the competition they don’t got any good products the only vehicles that they got going for them is the fusion the f-150 and the mustang. they stopped making there bread and butter Taurus. the 500 is a bland looking car for a few grand more you can get a stylish gorgeous Chrysler 300c. all they did was add a new grill and make the headlamps look fancier and add a new transmission big whoop. they need to stop rebadgeing there vehicles and make some original cars for mercury Lincoln they just got dressed up fords. now that Toyota has taken them out of number 2 spot to number 3 they need to get it in to gear and build some cool cars.
Wrong, Fusion is outgunned by the new Camry and Malibu, and quite possibly the upcoming Accord. F150 is good now, but it won't so if it put side by side with GMs' offering and Tundra. The Mustang is cheap and sit in an unique segament. However, as we all know, the interior and the handling aren't what we can call world class. Edge is a good idea, if GM isn't builting something bigger and more luxurious. The question is that what else in the future that can save ford from sinking? so far, none.
The path to Ford's salvation is simple: Fire everyone in charge in North America, and bring everybody from Ford Europe and their beautiful cars over here.
I agree the Fords in Europe are so much better than the crap we have.