New full-build Mondeo mule spotted

[Road_Warrior]

http://secretnewcars.com/SpyShots/Wo...ew_Ford_Mondeo

We´ve just spied the first 2013 Ford Mondeo prototype this morning! While the camouflage is heavy, we can see a pair of sleek-looking, projector headlights up front.

We're not totally sure the grille that's visible is the finished product. It doesn't have much of a Ford look to it, and may just be a temporary piece designed to throw us off. The biggest change we see with the current model is the new coupe-like roofline.

The new Ford Mondeo will be riding on one of Ford's new global platforms. Referred to as "CD4," this new chassis will see heavy use, much like Toyota's "MC" platform. The U.S.-only Lincoln MKZ and the world-wide Ford Mondeo will be the first to get this new chassis. In the autumn of 2013, the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX (both U.S. only) will move to CD4 as well. Then, in the autumn of 2014, the Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS (U.S.) will also make the jump. Several other Ford Europe products will also utilize CD4. However, the first CD4-user to hit the market will be the Lincoln MKZ with the European Ford Mondeo following in spring 2013.

I hope that grille and those mirrors are just junk items that are there to throw off the trainspotters. One other comment (if it is on the mark) I found interesting:

Then, in the autumn of 2014, the Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS (U.S.) will also make the jump.

That tale of the Falcon and Toreass merging platforms after 2015/16 just got a whole lot more fanciful if that comment is close to the mark.

[Brazen]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

That tale of the Falcon and Toreass merging platforms after 2015/16 just got a whole lot more fanciful if that comment is close to the mark.

Why? They dont all have to come out the same day. There are often can be a years in between for vehicles on the same platform.

[Chilliman]

Well that article makes the merging of Falcon with Taurus even more likely as CD4 is the last piece in Ford's 'One Ford' puzzle; Medium/large cars on a single common platform.

[Road_Warrior]

You're forgetting the Mustang. A mule of which was recently spotted at the Nurburgring with "Control Blade IRS" and "double wishbone front suspension with forged alloy A-arms"...gee, I wonder where they got that stuff from...

Anyway, I wonder what sort of kit the new Mondy will get considering the Titanium is already loaded right up as it is...

[Sprint XR8]

[Luke Plaizier]

Hmm. How close are they getting to this gril and headlight treatment? (Ford Evos Frankfurt Showcar)

[Luke Plaizier]

Then again, there's a bit of Focus ST/RS in the shape of the upper-edge of the grill too:



Lukeyson

[SlowF6]

Originally Posted by CoupeXB

From that angle the front looks like the Nissan GTR to me!

[Keepleft]

Doesn't "Auto Motor Und Sport" have some full uncovered pics of this 2013 model Mondeo?