Mazda CX7

[Scooter70]

Just to set the record straight: The Speed 3 has little in common with ther US version of the Focus. It rides on a platform shared with the
European Focus and the Volvo C40. The European Focus is considered an excellent car. Any relationship to the US
Focus in purely coincidental!

Correct. The new US Focus is a new upperbody on the old underbody, which was carried over from the Euro Focus. The new Euro Focus/3/Volvo is different.

-Matt (Ford body designer in Dearborn, currently working on 2014 Mustang.)

[DanB]

Correct. The new US Focus is a new upperbody on the old underbody, which was carried over from the Euro Focus. The new Euro Focus/3/Volvo is different.

-Matt (Ford body designer in Dearborn, currently working on 2014 Mustang.)

Coupla comments you may or may not be willing to go into

Any particular reason why the Focus I rented was so AWFUL? Handling dynamics were more similar to an 80s Aries/Reliant K than the previous-gen Focus. Interior was hideous, just REEKED of cheapness. Seats were totally unsupportive and uncomfortable. Again, more like an econo-car from the 80s than the last-gen Focus. TOTALLY other end of the spectrum from my wife's Mazda3. WTF?

Please please please tell me the 2014 Mustang is about 800 lb. lighter, and less brick-shaped. Hopefully someone in the organization's leadership realizes that $5+/gal gas is just around the corner, and that CO2 emissions are *possibly* about to get US gummint "leadership" attention, what with imminent regime change.

Thanks!

[WillM]

Please please please tell me the 2014 Mustang is about 800 lb. lighter, and less brick-shaped.

Dan, the 2014 Mustang will be 800 lbs. lighter, and less brick-shaped.

Also, Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny are REAL!

[TroyV]

Thanks for all your help with the CX7 guys...

As for the Mustang comments.....As a current Mustang owner, it would certainly be nice to see Ford put out a lighter car than it has in recent years. Shredding track rubber at the rate I do is getting old. This will be my last Mustang unless future versions come in at a reasonable weight....say 3100-3200 pounds would be livable..