[biker16]

How different is C1 form C170?


the front subframe is based on the C170 except the subframe has voided bushing where it mounts to the body

The rear Subframe carries over C170's geometry But uses a lighter more struturally efficent subframe design, the mounts are not rubberized.

The biggest improvemant is the Structure, although it is only 10% stiffer it is far more crash worthy, The use of stronger steel in every part f the body, the most impressive piece is the Fron door cross beam, made of extra high strength steel, at the top of the door to offer the absolute best protection to the driver in colissions with higher riding Trucks, plaus the lower door baeam ijn the front door, in the rear the reinforced C-pillar offers side protection. For a safer vehicle even without th avialble Side thorax airbags and Side curtain air bags.

the structural improvements Would cause the majority of the retooling for Ford. but offer the greatest possible improvement in saftey.

In both side impact and frontal collisions the improvements would be most notable.

 

[Blue02ZX5]

I know its a double post, but it may shed some light on the topic.
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Here is a report from www.thecarconnection.com, 9/8/03

Focus Gets Clearer

Meanwhile, Mazda officials offered a bit of clarification to recent reports about the next generation of Ford family small cars. The Japanese automaker’s new Mazda3 was jointly developed with Ford and Volvo, and will serve as the basis for a variety of future vehicles, including Ford’s own C-Max, a European microvan. Mazda’s engineering prowess has garnered so much respect in the vast Ford Motor Co. empire that the larger Mazda6 will serve as the foundation for at least ten mid-size U.S. Ford-brand models, including the Futura, a replacement for the aging Taurus. But recent reports indicated Ford would stick with the current platform for the next-generation Focus subcompact, and not switch to something based on the Mazda3. The truth apparently is somewhere in between, according to several senior sources. To fully amortize the investment it has made, Ford will reuse a significant amount of current-model Focus tooling, but update the new car by borrowing some important “bits and pieces” from the Mazda3-based global architecture. Among other things, expect to see a significantly improved interior on Focus, along with improved ride and handling. —Paul A. Eisenstein

 

[Egz]

Hmmm, I wonder if that new subframe will bolt right in...

 

[biker16]

Hmmm, I wonder if that new subframe will bolt right in...

No look at the rear mount, it uses only one bolt, Vs the 2-3 for the current Subframe. Of course the one bolt slightly eases assembly reducing labor costs.


The UAW work rules limit the profitabilty of productivity improvemnts. Even if you idle a worker you still have to pay them. The New Labor contract should be very interesting.


They could have fired at least 10 people by simply using the Euro grille and 2002 Euro headlamps. there ways ford cut part costs only to increase labor costs. I wouldn't be surprized if the euro Focus had noticably lower labor cost than the US focus.