Ford to Build New RWD Platform

General Motors apparently is struggling with ways to increase the fuel economy of its Zeta platform, the rwd basis for the upcoming Camaro and rumored new cars from Cadillac and Buick, and appears to regret having decided to proceed with that program. At the North American International Auto Show, GM vice-chairman Bob Lutz told TopSpeed.com that GM sees rwd as creating a 2 mpg penalty over front wheel drive.

But, the folks at Ford appear unfazed by the idea that rwd has no future. According to the Detroit News, they’re proceeding with plans to develop a new rear wheel drive platform, one that will be the basis for the next generation Mustang and for new sedan models for both Ford and Lincoln.

Estimated time to the showrooms is four years, and the same platform will underlie the next generation Falcon in Australia.