The Thunderbird has always been a rear wheel drive personal luxury car but ever since 2005 the car has been missing from the market. Why? Well, it seemed that the US market didn’t want such a vehicle no more and due to that Ford was forced to quit making it. However, in the past few years the trends changed once again and people started buying more luxurious two-door cars. Because of that rumors about a new 2017 Ford Thunderbird started to surface not too long ago and even though these are just rumors for now, a production model might be quite close.
REVIEW
There is still no word on what platform the car is going to use or where it would be priced. We do know for sure though that it was always more expensive than the Mustang, even when the two shared the same platform. Also, the Thunderbird was better equipped, more luxurious and a lot more comfortable. It would make sense for the new version to be just like that. While using the Mustang platform would have its benefits, we would instead suggest at the front wheel drive CD4 platform which underpins the Fusion and a few other cars.
2017 FORD THUNDERBIRD RELEASE DATE AND PRICE
This would depart from the FR setup of all the previous models but it would give the Thunderbird what it needs, luxury. In fact this would be perfect for an all wheel drive coupe with the refinement and power of a true luxury car. Lincoln already did such a car with the Continental and the Thunderbird would make great use of the same platform. A concept might be released in the late 2017 while a production model in 2024 might be a possibility. The price for such a car would get close to $50,000 for the base trim level which would make it one of Ford’s most expensive models.
DESIGN: INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR
Many suggested that the 2017 Ford Thunderbird would use the design of the Fusion. However, this is highly unlikely considering what it would be. Instead, the car might be using an all new design scheme which would also set the trend for Ford’s future models. This would most likely be an evolution of their current New Edge design and it would basically be the resurrection of Ford’s car division which has been on a downward trend for some time now.
In order to become a successful personal luxury car, the Thunderbird will likely feature a four seats arrangement. Even though it will be a two-door model, the car should still offer plenty of space for all four passengers. In terms of features and design, the Thunderbird will likely be similarly equipped to a Continental but it will also offer a sportier look to further complete the package.
ENGINE
Like with many other executive cars out there, the 2017 Ford Thunderbird is very likely going to be offered with a single engine choice. The most probable unit to be installed is Ford’s own 2.7 liter twin-turbocharged V6 EcoBoost mill. This was already installed in the Fusion and it would make for a good entry level point in the executive car market. The one in the Thunderbird would likely be tweaked for closer to 350 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque and it would likely be available with all wheel drive only.
A higher performance model might be released at a later date as well. This would be able to use Lincoln’s 3 liter turbocharged V6 which would allow the Thunderbird, with some modifications, to put out closer to 450 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Both of these should make use of Ford’s all new 9 speed automatic and both of them should offer the refinement of a true executive coupe.
Info on Wikipedia.org
