2013-15 Ford Mustang

[ongoing project Feb. 2007-current]
2012-15 Ford "Mustang Lite" concept-
Design brief-
-Smaller, reduced size update to this iconic car, 2 generations after 2005 remake.
-keeping some retro cues while also 'pushing the envelope'.
-Utilizes advanced technical elements.
-Due to cost, the existing platform (5th Gen Mustang Platform [DC2], codename S197:http://mustangs.about.com/od/history/a/generation-5.htm) will be updated, as opposed to a new rear drive platform to be shared with other rear drive 'world cars' (US, Austrailia, etc.) , which Ford has cancelled (1/09).
[Update Jan. 2009]
1/23/2009- The poll here for a 4 door variation shows this is not a good design alternative.

1/13/2009- Ford announced it's read drive sedan program is dead, incl. for Lincoln.

Poll results here for a 4 door Mustang do not look good, but will do a few concepts anyways.

Re-attempting a '4-door Mustang' concept variation, as this may become more viable as the 'pony car' markets possibly shrinks in the future due to growing fuel and practicallity concerns.
This would give Ford a read drive sedan entry that alos takes' advantage of the '4 door coupe' rage (aka Passat CC, Benz CLS et al);
An alternative would be a coupe Mustang 'lite' for Ford, on a shortened WB, and a Lincoln 4 door 'muscle lux' sedan using the existing WB. A friend Eric Vieceli recommends suicide type doors with the rear door latch/handle hidden inside the jamb until the fron is opened. A pillarless hardtop would also suit this car. This door would also harken back to the 'Kennedy' Lincolns of the 60's;

[update Dec. 2008]
-New economic concerns require serious alterations for future viability of this niche product:
-- This next Mustang will either update the 2005/2008 platform, OR will have to spread the platform to many other offerrings to cut costs. Thier is some possibility of of a '4 door coupe' offerring (toyed with when also doing a rear drive sedan project last year) that would maybe expand the market. Danger is that this might cause a backlash from some Mustang buyers. Some concepts of this should be further attempted that minimize the extra door.
-- Car will be 70-80% the size of the 2008 model, with a strong focus on 4 cyl 'Ecoboost' turbo and V6 versions. V8's might be relagated to a limited prod. model to meet CO2 and CAFE stds.
-- As oppossed to earlier specs, car will be more conventional, so no scissor doors, and rear camera is just an option. Other advanced elements might be curtailed to cut costs.
-- Current sales are lowest in history at about 30-40k units annual. This model 5-7 years hence will take into account a similar niche type sales target.
[Latest News March 2008]
- Ford just announced late this month that in fact they approved a global rear drive platform to underpin a sedan for the US, sedan and coupes for Australia, and the next Ford Mustang. This was my original premis, and seems correct now!

-Renderings-
http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b346/jackdogg890/2013-15%20Ford%20Mustang%20concept/
Rick;s take-
Those who know me, know I have too many 'favorite' cars (1970 camaro, early e-type jags, MGB's, DB6 aston martin, even the simply styled 83 GTI I owned, and on it goes); At the top of the list is the Mustang, the best being in my opinion, the first generation fastback. This project picks up where the coming update (2009-10) of the new retro 2005-2007 model leaves off.
So this uses a new platform and is not a simple update, but a remake yet again. This near 'clean sheet' give me alot of latitude technology wise (see specs). The down side is such an 'iconic' car is very difficult to style, keeping the retro elements while trying some new ideas. I now have new appreciation for how hard the real designers have it under such limitations for the 'next' 'stang.
Specifications and Overview-
Utilizes technologies in use on various cars now (2007) but expected to be fairly common in several years:-Scissor doors, all LED lites, rear cameras/no mirrors, sound canceling exhaust, ect.
Platfrom to be shared with Ford Rear drive sedan, Lincoln rear drive sedan, Austrailian read drive cars, and others. See my Ford Futura project.
V8's to use fuel saving technology like displacement on demand (runs on 4 cyl. unless required demand for 8). Even a hybrid might become available.
1/25/07:2008-2009, Mustang refresh to front and rear.
2010-2011. Remake, likely on updated current chassis.2015 or so. another remake, and what this project entails......a very future Mustang, that while becomes more advanced, stillharkens back to its roots.
No rear view mirrors, as rear camera used to display to Nav.Headlites are LEDS- HIDs.

1/27/07:The few concepts so far are mostly too 'current' or '2010' , and need to be further out styling wise for the future.
Models: 4.0 (v6), 4.0GT (GT but with a V6), 5.0GT (v8)
All have IRS, and 6 speed trans (auto or man.).
Platform shared with world-wide Ford global family, incl. Austrailian Falcon and such.
WB=106 (down from 107)Length reduced due to much less rear overhang.

2012-13 Chevrolet/Pontiac small rear drive 2dr. fastback coupe/wagon

"Chevrolet Nomad" and/or "Pontiac Safari"
Public naming poll results:

(Chevrolet Stiletto was another used but never voted on)

Design Brief-
-derived from news 12/6/2007 that Chevy, not Pontiac(?) gets a small rear drive car. Update in 2009 is that only Caddy is getting this initially.
-Uses GM's coming "Alpha" small rear drive platform.
-$sub 20k starting price.
-4 cyl and small v6 power; turbo optional.
-slots above Cobalt, below Malibu;
-was to be a coupe and sedan, now just a fastback coup/wagon that revisits the original Nomad. [update Dec. 2008] Current condtions of the market and GM in particular, put this car in question. Nevertheless, this on again/off again 'Alpha' platform may still have some viability for later in the decade. If not 2012, perhaps a bit later. Pontiac is rumored to become a niche market provider only, so perhaps they would still get a version that is unique to Chevy's. News now is Caddilac may get a version so it compete with other rear drive small lux sedans in Europe. The current FWD BLS is doing badly.
Renderings-
http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b346/jackdogg890/2012%20Chevrolet%20small%20rear%20drive%20%20coupe_wagon/

Rick's take-
This small rear drive 'alpha' platform (so smaller than the 'sigma' used with Cadillac CTS, and also the Zeta used by the new G8 Pontiac and coming Camaro) from GM has been rumored for some time in 2007. It was to go to Pontiac, but of recent late 2007, word is in fact they do not get it, Chevy does. Now this makes no sense to this 'experienced closet' automotive product planner, but I tried to see what this might look like anyways. In doing so it became apparent this 2 and 4 door small rear drive car would have a hard time fitting into the lineup (as I first thought), without scavenging sales from Colbalt and the new Malibu even. So now my path has swung more towards a 'niche' product that brings to life the concept Chevy Nomad shown at auto shows a year ago. That was 'kappa' based (Soltice/Sky sports car based);
Mine provides real 5 place seating (plus with extra 2 jump seats) in a 2door coupe/sportwagon mode like the original 1955-57 Nomad, but much smaller. 'Some' retro elements will be there, but without overpowering the overall design.
Being a 'niche' product like the HHR, means less sales, and so this platform has to be shared across many makes, as planned by GM. Recent federal CO2 and CAFE fuel standards could kill this platform outright.
Specifications-
-2.4 ecotech inline 4 cyl. base engine
-2.8 v6 (once used in CTS from Cadillac) and turbo (via SAAB) optional.
-rear drive, Alpha platform (being developed for several GM brands).
UPDATE 12/24/2007:
While drawing a coupe variant, I also drew a sport wagon type, that 'suspiciosly' is coming off as a new wave 'Nomad' (a 2 dr. sportwagon sold 1955-57, and also was a concept on the Soltice sports car platform more recently);
As a coupe and perhaps sedan will in fact scavenge sales from other models in the line up (example, a high end v6 coupe could take sales from a base Camaro), I have decide to only offer the 2 door fastback coupe/sportwagon, and call it Nomad or BelAir.

20xx VW Rear Engine [?] coupe/cabriolet concept

Volkswagen Rennbahn* Coupe and Briza (cabriolet)
News 6/20/2008 just in, VW may in fact move the engine in the upcoming "UP!"
to the front, in order to save money and speed it to market!
Public naming poll results:

*German for race course
5/1/2008: decided to create a cabriolet version, which takes the well voted for (in the online polling here) 'Briza' name, while the coupe is renamed "Rennbahn".

A 'track ready' verson (called "Rennbahn TR" of course) is 300lbs lighter due to carbon fibre use, and less equipment. Wider tires and larger brakes as well.

Design Brief-
-Rear engine, under floor, 3 cyl. turbo.
-Expected later arival of a hybrid 'Rennbahn eH' (electric Hybrid) version;

Picture above from Smart 'ForTwo' showing 'under-floor' engine location.
-Light and quick coupe
-Low cost
-Somewhat remake of the original Karmann Ghia.
Renderings-
http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b346/jackdogg890/20xx%20VW%20Rear%20Engine%20coupecabriolet%20concept/

Rick's take-
VW has recently (late 2007) been showing various forms of its 'UP!' concept, using a gas/electric hybrid or 3 cylinder gas only powered rear engine car and variants.
In many ways this 'replaces' the original beetle.
I have taken this and created a small/light/quick coupe that in ways replace the original Karmann Ghia. Nevertheless, this is no retro job on that car. I am in fact using ideas from the type 3 VW 'fastback' of the 60's where the engine resided under the floor of the rear cargo area. In this case a hatchback will open to a carpeted area above the engine for storage. This area is well insulated against engine heat, and lifts for access to the engine.
VW has no such firm plans for any coupe variant, so this ends up just my idea of one. I love the current Scion tC, and this car actually undercuts it in price while providing 4 place seat with more sporting pretentions. In other words, I'd buy this!
Specifications-
VW UP! rear engine concept (2007) based.
3 cyl. turbo; lightweight chassis;
$16k price;
Styling to emphasize rear engine via intakes and air diffusers.
May use side mounted radiator which requires side intakes.
December10, 2007:
Volkswagen has announced that it will build its 'Up!' minicar in India. Set to begin production as early as 2011, VW will make and market a four-door hatchback version of the Up in India. Inside sources say that VW is targeting a price of under $7,500 for the Up.VW also revealed that the Up would be built in three different markets of the world starting in 2010, but failed to name any other locations. VW is currently in talks with India's Bajaj Auto to help co-develop the car.At least one version of the Up is U.S.-bound.
Engineering innovations:

[]'Invisible' air intake 'perimeters': Benefit is no side body intakes to clutter the design, and the benefit of using wasted air capture areas like the wheel openings...

1. Radiator intake utilizes the rear wheel opening on one side, placing the radiator lateraly behind the wheel/tire. Air comes in asssited via an open-wheel design that utilizes blades to direct air to the brakes and radiator behind them. Under car shrouding directs also directs air up into radiator.


2. Turbo air instake utilizes the other side wheel opening as above.

2012/13 GM Large Luxury Coupe

Pontiac Catalina
Buick Rialto
Cadillac C2/Club Coupe
(alternate names: Cadillac 'eXclusive', 'Boca Raton' or simply 'Boca')

Public Naming Poll results:

Design Brief-
-brings back the large 'personal' luxury coupe (Riviera, Eldorado, Toronado)
-Remake of this segment taking fuel and environment concerns into account.
-Styling to include 'old school' elements like long hoods, sport/luxury looks, ect.
-V6 and V8 power.
Renderings-
http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b346/jackdogg890/2012_13%20GM%20Large%20Luxury%20Coupe/

Rick's take-
I always liked the 'personal luxury' coupes of the past, like the Riviera, Eldorado, Continental Mark III, even the original Monte Carlo and Grand Prix of the 70's.

With an increasing aging baby boomer population that loved these cars (ok me included in that group), I think its the
right time to bring them back, but as high end 'formal' coupes
with sporting pretentions, overall with more 'class' than a G37 Infiniti or BMW coupes.
GM has no plans for this, so this ends up my own intent, and unlikley it would ever be produced. In other words, the business case would be a hard sell!
Specifications-
Rear Drive, using existing Sigma platform (Cadillac CTS), with front end clip extension in front of doors and behind front wheel opening (for longer hood);
Platform nicknamed "Sigma Plus" ;
Might be marketed as 'Cadillac Club coupe' and 'Buick Riviera';
Cost above CTS, so around 60k; Also not any competition for coming CTS coupe, which is less costly and different demographic totally.
Production about 20k a year per brand.
--Update 12/29/07-
Other possible names: Cadillac 'C2/Club Coupe' (so marketed with 'C2' name);
Cadillac 'Boca Raton', or just 'Boca'; Cadillac 'eXclusive';
Engines:
Cadillac to use exclusively the 4.6 Northstar or coming replacement V8
Buick gets the 3.6 HO V6 only.

--Update 1/12/2008:

Buick is showing their Chinese Design Studio's Riviera at the upcoming NAIAS (Detroit) Auto Show. Getting rave reviews at the show in China late last year, it is likely being brought to Detroit to gauge public reception to a high end Buick coupe. I'd put the chance it gets built at 50-50 (with possible production in China even). Its a looker, although to my eye it is too close to a G37 Infiniti for what I am aiming at.

With this concept getting a possible production ok (no idea what platform they'd use, but my bet is the rear drive 'Zeta' used for the new camaro), I am going to focus more on my Cadillac large coupe concept instead, and not on the Buick version. I might even look at a variation as a Pontiac (Grand Prix coupe or GP).

--Update 1/21/08:

Bob Lutz, GM's car 'zsar' has dropped plans for amy more large rear drive cars (Impala, GTO, et al), esp. any with V8's; Cause is the coming 35 combine mpg CAFE std. just passed by the feds. The current Pontiac G8 and coming 2009 Camaro are ok, anything else is cancelled. Neverless, I will press on with this low production (thus little affect on the overall 35 mpg standard) cars, even if they are largish. The Cadillac V8 is no more, so that too will use the GM corporate 3.6L v6 (as does the Pontiac). "Rationalizing" these large coupes via v6 only and even hybrid version, at least makes them somewhat viable down the road. I said at the beginning for this that the business case was near impossbile, and recent changes in the fed laws makes that come true. As before, this a 'fantasy' platform and cars, nothing more.

20xx "green' Hybrid concept

Design Brief-
-Initiated based on input from good friend Larry Sanazaro on the need for truely 'green' cars that will get us away from fossile fules and the enviromental concerns (esp. CO2).
-solar panels to facilitate charging;
-Hybrid powerplants, as well as rechargable battery power;
-Styling means to take the most aerodynamic advantage and also stay stylish.
Renderings-
http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b346/jackdogg890/20xx%20green%20Hybrid%20concept/
Specifications-
-Hybrid power
-Electric motor at each wheel (nee. Ferdinand Porsche in his early years of the 20th century)
-low drag and high style as is possible.
-solar panels built into body panels.

2010/11 Toyota Celica

Design Brief-
-Step up for a buyer of Scion Tc or Hyundai Tiburon
-Rear Drive coupe with 4cyl, and high ouput V6
-The 'smart and rational' "Pony car" Mustang fighter, with Toyota quality.
-Poor man's Astom Martin styled coupe.
Renderings-
http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b346/jackdogg890/2011%20Toyota%20Celica/
Specifications-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus_IS Our IS250 (200 hp) and IS350 v6 (300hp). THIS is what the new Celica should be based on.
http://www.lexus.com/models/IS/detailed_specifications.html IS size (WB 107, L at 180) is about right, and near same as Mustang, so no change required. Use 2.4L L4 from Camry as base engine, with option of 3.0 v6 from IS
4 cyl. and V6 rear drive coupe; Step up from Scion Tc that rally replaced the old Celica.
Competes with Ford Mustang V6 and GT (due to this Celica's hi-po v6);
No V8
Utilizes existing rear drive platfrom from Toyota, via Lexus IS.
Styling to mimic old british coupes from Jaguar, Bently, ect.
1/22/07:
To compete for less money, with Mustang and Camaro. No V8's initially, but possibly later from 'F' series IS Lexus.
The Scion Tc replaced the Celica technically. This is larger and more upscale than the Tc. Minor sales will be lost to low line Celica 4 cyl. from the Tc. Upscale nature compared to Scion line means this 'fits' best as a Toyota, as opposed to an addition to Scion above the Tc. Tc owner still might progress to the Celica at next buy its expected.
Mission here is 4 cyl. at 20k, and v6 at 23k. Undercuts Mustang by thousands, with better gas mileage (expected to become more of a buyer issue over time), and nearly as fast. Better balanced handling due to front-mid engine design from IS. Looks wise going more for a 'poor man's' Jag or Aston Martin coupe, or perhaps a less costly Porsche Cayman look.
Lexus IS size (WB 107, L at 180) is about right, and near same as Mustang, so no change required. Use 2.4L L4 from Camry as base engine, with option of 3.0 v6 from IS
IS is already a 'front-mid engine' design too.
Car-----------WB------L-----Width-----Weight------Base engine-------Optional:
Mustang-----107.1----188-----73.9------3488-------4.0v6/ 210hp-----4.6v8/ 300hp
IS250/300---107.5---180.1----71-------3500-------2.5v6/ 200hp-----3.0v6/ 310hp
'11 Celica------107.5---177------70-------3200------2.4L 4cyl/160hp---3.0v6/ 310hp
'02 celica-----102.4----170.5---68-------2580-------1.8/ 140hp---------1.8/ 180hp

Porsche RSK

Design Brief-
-Remake of the famous racing 1950's Porsche, the 550 RSK Spyder.
-Uses the Boxster platform that has been 'decontented' and lightened.
-Cost is kept down, so while faster than a boxster, it costs less.
-limited production
-serious drivers only, as even a radio is left out. No AC, no power anything.
-Raw power, its all about the driving.
-drive on weekdays, race on weekends!
Renderings-
http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b346/jackdogg890/Porsche%20RSK%20remake/
Specifications-
Boxster based "Sunday Racer/Monday Driver" ; Minimalist design rebody of boxster's mid engine design (like orig. 356 and later 550 and RS/RSK's from 50's and 60's).NO AC, No radio, No top, door handle inside release, small barely legal racing windshield (removable), little or no trunk.Competes with Lotus Elise.Uses non-S Boxster engine, at least initially to keep wght, and cost down.

RS for ‘Rennsport’ - ‘Motorsport’ in German - is one of the most evocative designations in the history of Porsche. Among its many connotations are precision and performance, each refined to their purest form. The latest example offering all this and more is the new 911 GT3 RS...and soon, the reborn RSK.
Cost 35k (45k Boxster). Limited production to 2k-3k, more later if sells. To race in various SCCA and other venues, incl. 24 Huers Du Mans. Possibly a sanction RSK race series, sponsored by the co.
RSK uses the 2.7L boxer 6, 245hp. 0-60 in 4 sec. (6.3 boxster); top speed, 160 (no top, but with cover for all but driver seat area)wght=2200 (boxster 2900)
Later Variations, possibly:
RSK 3.4S uses boxster S 3.4L 6, 295 hp (0-60 in 3.5 sec.)RSK 3.6GT3 "Black Widow" uses 911 GT3 RS 3.6l boxer 6, 415hp, 0-60 in 2.5sec. (50-60K cost). Top speed with competition 'capsule' (sim. to fighter jet) roof, 200mph.

2010/11 Ford Large Rear Drive Sedan concept

Ford Torino or Galaxie
Public naming poll results (tie):

Renderings are here.
Design Brief-
-Large Rear Drive V6 and V8 sedan ("4 door coupe" styling)
-competes with Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300/300C
-Harkens back to the Fastback Fords of the 60's
Specifications and Overview-
2010 Ford RWD sedan first draft as of 12/18/2006--
Comparisons...
Dodge Charger: WB 120; Length 200; Rear Legroom 40
Ford Fusion: WB 107; Length 190; rear Legroom 37
Ford 500: WB 113;Length 200; Rear Legroom 42
Ford Mustang: WB 107;Length 188; Rear Legroom 30
Latest News March 2008-
Ford just announced late this month that in fact they approved a global rear drive platform to underpin a sedan for the US, sedan and coupes for Australia, and the next Ford Mustang. This was my original premis, and seems correct now!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed 2010 Ford RWD sedan: (possibly 'Torino' or ?)
WB: 117 (Mustang with 10 inch stretch clip)
Length 198-200
Rear Legroom 40
Cost: V6 $22k-25k; V8 $25k-32k (AWD option)
Possibly replaces the 500 (later called Taurus)
AWD from (? Volvo?) or similar, an option eventually.

Costs to be lowest possible by sharing everything possible with Mustang, and if needed, other Ford parts. V6 and V8's from Mustang. Front/rear suspension from Mustang.Transmissions from Mustang. Dash is new but uses Mustang parts.
Platform to spawn Lincoln sedan too.
Target is Dodge Charger and 2010 Chevy Impala.NASCAR to shift to this instead of Fusion in 2010.
Some Problems:
AWD sourced from?
IRS rear suspension (as with Charger)- is it required and if so, how?
'Ad campaign'-
Amanda to assist with 'TV Ad' story board and movie: include NASCARs on back straight at Daytona. Include some older Torino racing footage.
Update late 12/18/2006:
Possibly release a "Cobra GT" model to go head to head with new RWD Impala SS and Charger SRT8.
IRS rear suspension could be justified if to be used under next gen Mustang, as well as Lincoln version.
Updated 12/20/2006:
greenhouse to be fastback sim. to early to mid-60's era Fords.
Tag line is 'The Fastback is back!', and 'NASCAR, your car awaits';
Update 12/29/06:
First draft drawings completed, 1 sheet, to capture first ideas. Using tracing of photos for assisting angles, taken from idea from Amanda!Looking at an 2006 Charger, it too has a semi-fastback, so for Torino this should be a near full fastback with a very short/small trunk plane platfrom to terminate it. Rear glass on fastback needs to end before end of the slope so that the trunk lid is large enough. Trunk lid should go well down below bumper edge too.
Update 1/8/07:
See related email/text file on LCD transparent glass. Was thinking of this 'smartglass' as a possible 'smartBeam', as a high tech. way to bring back the old vacume operated hide-a-way headlites behind the grill. These would be balck until the lites wer on, then transparent. decide this is too costly, even if limitedto high-end models (GT, Cobra). Perhaps better to be deployed on Lincoln.Also, decided to stay away from wrap around glass in back to avoid costs.
Costs must be kept down so as to 'afford' the IRS, which is critical.Possible name change in progress, as Torino is not locked down.
Alternatives are Galaxy, Futura, more to come. Looking at adding a few inches behind front wheel opening, but in front of door, for a longer hood look. Little or no cost effect and adds to longer look. This would push length to about 203-208. This hard point could be used with Lincoln in case they offer a v10 or v12 some day in thier RWD version?
Update 12/2007-
Design details and styling is 90% there. Needs some final renderings to tie ti all together-pending. Amanda suggests scan in of drawings as they proegress to be used in the 'ad campaign'
Update 1/2008-
Doing some online research, I found out Ford tried calling the new Fusin the Futura, but the Pep Boys chain of auto stores fought it as they use that name on some tires they sell. Ford had not used the Futura name for so long, they lost the rights! So I will need to find another name for this car.
Originally called 'Torino', I might also try 'Galaxie'; I feel another name vote poll coming on for the site soon!
Perhaps 'Ford Future' gets around the copyright too.