[shaffe]

Originally Posted by SEVEN-OH JOE

Aluminum fenders, alone, will save a handful of pounds. There's only so much aluminum/magnesium/hss content that a mid-$20s-and-up platform can utilize without seriously affecting co$t$, no matter where that material is placed.

The key to a seriously dieted platform, utilizing all manner of updated materials and technology, is its utilization as more than just an overly large world-wide sporty car. The true savior for the program will be found if/when a RWD-based ATS/3-Series/C-Class/IS 4-dr LINCOLN arrives, sold at higher price points with margins that allow more exotic measures (read: serious diet) that can then trickle down to the more plebeian version(s).

Have we seen the "ultimate" S550 version, cunningly disguised as a Mustang? I suspect not. Will there be synergies from a Lincoln-intended program? Yes, indeedie. And it's an indictment of Ford that something akin an "S550 Lincoln" hasn't been in the market place already. God knows, Lincoln NEEDS such a car!

Norm, my reference to a "Camaro Turbo-4" is a request for the soon-coming 6th-Gen Camaro, NOT the current approaching-extinction Gen-5. Is a Gen-6 Camaro Turbo-4 do-able? Of course it is. In fact it's pretty much already here. It's the Cadillac ATS, offered thusly, with economy AND performance numbers somewhat better than the V6 version.

However, internal rationale will play a hand in how THIS version can/will play out.

I completely agree with you. Lincoln needs to get their hands on this platform for HALO car. They need something to differentiate themselves from just being dolled up Fords