It’s been an automotive tradition for the last several years now that every new model incrementally increases in size over the outgoing model. However, that trend could be reversed in the coming years at Ford and General Motors as the Michigan automakers look to adopt a global lineup.
Ford’s recently launched Taurus stands as the marque’s largest sedan offering, but the next-generation Taurus will likely move down in size. Although it will still be larger than the mid-size Focus, the next Taurus will shrink a bit as it moves to Ford’s next-generation global C/D platform, according to The Detroit News.
In a bid to streamline costs, Ford will replace three of its current platforms with the next-generation European-derived C/D architecture. The new platform will be flexible enough to underpin mid-size vehicles as well as larger vehicles, such as the Taurus.
In North America, the C/D architecture will underpin most of Ford’s mid to full size offerings, such as the Ford Focus, Flex, Taurus and Edge. Future versions of the Ford Explorer could also ride on the new architecture as the all-new Explorer – due out next year – will share its D3 platform with the current Taurus.
Similar discussions are also reportedly underway at General Motors. GM is mulling moving the next-generation Chevrolet Impala to the company’s Epsilon II platform – the same that will underpin the next iteration of the Chevrolet Malibu.
However, it will still be several years before smaller offerings from either automaker roll into dealer showrooms. The next Taurus won’t debut until 2013 – at the earliest – and GM’s financial woes could delay the launches of several new vehicles.
07/13, 11:45 AM
posted by:
Rafa LL
What’s C/D?
By the way, I’m so not interested in American non sports cars.
07/13, 11:50 AM
posted by:
tripleonefive
I think they mean Fusion instead of Focus but it doesnt matter bc its Ford. FOMOCO and GM should have been doing this 10 years ago so excuse me if Im not impressed
07/13, 11:56 AM
posted by:
GIUGIK22
Yeah, they mean Fusion. The Focus is neither a mid-size, nor does it / will it sit of the new C/D platform. The next-gen (2013 ) Taurus will sit on a stretched Fusion / Mondeo (C/D) platform.
07/13, 12:00 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
I don’t really care what they do as long as they make a car that can keep up with the competition and make it look and feel good!
07/13, 12:38 PM
posted by:
carstuff
For GM this is OLD news. Epsilon I (previous Malibu) architecture was not flexible enough to make a car wide enough to satisfy large car (Impala) requirements. The new Epsilon II is. Epsilon II is a global platform.
07/13, 12:44 PM
posted by:
SomeGreek
Good move..
07/13, 1:27 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
What platform is it that underpins the Austalian Falcon?
On second thoughts never mind the platform, just give us the whole damn car.
07/13, 2:10 PM
posted by:
davebo
Well that’s good. The next thing we need to work on is having Americans’ size and weight reduced a little each year so we can actually fit in cars that can compete in global markets : P
07/13, 2:32 PM
posted by:
Dante_JoseCuervo
Focus RS please?
07/13, 2:44 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
They might not have the Fusion next time, but just the Taurus. Um 1115, why is it that Honda and Toyota make different, larger cars for the NA market still?
carstuff – the current Malibu is too on the Epsilion I platform, not the II platform, although it’s heavily modified. The 2010 LaCrosse and 2011 Regal (yes it’s happening according to Fritz) are the first ones in the NA market on the II platform.
07/13, 2:48 PM
posted by:
Bankruptcy2009
I saw the current mailbu and its better than the complete ugly duckling it replaced about a year ago but the current Epsilon II car (Malibu is definitely nothing to write home about as its face gets lost in the crowd. Kudos yes a Focus RS would be great. I am pleased that the next generation Taurus will reduced down in weight its the heavy ass Platorm they were stuck to work with; However, it works quite nicely.
07/13, 2:50 PM
posted by:
Bankruptcy2009
Taurus SHO still Trumps a GXP and CTS-V anyday of the week in all weather driving, mountain road, etc, etc. Best Full Sized Sports Sedan in America!
07/13, 3:17 PM
posted by:
junior is awesome
Ford Motor Company reasearch and development team is thinking way in the future. They are all ready plannig the next generation Taurus, before the 2010 is released. Go Ford!!!
07/13, 3:17 PM
posted by:
carstuff
Yea, as I have said before, the Regal is showing up in Buick ads so it’s coming. Still would like to know how they are marketing both EPS II. Perhaps the Regal as a smaller, more nimble/youthful car (not Chevy money country though) and the LaCrosse more after the upscale/premium segment.
Would love to see the Regal with the OPC package standard though.
07/13, 3:49 PM
posted by:
F50
BK2009: The CTS-V is not fullsized you dumbf*ck. Its Mid-Sized(like the BMW 5-Series and E-Class)
07/13, 5:46 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
Global, shmobal. Ford’s been talking about going global for at least 30 years.
07/13, 6:17 PM
posted by:
Bankruptcy2009
F50 you CrackPipe Smoker. Its a Stupid Cadillac for a Badillac ok. Not a true race Car that does 0-60 in 2.6 Seconds like the Skyline GT-R600
07/13, 6:21 PM
posted by:
Bankruptcy2009
3.9 seconds is Slow in Comparison Audi F50 man! Oh geesh it takes that Large Cadillac over a full second and a half to catch up???????oh geesh I might as well as time your CTS-V by the Calendar along with Mrs Hawiggins!
07/13, 9:01 PM
posted by:
carstuff
Why are we comparing a $120K car to the CTS-V in an article about FWD global family sedans??
07/19, 2:15 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
How about an RHD Falcon for NA?