Ford D2C platform
From Free net encyclopedia
The D2C (for "D-class 2-door coupe" and also known as DC2 and S197) is Ford's newest global rear wheel drive automobile platform. It was designed by Ford with Mazda's C1 platform technology and debuted in the 2005 Ford Mustang. The platform basics are a MacPherson strut suspension in front and 3-link solid axle in the rear with a Panhard rod. The 2007 high performance Special Vehicle Team (SVT) Mustang variation, called the Shelby GT500, will not include the traditional SVT-designed independant rear suspension, but will also have the solid rear axle. Engines include a 4.0 L V6 and Ford's Modular 4.6 L V8, and a supercharged 5.4 L Modular V8 in the GT500.
Contrary to many news reports, the D2C Mustang platform is not based on the Ford DEW platform. The 2005 S197 Mustang was originally designed to use a "Lite" version of the DEW98, but that plan was eventually scrapped as too expensive. The differences are most noticeable in the suspension: The DEW98-based Lincoln LS uses a 4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension, inspired by F1 race cars, and European sport luxury sedans and coupes which were the performance benchmarks. The D2C's high-mounted MacPherson struts and lower wishbones are similar to the components used in the front wheel drive C1, as are the rear trailing arm components.
Vehicles currently using this platform include the following:
- 2005-2006 Ford Mustang
- 2007 Shelby GT500, debuting Spring 2006
Possible future models may include the following:
- Lincoln LS replacement (Possible Continental?)
- Ford Thunderbird (2+2)
- Mercury sports car (automatic transmission/V8, possible Cougar or Capri)
See also
Current Ford platforms:
- B3 - subcompact FWD (ex: Mazda Mazda2)
- C1 - compact FWD (ex: Mazda Mazda3)
- CD2 - small SUV AWD (ex: Ford Escape)
- CD3 - mid-size FWD/AWD (ex: Mazda Mazda6)
- EUCD - mid-size FWD/AWD (ex: Volvo S80)
- D2C - sports RWD (ex: Ford Mustang)
- P2/P3 - full-size pickup (ex: Ford F-Series)
- U2/U3 - full-size SUV (ex: Ford Explorer)
- T1 - large SUV (ex: Ford Expedition)
- V2 - minivan (ex: Ford Freestar)
- VN - full-size van (ex: Ford Econoline)
- D3 - full-size FWD/AWD (ex: Volvo S60)
- DEW98 - mid-size RWD (ex: Lincoln LS)
- Panther - full-size RWD (ex: Ford Crown Victoria)
- VH - sports RWD (ex: Aston Martin DB9)