R7 - Ford Australia's 4wd Future: part II

(Back to AU History / Tech or R7 Part 1)

Helping the convincing image portrayed by that original R7 show car was a complete set of Explorer running gear underneath - including full chassis and four wheel independent suspension. While similar in concept, the final product is expected to carry Falcon components for the rear and be based on the Aussie Ford's monocoque construction technique giving greater agility and less weight. - That is not to say the R7 will be any less rugged or capable of handling the rough stuff - for those who know the Falcon intimately know it to be one of the strongest locally produced vehicles on the market today - a fact testified to by outback 4wd operators far and wide. The EA's frustratingly easily to upset suspension is a thing of the past too with current Ford suspensions challenging even that of the early Holdens for brute strength, while keeping more than an even keel on handling at the same time.

Don't expect the R7 to match or beat a Toyota Landcruiser when it comes to off roading ability - it is not being designed for that. But for those of us who spend most of our time in the city with the occasional outback trip needing extra ground clearance and with 4wd to pull us out of the occasional trouble spot - this not so small 'Cross Over' is going to be the bees knees! And for those who choose to use their off-roader for towing the horse float, expect the R7 to continue on with the tradition started by Falcons and Fairlanes right across the land as the great Aussie tow-car leaving the competition coughing and spluttering in their dust...

While the current Explorer is an extremely capable piece of machinery (the same could not be said for earlier models) the R7 will benefit from the use of local componentry more than halving the replacement cost for similar components which should serve to lower maintenance and insurance costs - traditionally a bug bear of larger 4wd's. -Then there comes the added peace of mind knowing that help is never far away - with Ford dealers spread far and wide and spare parts equally easy to find - no longer will you be stuck for weeks in the Outback waiting for that elusive part to arrive!

While not exactly what you'll see come 2004, the R7 comes dangerously close with Ford having to sign off on the design segment soon to be able to build all of the tooling required in time. Our tip says you won't be seeing all of the R7's high lights come production time either - such as machined exhaust tips and light bezels - although plastic representations aren't entirely out of the question. Unfortunately most of these pieces would cost too much for any reasonably priced vehicle to carry - as would the 20" wheels despite Ford's repeated reference to them in it's press releases. As good looking as they are, they would be of very limited appeal off road allowing rapid damaging of the rims and making sourcing of tyres an expensive venture if and when you could find them!

Expecting volumes in excess of both the Monaro and Cross-8 put together, the R7 will have quite a task if it is to convince Australian buyers to abandon their love affair with the big, bulky and some what awkward 4wd's of the past. Whether it will or not depends largely on how good Ford's market research has been and how well it chooses to advertise this new vehicle - in a segment of it's own where very few major players exist.

If Ford does manage to pull this one off they will be making a significant contribution towards safety on our roads too - with most 4wd's falling way short of the mark in terms of stability, handling and braking - all necessary when it comes to the fine art of avoiding an accident. When you consider how often many of these large 4wd's actually see anything resembling a challenge, it is remarkable that so many choose to willingly put the lives of their families at risk! The R7 should answer these and many more questions being asked by the Australian motorist of today.

Yet there are other firsts made by the R7 - becoming the "first vehicle to give an indication of future automotive design direction in this country" according to Geoff Polites. Indeed, in a industry more used to covering up it's future model plans - especially ones as certain as this - the R7 stands alone with little to be lost showing it's form so far ahead. Taking on experience from Ford Europe and Mazda Japan, who showed the Ford Focus 18 months ahead of time on Motor Show stands and who are still displaying the yet to be released Mazda RX-8 to all who would be interested (and who wouldn't be!).

But there may be an even more interesting side to the story... Considering Ford's recent announcement not to include IRS (independent rear suspension) in it's 'Barra' Falcon station wagons, the possibility of a 2wd version of the R7 gains even more strength. And considering Ford's policy of offering the Ford Explorer in 2wd (US only) as well as 4wd - such an option suddenly doesn't seem so far out of place allowing Ford to capitalize on the R7's proposed increased people carrying capability. Currently without an entry into this small but growing market, a 2wd R7 makes sense too.

There is no doubt about it - this is a 4wd that deserves to win hearts - whether you call it a people mover, a cross-over, or SUV it doesn't matter - and if it doesn't sell it will be tragedy of enormous proportions for Australian industry let along common sense. With the enormous freedom's this vehicle will allow Ford Australia in regard to 4wd and AWD versions of it's other products - including the very strong possibility of off-road versions of it's incredibly popular Falcon Utes & Trays - the future looks incredibly rosy for Ford fans and Aussie motorists alike. It seems the decade of disappointments may finally be over...

(Back to AU History / Tech or R7 Part 1.)

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