A bigger SUV?

Road_Warrior · 29-09-2010, 03:41 PM

Could Ford potentially find a market for an SUV larger than the Territory?

I'm not talking about some huge American tank like the Ford Excursion, but perhaps one size up from the Territory. Given the modern powertrain options available and just around the corner they don't need to be that thirsty either.

The reason I ask is: the numbers of large fourbys I am seeing around the place like luxo-spec 200 Series Landcruisers is ridiculous. These luxo spec LC's would see about as much bush as my Mrs' Capri, so they quite clearly aren't bought for their 4x4 ability, more for their features and space (and tow capacity). Same deal with the Range Rovers.

Yeah? Nah?

chevypower · 29-09-2010, 03:42 PM

The Excursion has been out of production for about 5 years now. Expedition is the only full size body-on-frame SUV now.

XR Martin · 29-09-2010, 04:33 PM

T6 Ranger Wagon would go down nicely, current version is called the Everest

jpd80 · 29-09-2010, 04:37 PM

I think Road Warrior means Expedition, it's about the same size as landcruiser
that would be nice a nice rig if it was supplied with the new 6.7 diesel from F250...

FNQracing · 29-09-2010, 04:49 PM

I think it would be a hard slog. They'd get panned for going gas guzzling beast where they should be looking at a Cortina/Torana sized RWD car. I still think that would be a ticket to success. Nothing exists like it in the market thats affordable.

Besides, Fords reputation in 4WD's is pretty crook. It would have to be a brilliant vehicle to pull customers away from the established set. Can't see it happening.

irlewy86 · 29-09-2010, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FFOracing

I think it would be a hard slog. They'd get panned for going gas guzzling beast where they should be looking at a Cortina/Torana sized RWD car. I still think that would be a ticket to success. Nothing exists like it in the market thats affordable.

Besides, Fords reputation in 4WD's is pretty crook. It would have to be a brilliant vehicle to pull customers away from the established set. Can't see it happening.

Ford could make a full size 4WD work. The 'Outback' is certainly not enjoying the current V8 and now is the time to strike.

XRFutura · 29-09-2010, 05:00 PM

Isn't the new explorer a size or two above the territory?

jpd80 · 29-09-2010, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XRFutura

Isn't the new explorer a size or two above the territory?

No, the wheelbase and interior hip, shoulder and leg room,
even the cargo room is just about dead on with Territory (copy cats)

Externally, Explorer is about 100mm wider and about 150mm longer.
Guess the Americans can't get that space efficiency up to scratch....

davessleepin351 · 29-09-2010, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FFOracing

I think it would be a hard slog. They'd get panned for going gas guzzling beast where they should be looking at a Cortina/Torana sized RWD car. I still think that would be a ticket to success. Nothing exists like it in the market thats affordable.

Besides, Fords reputation in 4WD's is pretty crook. It would have to be a brilliant vehicle to pull customers away from the established set. Can't see it happening.

Im with FFO, if ford produced a midsized RWD sedan with sport and econo options they would seriously clean up. But i guess the challenge is doing cost effectively.

Do you want a road tourer 4wd? or a offroad annihilator?
The territory is just a soccormum falcon, i really dont think its that good a car unless your paying the big bucks for the turbo ghia, and even then the build quality shows.

Road_Warrior · 29-09-2010, 06:12 PM

Yeah I guess I was getting at an Expedition-ish sized vehicle, like in that pic above but with some contemporary styling.

Give it the 3.7 Duratec V6 as a baseline, with the n/a 5.0L Coyote or 4.4L Lion V8 as options and let people go.

Then all they would need to do is introduce the freakin' Kuga already to have a reasonable SUV lineup.

davessleepin351 · 29-09-2010, 08:05 PM

I think that expedition looks sweet as, but i dont think there would be much of a market until fuel supply worries go away ( dont think they will some how ) what specs the kuga running power wise?!

FPV8U · 29-09-2010, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

T6 Ranger Wagon would go down nicely, current version is called the Everest

Would be a very good addition to the austrlian range, a Territory is the lead contender by default at the moment but a Ranger style Wagon would be perfect for what i want next.

Road_Warrior · 30-09-2010, 10:33 PM

I wonder if, with the release of the new F-150 stateside, they will update the Expedition and give it the same face and features. If they didn't make the rear overhang so retardedly large like the Excursion and current Expedition, it could almost be a goer.

Windsor220 · 30-09-2010, 11:09 PM

The Landcruiser, Patrol and Pajero are so entrenched in the market that they are untouchable in the 4wd world. Would be no point in competing.

chevypower · 01-10-2010, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpd80

that would be nice a nice rig if it was supplied with the new 6.7 diesel from F250...

Amen to that! Even the 4.4L V8 diesel that Ford is building for the Range Rover would be sweet in the Expedition and Expedition EL. It will be getting the EcoBoost V6 from what I understand, just like the F150.
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2010/09...nd-50-v-8.html

irlewy86 · 01-10-2010, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Windsor220

The Landcruiser, Patrol and Pajero are so entrenched in the market that they are untouchable in the 4wd world. Would be no point in competing.

Don't be so sure, Toyota dropped the ball big time in going V8 in the ute. Rather than engineer it ground up for the motor they shoe-horned it in and sent it out. A customer from Isisford told me the local Ag group brought 100 and have had 60 roll so far. You might not be able to change the minds of the weekend warriors, but the real bushies are on the hunt for a real 4X4. Its time for Ford to stand up and be counted. 4.4, 6.7 and Barra 195, get them here today!!!!!

Sizey · 01-10-2010, 10:14 AM

Ford need a little rwd powerhouse coupe. Much like holdens monaro. They also need a large 4wd that is tough enough to hit bush to take on the tubo D patrols and landcruisers. They can then make a luxo version too. However It must be a good and clear thought out thing, not just some tank imported from america. We don't want a repeat of the explorer!

chevypower · 01-10-2010, 10:54 AM

You think the new Patrol and LC200 are tough bush bashers? lol. They are soft! Just like all the American SUVs. The last ok LC for off-road bashing was the 80 series. The 70 series is just crap and 20 years out of date.
Well at least the Expedition is on an F150 frame. Toyota doesn't make a frame that strong, and the Excursion? Well, Toyota can keep dreaming there.

grey_esp · 01-10-2010, 11:26 AM

I actuallt drive an 80 series and yes there are great off road but the 105 sereis cruiser was the last good one they built, even tho not available in TD.

I totally agree that ford should have somthing available. Im looking at the moment to upgrade and the patrol is the only thing that is even close to a decent 4wd, but that little 3.0L is an embaresment to the rest of the car.
Why dont ford invest some money in making a good coil sprung front end that you can get some clearence and travel out of, and a decent coil sprung live axle rear that can carry some load. Mate that up to the barra with ZF and a strong dual range transfer with viscous centre diff so we can select variable ratios of front to rear drive (from rear wheel drive only to 50/50 drive) have the option of Rovers V8 deisel and the coyotie. We need 8 seats that you can sit 8 adults in (5 with comfort and 3 with a little squeeze but territory is a joke) and still have room for a pram and some shopping in the back. and the base spec should be available for under 50k.

outback_ute · 01-10-2010, 03:11 PM

How about this lol... http://wot.motortrend.com/6683297/tu...mor/index.html

If we had a US-size market I think a larger version of the Territory could be a goer, likewise an RTV version with more clearance etc, but of course we don't!

Sizey · 01-10-2010, 03:22 PM

Yeah I know the new so called tough 4wds are crap. Just look at the subframe issues they have been having with the 200 series.

Where can I get me a war wagon (Preferably armour plated)??????

Mr Hardware · 01-10-2010, 03:25 PM

Quote:

they should be looking at a Cortina/Torana sized RWD car.

I would buy one in a heartbeat.
Give me an Ecoboost 2.0L turbo in something rwd and halfway sized between a focus sedan and falcon sedan and i'd be set for lyfe yo.
7.8L/100klms, 15.9sec 0-100, doesn't look like a shopping trolley. Yes please!

nstg8a · 01-10-2010, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

I would buy one in a heartbeat.
Give me an Ecoboost 2.0L turbo in something rwd and halfway sized between a focus sedan and falcon sedan and i'd be set for lyfe yo.
7.8L/100klms, 15.9sec 0-100, doesn't look like a shopping trolley. Yes please!

sounds like a skyline/chaser contender

Mr Hardware · 01-10-2010, 03:49 PM

Yeah, sort of nstg8a, but something more subdued, less ****erish and less prone to breakage and major expense.

Road_Warrior · 01-10-2010, 05:23 PM

If a larger SUV could be guaranteed as not being stupidly sized or coming with a stupid thirst, I reckon it would sell well and give the Landbruiser and Pootrol a run for their money.

outback_ute · 03-10-2010, 07:29 PM

I'm not sure we'll see a hard core off-roader like the Patrol or LC100 again...

Road_Warrior · 03-10-2010, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by outback_ute

I'm not sure we'll see a hard core off-roader like the Patrol or LC100 again...

Well let's face it, most of them don't go hardcore off road anyway so the off road prowess is something that Ford doesn't really need to have top table aspirations for!

I'd really like to see an SUV with that F-150 front on it though...