Ford CD3 platform

Not to be confused with Ford D3 platform.

Ford CD3 platform
2010 Ford Fusion SE
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Also called	Mazda GG/GY platform
Production	2003–present
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size (C/D) platform
Related	Ford V2 platform
Chronology
Predecessor	Ford CDW27 platform Mazda G platform
Successor	Ford CD4 platform

The Ford CD3 platform (for "C/D-class") is a Ford midsize car automobile platform. It was designed by Mazda. The original Mazda chassis code for the CD3 platform is Mazda G platform, which Ford Motor Company has used every evolution of since 1983. The platform is designed for either front, all-wheel drive or Ford's hybrid powertrain.^[1]

The platform is based on a unitized welded steel body (monocoque) with an independent short long arms (SLA) double wishbone front suspension with stabilizer bar and an independent multi-link twist blade rear suspension with stabilizer bar.^[2]

Ford Motor Company developed the CD3 platform as its first fully "digital" car, allowing the company to cut months of development time, saving money and bringing the vehicles to market more quickly.^[1] Engineers were able to virtually build an entire car prior to initiating construction,^[1] thereby improving vehicle fit and finish, tool clearances and production line ergonomics.^[1]

Vehicles currently using this platform include:

• 2002–2008 Mazda 6 (GG)
• 2006–present Besturn B70
• 2006–2012 Ford Fusion (CD338)
• 2006–2012 Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ (CD378)
• 2006–2011 Mercury Milan (CD338)
• 2007–present Mazda CX-9
• 2007–2014 Ford Edge crossover SUV (U387)
• 2007–2014 Lincoln MKX crossover SUV (U388)
• 2008–2012 Mazda 6 (GH) (Note: modified platform)
• 2009–present Besturn B50

Cancelled CD3 products:

• 2009 Ford Flex crossover minivan (switched to D4)

CD3 2

The Mazda-based CD3 2 platform is expected to be phased out early next decade and give way to either of Ford's own EUCD platform currently used under the Ford Mondeo in Europe or more likely by the EUCD2 as Ford revises its global product architecture. The next generation of Fusion, Edge, MKX and MKZ debuting in 2012-2013 are expected to be built on Ford's own Ford CD4 platform.^[3]

References

1. "2006 MERCURY MILAN: BUSINESS | Ford Motor Company Newsroom". Media.ford.com. Retrieved 2012-01-06.
2. http://media.ford.com/images/10031/2011_Fusion_Specs.pdf
3. "Ford Further Accelerates Product Rollout, Leverages Efficiencies Across Global Markets | Ford Motor Company Newsroom". Media.ford.com. 2009-08-06. Retrieved 2012-01-06.

• "Next Focus and Fusion Based on Global Platforms". Automotive News. Retrieved August 23, 2007.
• Alex Law. "Ford Future". Edmunds.com. Retrieved April 18, 2006.
• Warren Brown. "Striving for Individuality From a Basic Platform". Washington Post. Retrieved April 18, 2006.