Ford Telstar Mk III (AX - 1991)
Ford continued the Telstar model beyond the first 1982 version. The second generation debuted in 1987, broadly following the themes of the earlier model.
In 1991 the third generation Telstar (AX) debuted, this time the 4th generation 626 variant had evolved into a 3-number vehicle taxation category (over 1700 mm width). At 1750mm, the vehicle was better suited to the US mid-size segment, and its Toyota Camry and Honda Accord competitors. The extra width provided a 'fuller' form and better proportions. Additional wheelbase allowed for a more spacious cabin. The Mk III Telstar/Mazda626 platform also spawned the second generation Ford Probe sold in the US and more broadly globally.
The 1991 Telstar also borrowed the Mazda 2.5 litre V6 engine - well received, due to its power and smoothness. This engine replaced the turbocharged four-cylinder available in the previous generation car. The chassis was also well recieved, forming the basis for the Ford CD3 platform which featured in the well-regarded Ford Mondeo/Contour/Cougar/Mystique/Zephyr/MKZ. This platform had been evolved extensively over time and was only replaced in 2013 for the US Ford Fusion Mk II on the CD4 chassis, and the 2013 Mazda6 on the new SkyActive chassis.
The Telstar/626 twins again won the 'Wheels Car of the Year' award for 1992, though Ford's Asia-Pacific plans were changing. The second generation car had ceased local (Australian) manufacturing, Ford instead sourcing the Australian-built version of the Nissan Bluebird, sold sold as the Corsair. The Telstar continued as an imported model, but was featured higher in the price range of Ford's product line. The Ford/Nissan product sharing program was less successful though, both models ceasing production a few years later.
Ford globally had commited itself to a more 'Global' future. The first generation Mondeo (built from the Mazda-G platform), was to become Ford's global midsize car, built both in Europe and North America. The Telstar in Australia was ultimately replaced by the European-sourced Mondeo, though the models ran concurrently in the marketplace.
Ford and Mazda collaborated on future products, in both the Asia-Pacific region (Ranger), and globally with the 2nd generation Focus being a combined Ford/Mazda/Volvo platform, and with the smaller Ford Fiesta/Mazda2 vehicle.
This Lego model Ford Telstar has been designed for Flickr LUGNuts 62nd Build Challenge, - 'Space is the Place', - celebrating vehicles with Space related names. In this case, the Ford Telstar continued Ford's early 1980's phase of naming cars after space related themes. The Telstar is the name given to the very first telecommunications satellite launched into space, on July 10th, 1962. A further Telstar 2 satellite was launched subseqently.
Ford Telstar Mk III (AX - 1991)
Ford continued the Telstar model beyond the first 1982 version. The second generation debuted in 1987, broadly following the themes of the earlier model.
In 1991 the third generation Telstar (AX) debuted, this time the 4th generation 626 variant had evolved into a 3-number vehicle taxation category (over 1700 mm width). At 1750mm, the vehicle was better suited to the US mid-size segment, and its Toyota Camry and Honda Accord competitors. The extra width provided a 'fuller' form and better proportions. Additional wheelbase allowed for a more spacious cabin. The Mk III Telstar/Mazda626 platform also spawned the second generation Ford Probe sold in the US and more broadly globally.
The 1991 Telstar also borrowed the Mazda 2.5 litre V6 engine - well received, due to its power and smoothness. This engine replaced the turbocharged four-cylinder available in the previous generation car. The chassis was also well recieved, forming the basis for the Ford CD3 platform which featured in the well-regarded Ford Mondeo/Contour/Cougar/Mystique/Zephyr/MKZ. This platform had been evolved extensively over time and was only replaced in 2013 for the US Ford Fusion Mk II on the CD4 chassis, and the 2013 Mazda6 on the new SkyActive chassis.
The Telstar/626 twins again won the 'Wheels Car of the Year' award for 1992, though Ford's Asia-Pacific plans were changing. The second generation car had ceased local (Australian) manufacturing, Ford instead sourcing the Australian-built version of the Nissan Bluebird, sold sold as the Corsair. The Telstar continued as an imported model, but was featured higher in the price range of Ford's product line. The Ford/Nissan product sharing program was less successful though, both models ceasing production a few years later.
Ford globally had commited itself to a more 'Global' future. The first generation Mondeo (built from the Mazda-G platform), was to become Ford's global midsize car, built both in Europe and North America. The Telstar in Australia was ultimately replaced by the European-sourced Mondeo, though the models ran concurrently in the marketplace.
Ford and Mazda collaborated on future products, in both the Asia-Pacific region (Ranger), and globally with the 2nd generation Focus being a combined Ford/Mazda/Volvo platform, and with the smaller Ford Fiesta/Mazda2 vehicle.
This Lego model Ford Telstar has been designed for Flickr LUGNuts 62nd Build Challenge, - 'Space is the Place', - celebrating vehicles with Space related names. In this case, the Ford Telstar continued Ford's early 1980's phase of naming cars after space related themes. The Telstar is the name given to the very first telecommunications satellite launched into space, on July 10th, 1962. A further Telstar 2 satellite was launched subseqently.