RLSH700

That was exactly what I have been predicting since the Challenger concept hit the autoshow floors. Here is what Ford needs to do to become competitive again.

Time to take the Crown Vic behind the barn and bam! Replace it with the Australia designed Ford Falcon. Give the Fusion the new Ford/GM designed 6-speed instead of those 5 & 6 speed Aisin units, and give the Duracrap (excuse me Duratech) the same treatment as the Crown Vic. Offer a competitive and reliable V6 even if they have to temporarily outsource for the meantime (Chrysler 3.5L H.O., Nissan VQ, etc.).

When the Taurus nameplate returns also bring it back with the SHO badge option with the 4.4L Yamaha V8 and an available 6-speed manual. Offer the Focus with a version of the Mazda Speed 6 engine with AWD to go up against the Mitsubishi EVO. Bring back the Thunderbird and Cougar on the Falcon platform to compete against the GTO using higher tech engines (both V6s and V8s) and technology (navigation systems and the such), but make it affordable this time and no extreme styling like last time. Use the Focus platform to make a domestic competitor for the Solstice and Sky. Make coupe versions of the Fusion, Milan and Focus. Also make a convertible of the Fusion and Milan.