actually, that does make me feel better, thanks
Quote, originally posted by myVolvoS60T5 » you know, I really think Ford merging with Volvo isn't so good after all, I read a couple of articles that cars like the new Volvo XC50 and C30 are using platforms off Mazda and Land Rover!! can't believe in everything you read.
More than likely the XC50 will be on the EUCD platform and the C30 is on the Ford C1 or Volvo P1 platform. Since Ford moved in the numbering system at Volvo has changed to suit some maniacs ego. I think the C30 is called Y283.Dagovna
I don't think Volvo's use of the C1/P1 platform for the S40/V50 compromised their safety. It is interesting, however, to note the difference in structural performance in the IIHS side impact test. I don't put a lot of stock in crash tests (that is assuming the car didn't fail miserably), but I do think they are an indication of general structural integrity. The S40's structure collapsed 6cm fewer than did the Mazda3's. For two cars based on the same platform, how does this make sense? Even if Volvo upgraded the platform for use in its S40/V50, why would those upgrades be necessary considering that the platform was originally developed by Volvo from a safety engineering standpoint?
Unless Volvo was forced to downgrade the "general" form of the C1/P1 to save costs in most applications and then used the version of what it "should" have been in it's own products, in which case the EUCD platform, being a stretched C1/P1, will most likely be "upgraded" as well for use in the new S80. Volvo still seems confident in these C1-based platforms: they just announced that the new S80 will not be submitted for EURONCAP testing because the tests do not accurately represent the car's potential to protect occupants in real world crashes.
The difference between the Mazda and the Volvo comes down to the steel used.
The Volvo uses a mix of high strength steels, the Mazda doesn't.Don't confuse a platform with a copy.
a platform is just a blueprint, nothing more. What and how you construct it makes all the difference.
The steel? so what kind of steel does my S60 have? that any other car doesn't have.
I hear this a lot and I really wonder if this is true. I can understand that Ford uses a different material for the 500's rear suspension than Volvo, but I really doubt the steel is much different. I remember my friend who's a Mazda rotary head complaining about Japanese steel, but this was on 80's RX-7s before most cars were built in America. The 626 was built in Michigan. I'm sure the 3 is too. They would probably use U.S. steel which seems to be very good.
Quote, originally posted by myVolvoS60T5 » The steel? so what kind of steel does my S60 have? that any other car doesn't have. The S60 uses high strength steel, a steel hardened w/ alloys, in critical areas for impact protection.
This steel is very expensive and hard to work so most lesser cars don't make use of it.
Quote, originally posted by Majisto » I hear this a lot and I really wonder if this is true. I can understand that Ford uses a different material for the 500's rear suspension than Volvo, but I really doubt the steel is much different. I remember my friend who's a Mazda rotary head complaining about Japanese steel, but this was on 80's RX-7s before most cars were built in America. The 626 was built in Michigan. I'm sure the 3 is too. They would probably use U.S. steel which seems to be very good. Trust me the steel is alot different.
I doubt that there is any Boron steel in the 500 at all.
Yes, reversing the relationship might make you feel better. The problem, of course, is that you would be totally innacurate. ALL current and near-future model Volvos are built on Ford platforms, not the other way around. There is really no such thing as a "Mazda" or "Land Rover" or "Volvo" platform. They are all Ford platforms.
I think that it is you, who is innacurate, but it does not matter really.
In any case it is probably lesser disappointment than for the Bentley or Lamborghini owners to realize that they drive rebadged VW.
As far as the original '99-06 S80 and the '05-07 500 go, there is very little shared between these Volvos and Fords.Want proof? Pop the hood of any S80 and 500 and take a look at the engine bay--not just the engines--then put both models on a lift and take a peek at their respective undersides noting the differences between each model's suspension as well.
They're not copies of each other. Ford took exquisite liberties to produce a decontented budget version of the S80 to satisfy Ford's down-market needs. AFAIK, what Ford really wanted was to build a car that rental fleets everywhere would buy in huge numbers much as they did the defunct Taurus. Furthermore, Ford *had* to take such liberties with the 500 to bring its price point down to what consumers would expect from Ford.
Ford's idea to spawn the 500 from the S80 would've actually made way more sense if it had been intended from the start to be a higher-end Lincoln-only model--like a successor to the long dead Continental or--even better--to the Town Car which IIRC is based on a platform that's nearly 30 years old.
Figure that the typical Ford family sedan buyer really isn't looking for a car that's priced like a fully loaded S80--s/he simply wants a car that's priced more like a Camry, Accord or any other Consumer Reports-approved appliance-on-wheels.
Speaking of which, so lackluster were the sales of the current 500 that Ford will be renaming it *gasp* Taurus for 2008 along with a tepid restyle and a more powerful V6 to hopefully make up for the woefully flagging market performance.
'02 Audi A6 4.2 quattro
'02 Volvo S80 T6
Quote, originally posted by Dextrobrick »
Speaking of which, so lackluster were the sales of the current 500 that Ford will be renaming it *gasp* Taurus for 2008 along with a tepid restyle and a more powerful V6 to hopefully make up for the woefully flagging market performance.Hopefully the rebadge to the dreadful Taurus label will tank Ford and for once put them all out of their misery.
SOLD: 2002 Volvo S60 T5 5M Black Sapphire - ECU, intake, exhaust - 2:05 at BIR long course
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Adding stupid people to your "ignore list" makes this forum much more pleasant!
Quote, originally posted by Warpedcow » Hopefully the rebadge to the dreadful Taurus label will tank Ford and for once put them all out of their misery.
I beg to differ. The Taurus was not too dreadful. Quite opposite, it was (along with its corporate sibling - Sable) the best selling sedan in US for several years in the recent past, passing such stars as Accord and Camry.
I was really surprised when Ford "dumped" the marque model name and started selling totally non-descriptive 500. They should keep Taurus name alive all along.
And in anticipation of possible accusations - I have put my money where my mouth is - my father drove, following my advise, Taurus for last 10 years, and lately switched to the newer used Sable. In his mind the Taurus/Sable dynamic duo makes perfect sense for more mature buyers market.
Quote, originally posted by gascos80 » I was really surprised when Ford "dumped" the marque model name and started selling totally non-descriptive 500. They should keep Taurus name alive all along. It didn't fit with the "every SUV name begins with an E and every car name other than Mustang begins with an F" strategy.
2004 S60R 6MT - Passion Red/Nordkap
2009 RAV4 Sport V6 - Classic Silver/Charcoal
Quote, originally posted by MagoonR » It didn't fit with the "every SUV name begins with an E and every car name other than Mustang begins with an F" strategy.
LOL
Quote, originally posted by gascos80 » LOL Laugh if you must but this was the admitted strategy.
2004 S60R 6MT - Passion Red/Nordkap
2009 RAV4 Sport V6 - Classic Silver/Charcoal
If you say so...
Quote, originally posted by gascos80 » If you say so... And all Mercury products begin with an M under this program as well. I'll try to find the story but it is factual. It is Bill Ford's idea.
2004 S60R 6MT - Passion Red/Nordkap
2009 RAV4 Sport V6 - Classic Silver/Charcoal
MagoonR,
Sorry, I did not want to sound snotty. I was laughing at the Ford's idea, not at you.
I think you are right, factually. Forgive for any misunderstanding....
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