Ford D2C platform

Encyclopedia : F : FO : FOR : Ford D2C platform

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 an SVT-designed independent 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-present 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)

Ford D2C platform

See also