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Details are understandably scant but some talking heads are suggesting the Mach-4 will have a starting MSRP under US$40,000 and an acceleration time to 60 mph in under four seconds — though it is certainly possible those two things might not be found on the same trim. If accurate, we’re certain all those fours will become part of the car’s marketing schtick. Rear seat legroom is said to outstrip that which is found in the aforementioned Panamera.

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There are also rumours about Chevrolet using the platform intended for the next series of Cadillac small(ish) sedans, meant to replace the CT4 and CT5, for a Camaro crew cab. In other words, it is shaping up that Detroit could be providing a trio of rear-wheel drive, powerful, four-door sedans. What is this? The ’70s? We’re not mad.

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2001 Ford Escape Photo by Ford

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Elsewhere at the Ford dealer meeting, attendees were apparently shown a small SUV intended to inhabit the entry-level end of the MSRP ladder. Set to have a standard hybrid powertrain, the model could have a starting price of less than US$25,000 in the States. Sounds to us like Ford is finally realizing it needs something new to compete head-on with popular models such as the Toyota Corolla Cross.

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It is important to remember that the company purged most of its affordable models (Fiesta, Focus, et al) years ago, let the Edge die on the proverbial vine, and is now in the throes of getting rid of former rockstars like the Escape. The latter model lost its way in recent years, morphing from a rugged-ish yet affordable vehicle introduced back in the early 2000s into an underpowered misshapen blob resembling a Salofalk suppository. This new hybrid could right some of those wrongs.

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We’ll keep our ear to the ground for new developments — and more loudmouthed dealers.

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