check this out

grille looks pretty similar

http://www.autoweek.com/files/specials/2005_newyork/sportrac/pages/5.htm

sorry I don't know how to post the photo.

that would make the third Audi knockoff for Ford this year. The new Ford 500 and Freestyle are styled after the C5 A6 and allroad. The 500 even uses a CVT system from the same supplier that makes the parts for Audi's CVT.

Why?? Ford's design chief is J. Mays....formerly of VAG and one of the designers of the C5 A6.

<img src="http://www.autoweek.com/files/specials/2005_newyork/sportrac/images/5.jpg" />

thats right I forgot about the 500 &amp; freestyle.

<center><img src="http://www.automotriz.net/2004/salones/detroit-enero-2004/ford-500_2.jpg"></center><p>I am flabergasted at how eerie the similarity is between the ford 500 and the a6 and the passat...

<center><img src="http://www.edmunds.com/media/roadtests/firstdrive/2005/ford.500.mercury.montego/05.ford.fivehundred.int.500.jpg"></center><p>has anyone noticed the similarity of the interior as well!??

I trust you are all aware that the VP for product design for Ford during the gestation of the Ford Five Hundred (and a number of retro products like the T-bird and the Mustang) was J Mays....and his prior position was with who?.....VW/Audi of course.

So no surprises here at all.

BTW J Mays was recently promoted out of his position. I think he was Bangled - i.e. moved up and out of the way for failing to live up to expectations.