Within the past 20 years Ford Motor Co. has embraced a number of design philosophies, the latest of which has been teased over the last few weeks and has now been unveiled ahead of the 64th IAA Frankfurt Motor Show taking place later this month.
Between the 90′s and into the early 2000′s, Vice President of Design, Jack Telnack, ushered in the ‘New Edge’ styling theme, the defining characteristics of which included the slim trapezoidal grille and pronounced wheel arches. Well known examples include the ’96 Mondeo, the ’98 Focus and the ’99 Fiesta.
Ford’s ‘Kinetic Design’ is the language we know and see today. Under the guidance of Martin Smith, the Executive Design Director for Ford of Europe, we were given the sassy ’08 Ford Fiesta and more recently, the new Ford Focus. A Eurocentric styling theme, Kinetic Design is characterised by a pronounced trapezoidal lower grille with headlights that ‘reach backwards’ towards the A-pillar.
In 2011, Ford is revealing its latest design direction for future models, which is not only centered around exciting looks, but also exciting technology.
The new design DNA will be instilled in Ford models over the next five years, with the first example expected to arrive as soon as four months away. The Evos is the first example of a global design language for Ford, which is part of the brand’s ‘One Ford’ strategy.
“The Ford Evos Concept unites three key elements which are at the core of our One Ford global product strategy: outstanding design, smart technologies and fuel economy leadership,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development.
J Mays, Vice President of Design and Chief Creative Officer, says, “The new design DNA marks a bold evolution of the kinetic design language featured on existing global Ford products.”
While we won’t see the Evos Concept enter production in its entirety, the key styling cues that can be expected on future models include the ‘laser cut’ thin headlights, higher positioned trapezoidal grille and, potentially, the distinct visual effect created by the glazed roof section that bridges the front and rear screens. The Evos Concept in particular, draws further attention with its fast-back, four-door body style and eccentric gullwing doors.
Not simply a ‘pretty face’, the Evos Concept also serves as a showcase of Ford’s focus on technology, with the ultimate aim being “to create an experience that enhances the driver’s time behind the wheel,” says Paul Mascarenas, Chief Technical Officer and Vice President of Ford Reasearch and Innovation.
Ford see the key to this achievement being the integration of in-car software and associated functionality with that of ‘cloud computing’. A further development of Ford’s ‘Sync’ in-car communications platform, the addition of Internet connectivity will allow your future Ford to synchronise with your lifestyle and driving habits, to provide a tailored driving experience. “We’re researching how we can use patterns or preferences set by the driver to make life simpler,” said Mascarenas. It could automatically play the same music or news program that was just streaming at home, or automatically heat or cool the interior to an ideal temperature before the driver gets in by predicting departure time based on his/her calendar. Wirelessly communicating with devices in the home, the car could could close the garage door and switch off the lights automatically as it pulls away.
This technology extends even further though, with Ford suggesting the car’s entire driving character could be enhanced and adapted to driver habits and capabilities, supplemented by its online connectivity. For example, the technology could source real-time map and weather data online and, in response, adjust the car’s powertrain, steering, suspension and braking systems for optimum enjoyment, comfort and safety. In addition, the Evos Concept will serve as a test bed for Ford’s ‘driver wellness’ measures, the most recent of which includes development of an intelligent seat that can monitor the driver’s heart rate.
The Ford Evos Concept is powered by a sophisticated lithium-ion plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain based on that of the C-Max Energi – a range-extended plug-in hybrid MPV, expected to reach markets by 2013. Once again, connection to the cloud, or Internet, means the powertrain can be managed intelligently to maximise economy. Using information about the vehicle’s predicted travel route, any emission zone restrictions during the journey and current weather conditions, the advanced PHEV technology successfully manages power from the engine and battery to achieve a range of over 800 kilometres – more than any other plug-in or extended-range electric vehicle to-date.
The interior of the Evos Concept also shows how we can expect future Ford models to be more driver oriented in response to the increased technology being introduced. The Evos interior features uncluttered surfaces, with contours that impart an athletic character and trapezoidal cut-outs that draw in the exterior design elements.
The cockpit area sweeps down either side of the driver and provides secondary information about vehicle and infotainment systems. The two rear seat passengers have access to touch-screen displays that provide vehicle information and the ability to adjust the sports seats.
“Both the exterior and interior of the Ford Evos Concept clearly communicate that this is a driver’s car, so that as soon as people see the vehicle, they will immediately want to get in and drive,” said executive design director Moray Callum.
A glorious looking concept, we hope Ford will carry much of the strong contours and bold face of the Evos into its production models in future. In the meantime, lets hope broadband Internet connectivity continues to become faster and cheaper in South Africa, so we can take full advantage of the technology that’s coming our way.
