New Styling to Help Raise Sales and Desirability of Full-Size Ford Sedan

The refreshed front clip will include a redesign of the grille, which some say is too close to the brand's base-model Focus.

To make the Five Hundred even more competitive, a V8-powered version is expected. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Putting an enlarged Fusion face on the Five Hundred would make the car much more attractive, and much more competitive in its market segment. The smaller Fusion sports a bold three-bar grille, vertical headlamp clusters and a more chiseled, angular design language.

To make the Five Hundred even more competitive, a V8-powered version is also expected, although Reuters made no comment on the subject. Volvo is now offering a Yamaha-built V8 in its XC90 sport utility, which shares the Five Hundred's general architecture, so the fit would not be difficult. Yamaha also has a history of building engines for Ford, having previously powered its SHO Taurus.

To Ford of Canada's credit, Five Hundred sales are on the rise despite criticism over the car's styling. January's sales were a dismal 216 units, while in February the brand managed to deliver 330 new Five Hundreds.

A revised Five Hundred, complete with V8-power, might make it possible for Ford to reach its initial 100,000 unit yearly sales target. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Its 574 sales in March signals a encouraging trend, and one that shows that news about the car's positive attributes is spreading.

Important is that the Five Hundred is being sold with few incentives, and that less than 10 percent are going to rental car fleets, which could otherwise reduce the model's potential resale value.

A revised Five Hundred, complete with V8-power, might make it possible for Ford to reach its initial 100,000 unit yearly sales target. It will certainly make the car more desirable, important considering its stiff competition.