Yes, they do think we are stupid. Just look at all the big, overpriced SUV's everybody bought from them...

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Those are the same wheels they had on the Focus ST, aren't they?

I like the steering wheel.

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I don't know. US market doesn't seem to be able to embrace new designs very well. In most cases, while people rave about sharp modern designs, sells figures reflect a different story: when it's time to put down the money, the more tone-down design usually wins.

Do they think we're stupid... maybe... maybe not. But it's the numbers that really counts.

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That's simply too attractive to be a Ford.

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What is sporty about that? It doesn't have enough ground clearance to go over a curb without rubbing tires. Sure it looks cool - but it should be called what it is - a new van.

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i have to admit, as a 33-year old single dad this form factor has a lot of appeal to me. i'm in the market for a new car soon and i don't like the heaviness of SUVs (or the gas mileage), i want something roomier than a sedan.. i consider getting a minivan, but it's not really hip :-). this, for me, would work, especially if they had it in a sport model.

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Is it just me or does this look a lot like BMW's current design themes?

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Cool, build it Ford, and please bring it to the US.

Would like to see some non CG interior pics. though.

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Damien, I agree, and would add the Mercedes R-Class to that.

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Pfft. What happened to Ford's mission of building "world cars". Now they're just building "for everyone except those suckers in america cars". Whatever. They haven't stuck with a single theme and/or mission in America for years.

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Unfortunately, Ford builds stupid cars, because people in the US are so stupid, if Ford brought out their interesting world cars, their sales would tank because they'd rather drive their Cavalier or Monte Carlo to the Nascar event. Keep in mind they are a business first, and they have to take care of the masses needs first and foremost. Those of us who read auto blogs obviously don't understand because we want them to keep the high performance/niche products coming! Ford is a global company more than capable of competing with the likes of BMW, but they dont here because people wont buy it! With that said, Fords design talents do leak through now and then (F-150 is hands down the best looking truck on the road, Ford GT...WOW... New Mustang... *drool)

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Kendra, I don't work for Ford or even own one, but their SUVs are cheaper than almost all compariable competitors. The Explorer is cheaper than all Japanese models, the Navigator is cheaper than the Escalade, and the Escape is cheaper than the foreign models, too.

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I do actually own a Ford (not an SUV) and I like Ford a lot, but they do have huge profit margins on their SUVs- about $12,000 a piece for Expedition/Navigator. Cost them about $24K to build and they mark it up to $36K because people are so concerned with image that they will pay for it. They mark it up as much as they think people will pay. So, yes, I do think that Ford thinks Americans aren't that smart because they will shell out tons of money for vehicles that aren't very well engineered. Go read "High and Mighty" by Keith Bradsher for the scoop on the "pricing" and engineering of these SUVs. Also, I think "cheaper" is a relative term, as they are only "cheaper" when you factor in incentives. Just go walk around any Ford dealer lot and look at the sticker prices on those things.
However, on a different note, I do really like this activity vehicle and wish Ford would start bringing their European products over here.

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Yes, there is a profit margin on new cars.

Yes, there is a profit margin on EVERYTHING you buy retail!

Do you think Ford is the only automaker that has a profit margin built into the retail price? I'll give you the benefit of doubt and say, No.

You would crap your pants if knew how much of a mark-up there is on the clothes you are wearing right now (try 300-500%). How much did that computer cost your typing on? Do you really think it cost Dell or whoever $1500 to make it? I guess it's ok for them to make a profit...

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Definitely a lot of BMW in the side sculpting.

They're still using the same general shape of grill, and I don't like the slight carp-like look of the snout, but the overall shape is nice. However, I don't really see a "design language" here yet. I think up to this point Ford's design language has been "speaking in tongues" because they have so many and they're all incoherent.

Whatever happend to New Edge? They used it on the Focus, the wheel wells of the last Mustang, and the Ka.

Now we're told our new US design language will be the three bar grill on everything, while they show this for Europe. C'mon guys! Any 3 guys on this board could sit down for 3 hours and tell you how to fix all this!

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They need to make this the design language for Ford in North America, as well.

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i'd have no problem buying something like that. does ford US think we are stupid?

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Those rims look like they came off a Lambo Gallardo - can't imagine we'll be seeing those on the production version, european design language or otherwise.

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