Ford executive confirms Lincoln-Mondeo link

A FORD executive has confirmed that Lincoln and Ford models will share the Ford CD4 modular platform that will underpin the new Mondeo mid-sizer, Edge SUV and eight other future cars from the Blue Oval.

As GoAuto reported in May, one of those future models is expected to be the Lincoln MKS large car, which appears to be having rear suspension engineering work done in Australia.

Ford’s Australian engineers have been working on a test car based on Mondeo’s American sister car, the Fusion, but seemingly loaded with a wider rear suspension requiring rear-wheel-arch flares.

Our information suggests the suspension under the test car is destined for the up-coming Lincoln MKS large sedan to be sold in North America and China.

This car is expected to be bigger in all dimensions than the Fusion/Mondeo, hence the wider rear track.

Now Ford’s outgoing global line director for CD platform cars, Darren Palmer, has been quoted by Automotive News Europe as saying the sophisticated new platform will underpin the new Mondeo as well as Lincoln models.

"The suspension and platform were developed to be capable for Lincoln as well (as Mondeo), so it needs to be state of the art," he is quoted as saying.

Automotive News says other vehicles that will use the CD4 platform – a front-wheel-drive layout with all-wheel-drive capability – include the Ford S-Max and Galaxy minivans, Edge large SUV and its Lincoln sister, the MKX.

At GoAuto, we believe the Lincoln MKS can be added to that list.

The Fusion has been on sale in the US since last year, but the Mondeo has been delayed by Ford of Europe as it switched production from Belgium to Spain. It is now set to launch in Europe late this year, and then later in Australia.

GoAuto’s photographer snapped the left-hand-drive Fusion test mule going through its paces at Ford Australia’s You Yangs proving ground, where it is most likely being tested under a contract with Ford Motor Company in the US.

Ford Australia has no plans to introduce Lincoln into Australia.

Numerous models are in various stages of development at Ford Australia, with vehicles ranging from the Chinese-bound, Focus-based Escort to the upcoming Everest SUV, all going through the engineering hoops ahead of launch.