Ford RWD sedan could be ready in 2008

In March, we told you about a Newsweek report that indicated Ford was working on a retro-styled rear-wheel-drive sedan to compete with the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. The automaker later confirmed its development team in Australia was working on a new RWD platform for its Falcon and Territory models, as well as other future vehicles. In a conversation this week with Drive.com.au, Ford Australia boss Tom Gorman said a new sedan to replace the Fairlane and LTD models could be released alongside the the next-generation Falcon some time in 2008. The new model is said to have a shorter wheelbase than the Fairlane and LTD. It would be based on the Falcon, but be slightly more luxurious. The vehicle could come to the United Sates, too, he said. "We want to be an exporter [...] I think that now is a very good time for us to do that. [...] And it's at a time where the US is looking and where it's going with its large rear wheel drive platform."





Gorman said the Ford Australia could export 15,000 to 30,000 vehicles per year -- "not 100,000." It's unclear how well a rear-wheel-drive sedan would sell in America, but that limited capacity would present an interesting problem if demand was strong.

While a specific timeframe has not been given, Gorman admitted developments were coming in the near future.

"Given the challenges being faced in the US it's a great time to bring our resources and technologies even closer so we can really leverage - so that two and two is five, instead of both of us going off and doing separate vehicles," said Gorman.

"The next year or so is going to be very exciting."