Interesting news
- Thread starter TNP5
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The Mazda3, next generation Ford Focus and next generation Volvo S40 series will share 60% of parts. But all of these shared components are beneath the skin, and everything customers see, hear, and touch has 0% sharing.
The platform is brand new and was a joint design by all 3 companies. 30 engineers from each company met in Cologne, Germany for over 2 years to design it. The idea was to incorporate the strengths of each company and save development costs at the same time.
Hence, Ford's main role was suspension and driving dynamics. Volvo's main role was structurals and safety. Mazda's main role was gasoline engines, powertrain, and exhaust.
So this is the story - it's up to you whether you think this is better or worse than a 100% Mazda design.
The platform is brand new and was a joint design by all 3 companies. 30 engineers from each company met in Cologne, Germany for over 2 years to design it. The idea was to incorporate the strengths of each company and save development costs at the same time.
Hence, Ford's main role was suspension and driving dynamics. Volvo's main role was structurals and safety. Mazda's main role was gasoline engines, powertrain, and exhaust.
So this is the story - it's up to you whether you think this is better or worse than a 100% Mazda design.
gib said:
The documentation I have lists the 0-100km times as N/A.
For my own curiosity, I have calculated the hp/weight figure of the Mazda3 2.3l compared to the Mazda6 3.0l, and in that comparison the Mazda6 beats the crap out of the Mazda3. The Mazda3 2.3l will beat the Mazda6 2.3l though, because the Mazda3 is lighter.
newf said:
Actually the Focus' control-blade rear suspension is significantly more advanced & better than the TTL in the Protege. In fact, the control-blade is such a masterpiece that VW made a direct copy of it in their new-generation C-car (the first of which is the Golf). Rumours have it that BMW is also copying it for the new 1-series.
And it's version 2 of the control-blade suspension in the Mazda3/FocusII/Volvo S40 platform. In the first European review of the Ford Focus C-Max (first production model with this new platform), the reviewers said that the ride and handling simply blew away it's 2 primary competitors.
Don't mistake Ford Europe and Ford USA, the European offerings like the Mondeo and euro-spec Focus are much different than what's offered from Ford USA (which really de-tuned the N. American-spec Focus). All the european comparos have concluded that the current euro-spec focus and Mondeo handle better than the current euro-323 and Mazda6 respectively.
Having Ford-Europe do the ride and handling is not a bad thing, it's when Ford USA puts their 'magic' into it that things happen.
- :
- 2003.5 Titanium MSP
I've heard the Mazda 3 is running a ford motor, similar to the focus motor.Please do not quote me on that, because I'm not really sure of what I'm talking about, but I'm pretty sure that the 3 is the first Mazda that Ford ahs been allowed to get its R&D boys into, and work on part of it(besides calloway with MSP). But I think it will still be good, because think about it, Mazda realiability, with Ford power, it will be interesting wheather or not it works out for them, won't it???
msubullyfan
Yeah, I'm an engineer...
- :
- 2005 Nissan Frontier 4x4
Does anyone have pictures of the Ford/Volvo versions of the vehicle? I've seen the pics of the Mazda3, but can't find anything on the Volvo S40 & Focus.
Alberteaux
Member
Also, the new Ford Futura (the Taurus replacement) will share underpinnings with the 6. It'll come out the 2005 model year.
mazdaspeedpower said:
4-cylinder gasoline engines for the Mazda3/Focus II/Volvo S40 platform are 100% Mazda designed (with Ford's money). Mazda is Ford's 'centre of excellence' for 4-cylinder gasoline engine development. Volvo will make significant modifications to their version though (possibly a turbo, or even their own engine).
All diesel engines for this platform come from the Ford/Peugeot joint venture.
Edit: Just found out, the Volvo S40 engines will be 5-cylinders, some with turbos, and is designed by Volvo.
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msubullyfan said:
Autobild has released 'illustrations' of the Focus hatchback and winter testing spy-shots of the Volvo S40. The rear of the Focus looks like the current one and the front looks like a mini-Mondeo. The Volvo S40 was heavily camouflauged but we will be able to see it soon enough - like the Mazda3, the Volvo is making it's world-debut at IAA Frankfurt.
CruzinAltitude
Member
- :
- 02 MP5
Shouldnt this thread be renamed . . . "Old News"?
Albino Flash
Member
- :
- MP3 gone/now 2004 Civic
Did you know that 95% of Ford's are still on the road. The other 5% made it home
CruzinAltitude
Member
- :
- 02 MP5
Albino Flash said:
(laugh) My girlfriend and her father (who is a ford Mechanic) are DIE HARD Ford fans, needless to say Im using this at our next BBQ!!
InitialDMP5
Member
why bash Ford, they pay the bills that the bastard step child couldn't pay. Ford saved Mazda from dying...they saw promise and decided to help them. If anything ford is a caring company, regardless of their products. I don't think that made any sense, as I am writing this leaving work...but who cares--Friday posts are not supposed to make sense
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