Mondeo/Taurus OFFICIAL - 2007 Ford Mondeo Concept

[PanterroR]

Quite nice, i must admit.

 

[Osnabrueck]

I feel both positive and pessimistic about this car.

Here's the problem - Ford has been desperatly trying to find its car Soul since I can remember, and has always been a day late and a buck short, except when they struck a chord with the Focus (which they then milked and neglected). The past 10 years is littered with Ford's "big ideas" losing steam and imploding after less than a year on the market (look at the Lincoln Zephyer rebadge). While this car looks good on its own mert, it doesn't look like a Ford. Rather, it looks like a Mazda.

Now, there's nothing wrong with lookling like a Mazda, if the spirt of your brand is compatiable with that. Problem is, this isn't Ford at all. I don't mean that in a "they've shaken things up" kind of way. I'm saying that in a "they don't understand their own heritage" kind of way. They're all about Bold moves right? So why is this car sleek and refined? Ask any corn-fed Ford fan what they like about their brand of choice - they won't tell you that it's the slick, futuristic styling they're fond of.

The revival of Chrystler revolves around them embracing, and playing up, their American roots. Ford finds success when they do the same - just look at the Mustang. While this Mondeo is attractive, it's also not Ford at all. It's just another iteration of Ford cribbing a style that's got nothing to do with the band's heritage or strengths.

Another issue with this concept is that you can quickly identify which parts are ready for prime-time and which parts are not. Strip away all the window dressing and you're left with a car that looks good, but isn't any more remarkable than what Mazda is doing right now.

I can see myself supporting this look if Ford is committed for the long-term. A full line of similar cars would probably look pretty good. Thing is, Ford has so many external forces shaping thier product mix they'll have a very hard time staying the course. There's also the fact that Saturns are now becoming Opels, and that progressive look somewhat dulls the impact of this car's lines.

The lines are good. I just don't think they've been paired with the right brand, and I don't think the brand is committed to them. We all want to see an authentic modern Ford, but everybody, including them, have no idea about what that is.

Love that side crease. Reminds me of the E92 3er.

 

[YoUhimhER]

hey, that's a audi le mans concept dashboard.

 

[zetableh]

Can we honestly call this an AMERICAN car when we USers don't even get it?

 

[Osnabrueck]

Sure you can. Anything that comes out of Ford has to file through the gauntlet of corporate BS before it can become reality. There's Hondas that are only available in the US, and believe me, they're very Japanese cars.

Also, this Mondeo is a harbinger of things to come for Ford's domestic product mix. Or at least, it should be. Why oh why didn't they let the Focus take on this style? This look would be right on the money.