Development of Ford ’s new large rear-wheel-drive sedans has been moving full speed ahead, despite a lack of media hype or leaks. But with fuel costs off the charts, the new models — planned for both the Lincoln and Ford brands — could be in jeopardy, said Ford product development boss Derrick Kuzak.
While progress on the new models — which could draw on the Ford Interceptor and Lincoln MKR concepts — hasn’t slowed, $4 a gallon gas has prompted some re-evaluation. Given the “change in the market mix” as a result of fuel prices, it’s important for Ford to “understand the role of those vehicles,” Kuzak told Automotive News, somewhat ambiguously.
Ford executives officially confirmed the existence of the rear-wheel-drive program in January, and suppliers say production is four years away. Where gas prices will be in 48 months is anyone’s guess — and that makes Ford’s decision making even more complicated.
At the end of the the day, we don’t think rear-drive is a deal-breaker for fuel efficiency. With a strong strategy in place for turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines, we hope Ford will stay the course with its RWD program.
