It's about friggin' time IMO.
I asked for his over 3 years ago.

Ford, GM Explore Joint Engine Programs

"General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. are discussing a possible collaboration to develop new engines and other powertrain technologies, according to sources at both companies. "

"GM first approached Ford more than a month ago, two sources familiar with the situation said. GM told Ford that it was willing to discuss a wide range of possible collaborations.

GM's overture drew a mixed reaction inside Ford. Some executives felt that previous joint projects had benefited GM more than they had Ford, but others -- including Ford's global product development chief, Derrick Kuzak -- saw it as an opportunity to leverage some of GM's technology while at the same time reducing Ford's own development costs. "


I - for one - am ALL FOR THIS. I said long ago that Ford and GM need to bury the hatchet and become best-buds... the enemy is no longer themselves, but imports. If they would do everything in the drivetrain together, but maintain their own body and interior programs, they could kick MAJOR ****. IMAGINE... the parts consolidation, swapping, and cross-usage that could arise from a venture like this. Also, imagine the costs of the parts when quantities go from 400k/year to 2million/year because it's used on everything made by For and GM.

I hope this flies - just like the auto transmission projects they have already done.

Double - to them both for starting talks.

 

I like this idea for transmissions and even battery tech for hybrids, but I'm not sure how I feel about his for engines. Sharing things like ignition packs, oil filters, and things of that nature would be awesome though. Cars with rare parts suck.

 

I can see where this *might* benefit both companies... maybe.

But the idea of the 2014 Motor Trend Comparo of the LS# Camaro vs the LS# Mustang is incredibly unappealing.

 

I think this is a great idea.

I don't think that the V8s will be shared they are to much a core to each company's identity. But sharing either the HF V6/Duratec or the 4 cylinders would be awesome. The development/parts cost should drop incredibly quick allowing integration of DI and turbocharging technology to be included where cost had previously kept them out of the equation (think of a DI 1.0 4 cylinder turbo in an Aveo or Festia!).

 

Great news! It's good to see some partnership between the two.

 

Why so? Because of spiritual feelings, or factual data? Granted it is something we have never experienced before, but that doesn't make it a bad thing by default does it?

In my humble opinion, the days of the cross-town rivalry are dead and gone.
It's kinda like watching your own brother get pummeled by thugs from another state. I couldn't stand it, and I'd just have to jump into the foray. When it comes to my family, we stand together, fight together, and win together , or fall together. I think GM and FOrd need to get it together - and the sooner the better. They are both more formidable forces when they stand together than either one is individually.

As far as a Mustang v. Camaro comparison in 2014... a comparison between the 2 cars that have the same drivetrain is FAR better than NO comparison because they are both no longer made, because Ford is making Segway Scooters and GM is making washing machines...
You and I both know that aftermarket mods and customization will hardly allow two cars to remain the same for long, and that is the trend we are seeing more and more today. So why not use cookie-cutter drivetrains and let GM and Ford wrap them in steel and plastic to suit their own markets and tastes?

 

To me, it'd be like having a comparo between a 2002 Trans Am and a 2002 Z28... granted, the vehicles themselves would be more differentiated.

If this is the path that hings are heading, they just need to get on with it, and do a merger.

Less choices in the marketplace makes for a less fun place for a consumer to be, IMHO.

 

As far as V8's and such, I doubt you would see any "sharing" of anything already in production anyways. The project would be to combine resources in DEVELOPMENT of new products. If it's already being made, development costs are gone out the window and the savings is minimal. However, if you are looking at $1-million to develop a new 4 or 6 cylinder from scratch, you can cut the development costs in half by sharing the costs with someone else 50/50, and also get legacy savings by doubling or tripling the volume of parts being made for the application.

Even if they decided to keep their own V8 programs for performance cars like the Mustang and Corvette, look at the volume differences between those units and the rest of their car lineup. Fuel-efficient 4s, 5s, and 6s is where the future lies.
The unknowns are what technology is already scheduled to be coming here from Europe and Asia, and how much of the next few years of engine production is coming from those sources.

 

HEY - wait a minute there! Nobody said anything about a merger. THAT I would not endorse.

There is too much difference in the bodywork, interior, styling, and other subjective points to throw the whole chicken into one pot.

Ever see a Camaro with a Ford 9" rear in it?
Ever see a Mustang with an LS1 in it?
What's not new about using the best there is in a driveline?

Don't take me wrong - I understand your point completely. I cringe when I see a '28 T-bucket with an SBC in it to this day, but things are changing friend. I'd rather see them offer the cars and me be able to buy one, than see them go away completely. I can always buy a new one and order a crate engine from GMP or FRPP and make it what I want!

 

GM's LS engines are better power and MPG then anything Ford has.
The tremec tranny is great and can already be used by both.
GM builds much better auto's and has for 20 years.
What does Ford bring to the table again?

 

Why stop there, they will could save money and just reskin a Mustang for the 6th gen Camaro.

 

Cash. If GM keeps burning money at its current rate, they'll be in huge trouble in less than a year - and that's without any major engine or powertrain programs currently under development for mass-market applications.

Ignoring V8s (and you should, because they've suddenly become far less meaningful in the market), Ford and GM will each field a rather similar line-up of turbocharged and naturally-aspirated I4s and OHC V6s. The question for each automaker revolves around whether there's any benefit to the end customer to have two similarly-performing but complete different engines such as the GM 3.6L and Ford 3.5L V6s. Both yield similar performance, fit into similar packaging envelopes, and are built using similar technology. Could they be identical without detracting from the personality of a Malibu or Fusion? I don't have the answer for that question.

95% of consumers would never know the difference if the Fusion came with a GM V6 or vise-versa, but at some point, subtle differences mean the world in establishing the brand identity of a car.

 

Then to that I say GM's DI 3.6 makes 300HP and gets better MPG.
Again Ford brings what?
Ford isn't exactly drowning in money.

 

You again are talking about existing products. What GM and Ford both need right now are inexpensive, high fuel efficiency, engines and transmissions. I think you will see small engines come away from this. You might see some V6s as well, but these V6s aren't going to be the 300HP variety unless they are getting 30mpg+.

Ford doesn't have to bring a lot of money, they only need to bring cash for half the cost. Chrysler doesn't make sense b/c they don't have many small cars.

 

Comparing the non-DI versions of each, they're pretty much the functional equivalent (and Ford's DI 3.5L V6 will very likely yield the same performance as GM's DI 3.6L V6).

We can go right down the list of boring engines in boring cars that neither you nor I are likely to purchase any time soon - they're pretty much identically-performance units that offer all the financial disadvantages of being unique while providing little or none of the marketing benefits.

Well, between the two companies, maybe they can come up with a pair of nickels to rub together. That's still better than the challenge of maintaining world-class powertrain development when competing against companies that have a far stronger financial position.