We´ve just spied the first 2013 Ford Mondeo prototype this morning! While the camouflage is heavy, we can see a pair of sleek-looking, projector headlights up front.
We're not totally sure the grille that's visible is the finished product. It doesn't have much of a Ford look to it, and may just be a temporary piece designed to throw us off. The biggest change we see with the current model is the new coupe-like roofline.
New chassis
The new Ford Mondeo will be riding on one of Ford's new global platforms. Referred to as "CD4," this new chassis will see heavy use, much like Toyota's "MC" platform. The U.S.-only Lincoln MKZ and the world-wide Ford Mondeo will be the first to get this new chassis. In the autumn of 2013, the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX (both U.S. only) will move to CD4 as well. Then, in the autumn of 2014, the Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS (U.S.) will also make the jump. Several other Ford Europe products will also utilize CD4. However, the first CD4-user to hit the market will be the Lincoln MKZ with the European Ford Mondeo following in spring 2013.
Engines
Besides petrol and diesel units, the new Mondeo will be available with a hybrid system delivering some 147 kW / 200 hp. That system is rumoured to be good enough for a 75-km/h top speed on the electric motor alone. Conventional powertrains for the Mondeo are still a little hazy, though, but will certainly include 4- and 6-cylinder petrol engines with up to 250 hp and diesels between 120 and 200 hp. A dual-clutch transmission is also supposedly in the works.
