Futura is the Taurus replacement and is based off the mazda 6 platform, Chevy is doing the same thing with the 04 Malibu, the old Malibu, now renamed chevy classic, will cover fleet sales just like the tuarus will start to do in 05/06.

the Ford 500 is supossed to be bigger than the current tuarus and smaller than a crown vic.

 

Kind of makes you wonder if we are headed to an age where fleet cars and regular customer models will become 2 totally different cars in the future.

Sounds like an idea for a new thread.

 

Not only that, but the "new" Rouge River facility is already making product, and has been open for tours since last month as I recall.

At this moment the newest and most automated facility in the world. According to the press, Ford is keen to show it off - to impress stockholders of all things!

 

The Futura... oh my.

Remember the 427 concept car that was such a hit at NAIAS this year?
Well - It's back! And it will be in production soon!
As the 2006 Ford.............................................. ............................Futura.
And NO it won't have the 427 in it.
Here's a link for ya.
I like the looks, but I would have rather seen the 427 come back in some capacity too, like a Galaxy 427 to complement the historic '63 models that ruled NHRA, or a Fairlane Thunderbolt.
I still have hope that the 427 will find itself in some tuner's offering like Shelby or Roush... hint-hint