2005 Fairlane CONCEPT Chassis
FLEXIBLE CD3-BASED PEOPLE MOVER
The Ford Fairlane rides on an all-wheel drive version of the company's mid-size CD3 architecture, with fully-independent front and rear suspensions. The Fairlane demonstrates the flexibility of the CD3 architecture, even as versions of its mid-size sedan cousins – the 2006 Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr – are being shown for the first time.
This architecture will, eventually, be the basis for up to ten unique vehicles in North America and approximately 800,000 vehicles annually over time.
This architecture is rigid and, combined with precise ride, handling, steering and braking, is as nimble in tight city turns as it is comfortable on long stretches of highway. A stiff structure allows the suspension to absorb more of the harshness of daily driving before it can reach the passenger compartment. A rigid chassis also delivers distinct handling benefits.
FULLY INDEPENDENT FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSIONS
Fairlane employs a multi-link independent rear suspension that is package efficient, increasing interior dimensions and deftly balancing a smooth ride with precise handling.
The front suspension uses an advanced short- and long-arm (SLA) design, with a double ball-joint lower control arm and coil-over-shock suspension. The suspension, working in tandem with the solid structure and large standard tires, isolates harshness and limits understeer for a confident, predictable driving experience.