|
|---|
Showing posts with label Ford. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ford. Show all posts
Friday, September 30, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Ford Evos Concept Preview
Ford Evos Concept – The Ultimate Expression of Ford's New Global Design and Technology Vision
BERLIN, Germany, August 31, 2011 – Making its global debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the Ford Evos Concept represents the ultimate expression of Ford's new global design language, and explores key future powertrain and vehicle technologies.Created as a bespoke concept vehicle, the fastback introduces Ford's first truly global design language as the momentum of the company's One Ford product plan continues to build.
"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."With its compelling design and innovative technology experience, this is a clear demonstration of the exciting vision we have for the Ford brand. While you will never see this car on the road, the next generation of Ford products around the world will display many of the distinctive design ideas and advanced technologies it showcases."
Technology vision for enriched customer experience
Ford Evos Concept is not just a design-led exercise. It also embodies the global Ford product development team's move to design and develop vehicles as more than just an interior and exterior, or a collection of attributes."Our goal is to focus on enriching a customer's every experience with their vehicle – by personalizing it, adapting it, and creating unique, unexpected features that surprise and delight them," said Kuzak. "In the Ford Evos Concept, this objective is explored and extended to the area of connectivity, where the intent is not to convert the vehicle into a smartphone, but rather to provide personalised and safe connection to the outside world in an enriching manner designed totally for the vehicle context."Ford's global Research and Innovation team, led by Paul Mascarenas, was tasked with building Evos Concept around a technology experience as visionary as the design. The result signals how Ford intends to build on the momentum of innovations like the SYNC in-car connectivity system."At Ford, the future of technology in the car will be defined by the experience that it delivers to the driver and passengers," said Paul Mascarenas, chief technical officer and vice president of Ford Research and Innovation. "We see technology as more than just an impressive list of microprocessors, sensors and software; it's about the application of that technology to create an experience that enhances the driver's time behind the wheel."The concept's technology experience embraces a new generation of driver interaction and awareness currently under development in the Ford Research and Innovation laboratories. Seamless connectivity between the vehicle and the driver's 'personal cloud' of information is at the heart of the vision for its capabilities."The possibilities are fascinating when we explore how to enable a seamless lifestyle between home, office and car linked by access to the driver's personal information," Mascarenas said.With information from the cloud, the vehicle can provide the same connected lifestyle the driver experiences at home or office. The car knows the driver, and automatically adapts handling, steering and engine controls to deliver an exceptionally dynamic driving experience.
Ford researchers are focusing their efforts in this area to deliver on four key customer benefits: personalisation, seamless enhancement of the driving experience, looking after the driver's well-being and delivering smart electrified powertrain optimisation.
The personalised, cloud-connected lifestyle
While today's Ford products provide drivers with many personalisation options, cloud connectivity will enable future Ford vehicles to take the experience to the next level.Drawing from a detailed understanding of the driver's preferences and driving habits, the Ford Evos Concept combines this personal information with additional data from the cloud, such as the driver's work schedule and local traffic or weather conditions. This information provides a personalised and seamless experience as the driver transitions in and out of the car."We're researching how we can use patterns or preferences set by the driver to make life simpler," said Mascarenas. "The car gets to know you and can act as a personal assistant to handle some of the usual routines of a daily commute."It could automatically play the same music or news program that was just streaming at home, or heat or cool the interior to an ideal temperature before the driver gets in without having to be requested by predicting departure time based on his calendar. Wirelessly communicating with devices in the home, it could close the garage door and switch off the lights automatically as it pulls away."This cloud-connected vision shows the enormous potential of tailoring the driving experience to suit the exact personal tastes and moods of the driver," said Mascarenas. "From recommending a great driving road from friends on your social networks or resetting your alarm clock to let you sleep in when a morning meeting gets cancelled!"
Enhanced driving experience
Ford Evos Concept explores adaptive vehicle technologies to redefine the driving experience.Current technology requires vehicle chassis settings to be defined based upon the abilities and tastes of a cross-section of drivers and the topography of typical roads. The concept foresees tuning handling and performance to the road ahead and the specific individual behind the wheel.Learning driver habits and capabilities, the technology can overlay map and weather data sourced from the cloud to adjust powertrain, steering, suspension and braking systems for optimum enjoyment, comfort and safety. Because the vehicle is adaptive and honed to maximum performance based on the situation, it takes driving engagement to a new level.
Driver wellness
Ford researchers have already developed technologies focused on driver wellness, such as the heart-rate monitoring seat and certified allergy-free interiors. With a seamless connection to the cloud, the Ford Evos Concept monitors the physical state and workload of the driver and adjusts the driving experience accordingly."Our wellness research and technologies are focused on relieving driver stress and enhancing their situational awareness," said Mascarenas. "Drivers around the world are spending more time behind the wheel, and the car should not be another stress point in their lives."The Ford Evos Concept is also equipped with advanced air quality sensors and filtration systems to help allergy sufferers. Location aware, it can access air quality data from the cloud and proactively suggest a healthier route to the destination.In dynamic driving situations, the vehicle may simplify the appearance of the instrument panel to display only necessary gauge information and switch the driver's connected smartphone to "Do Not Disturb" mode to help keep the focus of attention on the road.
Cloud-optimised hybrid powertrain
Completing the vision for the Ford Evos Concept is a state-of-the-art lithium-ion plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain providing the same next-generation performance and fuel economy as the Ford C-MAX Energi scheduled for introduction in North America in 2012 and Europe in 2013.Ford 'powersplit' hybrid architecture allows the electric motor and petrol engine to work together or separately to maximise efficiency. The advanced powertrain typically runs in all-electric mode before switching to charge-sustaining hybrid mode for continued optimal fuel efficiency.Cloud connectivity would provide further opportunities to enhance performance and efficiency by selecting the optimum combination of powertrain modes for any given journey."Access to historical driver behaviour and travel patterns allows us to calculate the optimal fuel and energy efficiency by predicting the destination," said Mascarenas. "Our researchers are working to increase understanding of driver behaviour, develop accurate protocols to predict it and enhance the trip by providing the smartest use of fuel or battery for the situation."The cloud-optimised powertrain would automatically 'know' when to save energy and switch modes, using information about the vehicle's predicted travel route, any emission zone restrictions during the journey and current weather conditions.In the future, communities may place firm restrictions on the types of vehicles allowed to use certain roads or highway lanes, and some city centres may choose to be open only to full electric vehicles. Helping drivers comply with such regulations could therefore be among the benefits of this technology. For example, the French government is considering creating zones mandating lower emissions, while cities such as London, Berlin, and Stockholm already have them in place.This capability would further enhance the performance of Ford's advanced PHEV technology, which offers an overall driving range of more than 500 miles (800 kilometres) using the battery and engine – more than any other plug-in or extended-range electric vehicle."With its leading-edge 'cloud-optimised' PHEV powertrain offering outstanding efficiency and range with supreme driving enjoyment, the Ford Evos Concept highlights our vision for greener, smarter vehicles with outstanding customer appeal," said Kuzak.
Ford's new design direction
The Ford Evos Concept was specifically developed to introduce the new Ford design direction. Key design elements will be applied to forthcoming Ford vehicles.The new global design DNA provides the company's worldwide design teams with a common framework to guide the creation of new products, enabling them to shape a coherent family of distinctive vehicles sharing the same fundamental design character."We wanted the Ford Evos Concept to give a clear message about where Ford design is heading – shaping vehicles that are fun to drive, have a strong premium visual appeal, and above all, are stunningly beautiful," said J Mays, group vice president, Design and chief creative officer."Our exciting new design DNA has been developed and refined by an intensive effort by all of our talented global design team," said Mays. "As a team, we wanted to create a more technical design vocabulary to help communicate the smart technology that is now core to the Ford brand. In addition, we worked particularly hard on meeting the high-expectations of a new generation of buyers – a group of consumers who have grown up surrounded by beautiful, premium design work on even the most affordable products."
Dramatic fastback design with unique proportions
To provide a fitting vehicle to introduce the new design language, the Ford Evos Concept was conceived as a dramatic fastback concept, combining a striking new profile with innovative proportions. Attention-grabbing lines conceal a unique new format, with a four-door, four-seat layout which combines dynamic appearance with surprising practicality."This is an exciting new interpretation of the fastback bodystyle, with a really innovative silhouette as well as dramatic and very modern proportions," Mays said.With the length of a typical C-car, but with width of a CD-car, the Ford Evos Concept has a powerful, sporting stance. The forward position of the cowl, the strongly rounded front screen and the A-pillars set further to the rear enabled the designers to create the impression of a classic GT car, but with a very contemporary feel.The concept's spectacular hinged gullwing-style doors, both front and rear, provide outstanding access to the spacious four-seat cabin.The concept car measures 4.50m (177in) long, 1.97m (77in) wide and 1.36m (53in) high, with a wheelbase of 2.74m (108in).
Distinctive evolution
Shaped as the ultimate expression of the new design DNA, the Ford Evos Concept highlights key elements of Ford's distinctive new global design language."The new design DNA marks a bold evolution of the kinetic design language featured on existing global Ford products and is characterised by a number of important elements that will contribute to an unmistakable future Ford look," said Mays.From the front, the Ford Evos Concept immediately signals the arrival of something new – a new face for Ford featuring the signature trapezoidal grille mounted higher on the car and creating a confident, more premium look.Bold, technical shapes, such as the extremely slim 'laser cut' front lamps or the dramatic graphic created by the front and rear screens connected by the thin glazed section of the roof, add a distinctive character to the design. Sculptured flanks highlight attention to detail on the surfacing, which lends a refined quality and a tauter, more muscular character."The Ford Evos Concept embodies the core elements of the new global design language, while capturing the dynamic, fun-to-drive spirit which is central to the Ford DNA," said executive design director Martin Smith. "Most notable is the brand new 'face of Ford', with its higher mounted trapezoidal grille, and the design is characterised by the use of very bold, technical graphics. We have also created much more refined and precise surfacing, and these elements together give a strong visual sense of premium quality.The vehicle was sculpted with the same purity of surface sculpture and attention to detail which characterise premium vehicles. Around the world, a new generation of buyers have come to expect premium design in all products, regardless of the purchase price.Built around the driverReflecting the fun-to-drive spirit of its exterior design, the interior of the Ford Evos Concept is built around the driver. A stylish and innovative cockpit promises new levels of driving pleasure and driver interaction.The interior architecture features clean and simple surfaces, with a muscular, athletic character to the slim upper instrument panel, enhanced by bold trapezoidal cut-outs. Contrasting these muscular forms, curvaceous cockpit display surfaces sweep down either side of the driver, providing secondary information about vehicle and infotainment systems.The concept features a bold red driver's seat and the vision of unprecedented driver interaction via an advanced driver interface. The two rear seat passengers get an equally special experience, with dedicated touch-screen displays to interact with the vehicle and individually adjustable 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.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Ford announces new Lincoln Design Studio
Ford has announced that it will launch a new design studio for its luxury brand Lincoln. The facility will be headed by new design director Max Wolff.
In an effort of reviving its premium brand, which includes a 1.2 billion investment in new models for the next 3 years, Ford will start a dedicated design studio, which be led by Max Wolff, appointed Design Director for Lincoln in December 2010.
Sometimes criticized for not being enough differentiated from the Ford models, the brand could gain a new, more distinctive identity similarly to Cadillac, GM’s premium brand, that found its own design direction in the form of the “Art and Science” language, introduced in 1999.
The first new Lincoln concept is expected to be the new MKZ, planned for debut at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Ford, Frankfurt, Four Debuts. One Design Concept
“Ford plans to make a strong statement at the Frankfurt Auto Show, with several very exciting global product reveals and our significantly expanded show stand,” said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe. “We’re excited to be showing customers our best-ever vehicle line-up and a special glimpse of the future.”
Ford at 2011 Frankfurt Show
• Ford design concept and Focus performance news announced at eve-of-show media event on Ford's stand on September 12
• Ford to demonstrate latest technology in a new outdoor driving space adjacent to an extended stand designed to increase visitor participation
BRENTWOOD, Essex, 3 August 2011 – Ford Motor Company is planning four global product reveals at September's Frankfurt show, including a major new design concept and details of the next Focus performance car.
Media are invited onto Ford's stand for an eve-of-show preview of the Blue Oval's news, delivered by European chairman and CEO Stephen Odell. He will be joined by J Mays, design group vice president and chief creative officer, and Derrick Kuzak, global product development group vice president.
The reveals will all take place on an expanded 3,200 sq. m stand – Ford's largest ever at Frankfurt. Just outside will be a 2,800 sq. m track where visitors can take part in Ford's 'Drive Experience', testing out innovations such as Active City Stop and Active Park Assist.
"Ford plans to make a strong statement at the Frankfurt Motor Show, with several very exciting global product reveals and our significantly expanded show stand," said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe. "We're excited to be showing customers our best-ever vehicle line-up and a special glimpse of the future."
The Ford stand will be located in Hall 9 (see plan below) and, for media already planning on visiting the show, an invitation to Ford's pre-event on September 12 and RSVP details are attached.
Wind Tunnel - 2011 Ford Explorer Design
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Ford Mad Max Interceptor Concepts
MELBOURNE – July 1, 2011: Almost 10,000 car enthusiasts have voted to choose the next Mad Max Interceptor.
As interest in the Mad Max Interceptor "Next Generation" project goes global, Ford Australia and TopGear Australia magazine have extended the voting period through July for readers to pick between the two new spectacular Interceptors concepts being crafted by Ford designers.
"We're delighted that both our readers and the social web community have warmed to the car," TopGear Australia Editor, Stephen Corby, said. "The level of interest has really taken us by surprise, particularly with on-line media."
The two 21st century concepts have been designed by Ford for TopGear Magazine Australia to help celebrate the revival of the Mad Max action movie genre.
Diehard fans around the world have welcomed the latest designs, even though it is more than 30 years since Hollywood director, George Miller's original Mad Max movie hit movie screens.
Ford Australia's Melbourne-based Asia, Pacific and Australia Design Director, Chris Svensson, said the project had been a spectacular success.
"It has given our team a lot of scope to really extend their imaginations and come up with some exciting new ideas," Svensson said.
"The team has been able to get quite creative because the Mad Max car is not constrained by the normal design parameters imposed by a real-world vehicle."
All employees of Ford Australia's Research Centre are behind the after-hours project, which – apart from Australia - has gained a strong media following in the United States, Spain, Italy, France and India.
Led by chief designer passenger cars Asia, Pacific and Africa, Todd Willing, the two Mad Max concepts are accompanied by real-life graphics.
TopGear Australia magazine has followed the progress of the cars from the concept stage, right through to full-blown Computer Aided Design. Their progress has been well documented in TopGear Australia magazine with readers being asked to vote on which concept they prefer.
In the latest July issue of TopGear Australia, which has just hit newstands, the concepts have been further refined and journalist James Stanford has been allowed unprecedented access to the design studio to see the models being built and talk to the design team about the process.
The two 40 per cent-size clay models weighing around 130kg are finished to the highest levels, with detailing and trim highlights.
The two competing concepts – by designers Nima Nourian and Simon Brook - are worthy adversaries that are limitless in their imagination, technology and weaponry. Both cars use industrial-strength weaponry like "tasers" mounted in the front of the cars to zap bad guys on bikes straight off the road.
Other futuristic movie features include a titanium-lined body shell to interrupt police scanners and wheels with extendable spikes to shred enemy vehicles.
Planning has started to film the new Mad Max instalment, tentatively called Mad Max 4: Fury Road.
The original movie starred Mel Gibson and a jet black 1973 XB Falcon GT coupe-based Interceptor.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
Ford GT40 Prototype Headlines Villa d'Este Auction
CERNOBBIO, Italy — The inaugural RM Auctions Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este sale on May 21 will showcase a variety of prewar classics, a handful of vintage Ferraris and a rare Ford GT40 Works prototype roadster.
The 1965 Ford GT40 is one of just five prototype roadsters built by Ford Advanced Vehicle Operations in the U.K. Painted Linden Green, the car was a works entrant in the 1965 Targa Florio, co-piloted by Sir John Whitmore and Bob Bondurant. Its pre-sale estimate is $3.6 million to $4.3 million.
Another headliner is a 1953 Ferrari 250 MM Berlinetta, one of only 17 bodied by Pininfarina. The car was built for Mexican collector Efrain Ruiz Echeverria, who drove it as a privateer in the 1953 Carrera Panamericana. Its pre-sale estimate is $3.9 million to $4.8 million.
Among the other highlights are a 1955 Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta by Pininfarina, one of only 10 (pre-sale estimate: $4.8 million to $6.2 million); a 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante Coupe, one of only 17 and once owned by William Harrah ($4.8 million to $6.3 million); a 1938 Talbot-Lago T-150C SS Teardrop Coupe by Figoni et Falaschi, one of only 11 "New York" models and once owned by the Belgian royal family ($4.6 million to $5.6 million); and a 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet A by Factory Sindelfingen, built for the Maharajah of Indore ($1.9 million to $2.7 million).
insideline
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Ford expands its Cologne Design Center
Ford has started a €11.6 million expansion of its Cologne-based Design Center. It will be completed within the year and will include a redesign of the existing studios and a new 3,000 square meters facility.
On last 5 April Ford has started the works on the expansion of its European Design Center in Cologne-Merkenich – Germany.
The new 2-floors, 3,000 square meters extension will provide space for 100 new workplaces and will be equipped with a new “powerwall” capable of projecting vehicle and concept designs in a three-dimensional and virtual environment.The project also includes a redesign of the existing design studios and the installation of new milling machines that create clay models based on CAD data.
The building project is the largest single expansion of the Design Centre since since it was first constructed in 1968. The main contractor for the current expansion is Wolff & Müller, Spezialbau GmbH & Co. KG, Köln. The planning of the new building is led by Ingenieurbüro WPW, Saarbrücken.
Today, the Design Center covers a total of 13,000 square meters, and includes an aerodynamic wind tunnel built in 1984.The Design Centre provides space for a total of 250 employees from 14 nations.
In addition, a team of about 70 designers, responsible for Ford of Europe’s commercial vehicle design, is located at Dunton Technical Centre in Essex, UK, the centre of excellence for commercial vehicle development and Ford Powertrain.
Among the models designed and engineered in Cologne are the new Ford Fiesta and Focus.
“Outstanding design is what sets our brand apart and what excites our customers,” commented Martin Smith, Executive Director, Design, Ford of Europe.
“With the development of Ford kinetic design in 2005, we introduced a new design language which has given our models a distinctive and, above all, dynamic look.images and text: carbodydesign
“The expertise of our design team in Cologne-Merkenich is helping kinetic design to become increasingly important for Ford on a global basis.
“For the design team, the new building will be a great place to work and will provide a highly-motivational environment.”
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Transit SuperSportVan
200 HP and 470 Nm of torque between 1,700 and 2,500 rpm. The Transit SSV has just been unveiled at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
