2013 Ford F-150

Ford has releases photos and details for the 2013 Ford F-150. The new Limited model is the first trim to offer the option of either the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 or the 6.2-liter V-8 engine.

On the outside, the biggest changes are newly-optional and class-exclusive HID headlights, new grille designs, optional power towing mirrors, and three new color choices. Several trim levels get some new interior color choices, and there's even an all-new Limited trim level.

The cabin benefits from a refined center stack that ditches the short, wide strips of small buttons on the outgoing truck in favor of larger centrally-located controls. Ford’s SYNC system is now standard on XLT trim levels and above, and the setup is paired with a new 4.2-inch multifunction display that sits atop the center stack and also displays audio and climate-control information.

Visual changes include the availability 18- and 20-inch wheels, as well as L-shaped high-intensity-discharge projector headlamps. An optional navigation system is also offered.





Press Release


Ford Reveals 2013 F-150, Celebrating Rugged F-Series Pickups and 65-Year Future Farmers of America Relationship

• Today Ford celebrates introduction of the 2013 F-150, featuring updated design and all-new driver controls technology, with Future Farmers of America (FFA) members, alumni and educators

• Ford Motor Company, a continuous FFA sponsor since 1948, has provided $7.1 million in Built Ford Tough® scholarships to tomorrow's farmers since 1997

• For 2013, F-150 introduces new front-end styling and advanced technologies such as MyFord Touch® voice-activated driver controls and high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps

BRUCEVILLE, Texas, June 4, 2012 - Ford Motor Company today celebrates introduction of the new 2013 Ford F-150 - part of the best-selling line of pickups in America - with the agricultural professionals and leaders of tomorrow.


"Like our hardworking customers, Ford is committed to getting the job done right with our industry-leading trucks," said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. "The 2013 F-150 demonstrates our commitment to continuously improving our trucks with new features and capabilities, allowing F-Series owners to be increasingly productive."


For 2013, the Ford F-150 receives new front-end design and advanced technologies such as MyFord Touch® with voice-activated driver controls and available high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps.


"Farm families have always represented an important F-Series truck constituency," said Doug Scott, Ford Truck group marketing manager and FFA sponsor board member. "For these multitasking customers, a Ford pickup means family transportation, economic livelihood, rugged capability and reliability. Like FFA, Ford pickups are an enduring agricultural tradition, and we are delighted to join forces with them to reveal the new F-150 models."


America's pickup
For 2013, the most fuel-efficient and capable light-duty pickup on the market continues to push forward with updated design and advanced technologies. F-150 also adds even more breadth to its expansive lineup with a new Limited luxury model and availability of the groundbreaking EcoBoost® engine, powerful 6.2-liter V8, electronic-locking rear axle and Hill Descent ControlTM.


Outside, the F-150 lineup gets bold new grilles combining fresh designs with instantly recognizable F-Series cues highlighted on the XLT model revealed today.


New HID projector headlamps are available as a segment-first technology to deliver improved visibility and increase driver confidence.
HID technology provides exceptional lighting performance while contributing a distinctive look with stylish L-shaped lamps.


F-150 style also is enhanced with new 18- and 20-inch wheels offered in various trim packages.


Segment-exclusive power-telescoping and power-folding trailer-tow sideview mirrors add flexibility and convenience when operating in tight quarters, while enabling class-leading visibility.


F-150 pickups are available in three new hues including Blue Jeans Metallic, Kodiak Brown Metallic and Ruby Red Clearcoat Metallic.


Truck-focused technology
The 2013 Ford F-150 adds Ford's award-winning SYNC® voice-activated communications and entertainment system with 911 Assist® and Vehicle Health Report as standard equipment in XLT series and above. This enables hands-free, voice-activated control of enabled mobile devices.


Buyers may choose from an optional suite of SYNC Services, including Traffic Information, Turn-by-Turn Directions, Business Search, Send to SYNC from Google Maps and MapQuest, News, Sports, Weather and Horoscopes.


F-150 also introduces SYNC paired with a new 4.2-inch LCD center-stack screen that provides enhanced displays of audio and climate-control functions. In addition, the instrument cluster contains a 4.2-inch driver-configurable LCD productivity screen including menus for gauge setup, trip computer, fuel economy and towing/off-road applications.


Lariat, King Ranch®, Platinum and Limited series models are equipped with SYNC with MyFord Touch, adding voice control to more vehicle systems coupled with an all-new, large 8-inch LCD color touch screen mounted in the center stack. This package adds a media hub with two USB ports, an SD card reader and audio/video input jacks.


Ford's unique truck interface allows drivers to tailor their vehicle to their specific needs, such as wearing work gloves.


This premium system can be augmented with an available voice-activated Navigation System, SD map-card reader, point-of-interest storage and integrated SiriusXM Travel Link.


Interior design
The 2013 F-150 offers a range of interior updates. The new 4.2-inch multifunction display and MyFord Touch interfaces gave designers the opportunity to deliver a more modern center stack and control layout. Several new environment colors include a Steel Gray interior on Lariat and a Black interior for King Ranch. Both of these series receive upgraded wood grain appliqués to enhance premium style.


The aggressive FX Appearance Package now adds Alcantara seat inserts that amplify its sporty persona.


The Platinum series - synonymous with high-end trucks - offers new choices of Black or Pecan leather seating.


F-150 continues to offer a wide array of models and packages, allowing buyers to tailor their Ford pickup to their individual needs and preferences.


Fuel-efficient capability
From the powerful yet fuel-efficient EcoBoost® engine to the mighty 6.2-liter V8, the most powerful eight-cylinder engine in the segment, F-150 offers an engine to meet the needs of every customer. Each engine across the F-150 lineup is mated to a fuel-saving electronic six-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode, with tow packages and STX series and above adding SelectShift® capability.


F-150 engine choices include:


3.7-liter four-valve Ti-VCT V6

• Best-in-class 302 horsepower at 6,500 rpm

• Unsurpassed 278 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm vs. V6 competitors

• Best-in-class 17 mpg city and best-in-class 23 mpg highway (4x2)

• Best-in-class 6,100 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. V6 competitors

5.0-liter four-valve dual-overhead-camshaft Ti-VCT V8

• Best-in-class 360 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors

• 21 mpg highway, unsurpassed 15 mpg city (4x2)

• Best-in-class 10,000 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. standard V8 competitors

6.2-liter two-valve single-overhead-camshaft V8

• Best-in-class 411 horsepower at 5,500 rpm

• Best-in-class 434 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm

• 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway (4x2)

• Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow

3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost engine

• 365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel

• Best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm vs. premium V8 competitors

• Up to 90 percent peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm

• Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors

• Best-in-class 3,120 pounds payload vs. all competitors

• Unsurpassed 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway vs. all competitors

"The 2013 Ford F-150 adds more style and technology that sets a benchmark for capability and efficiency in light-duty pickups," said F-150 Marketing Manager Raj Sarkar. "We continue to focus on the no-compromise solution for our customers, giving them all of the conveniences and technologies they want with the capability they need and the fuel efficiency to go further."


FFA and Ford - making a difference
Future Farmers of America is a dynamic youth leadership development organization that changes lives by empowering its 540,000 members to set a course for the future. FFA operates within the context of agricultural education to complement classroom and laboratory instruction with hands-on experiential learning, useful life skills and individual motivation.


The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their leadership potential, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.


Ford's FFA alliance gets a boost from supporting Ford dealerships serving agricultural markets.
For the 2011-12 academic year, the Built Ford Tough® Scholarship Program and 285 participating Ford dealers awarded a total of 540 individual $1,000 grants for post-secondary education.


Now in its 15th year, the Built Ford Tough Scholarship Program, the Ford Fund, and participating Ford dealers have awarded $7.1 million in grants. Built Ford Tough Trucks also sponsors the affiliated National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) Lifetime Achievement Awards and an FFA chapter grant program. In 2011, six winning chapters were each awarded a $3,000 grant to support local initiatives.


Ford has sponsored FFA since 1948, the same year Ford F-Series pickups first went on sale.

Ford EcoSport compact SUV【Video】

Ford has released an all-new EcoSport Compact SUV,which will debut in New Delhi.

The EcoSport takes Ford's 'Kinetic' design theme a step forward and accentuates key features that have defined the car's lines, the front gets an even more aggressive high-mounted trapezoidal grille between slit-eyed LED headlamps. 

The big news is that it’s powered by Ford’s new 1.0-liter turbo three-cylinder engine that’s supposed to eventually replace all 1.6-liter normally aspirated units. This new engine will have 120 hp and will be mated to a five-speed manual in India.

Ford will also offer the EcoSport with a 1.5 litre petrol four-cylinder engine in some markets, producing 80kW and 140Nm of torque and using 5.9 l/100km of fuel, along with a 1.5 litre diesel that delivers 66kW and 204Nm, using 4.3 l/100km of fuel.




Press Release

Ford Previews All-New EcoSport at New Delhi Auto Expo As New Product Momentum in Asia Continues to Build

Ford's global product family grows with a new compact SUV, Ford EcoSport

• New EcoSport will arrive with the most advanced level of design, quality and sustainability in its class to attract new generations of consumers

• Unveiled by Ford Motor Company President and CEO Alan Mulally, the global compact SUV is the second of eight new vehicles that Ford plans to bring to India by mid-decade

• The vehicle will expand Ford's presence in Brazil, India, ASEAN markets and others to be announced at a later time, with world-class technology and quality, sharing the new B-class platform which is expected to sell more than 2 million units by mid-decade

Expanding its relentless push into the heart of Asia's car market, Ford introduces the all-new Ford EcoSport at Auto Expo 2012 this week. The new compact SUV will further augment Ford's offering in India, as well as in many other markets across the globe.

Modern and innovative, the all-new Ford EcoSport was designed to combine best-in-class design, technology, quality and safety aimed at attracting a new generation of consumers in different global markets.

Created as the latest One Ford global product, the EcoSport will be a key model in expanding Ford's presence in major worldwide growth markets, including India, Brazil and the ASEAN markets. It has been developed in South America at one of Ford's eight global product development centres in conjunction with teams from Asia, Europe and North America to meet the needs of markets across the globe.

"The all-new Ford EcoSport reflects our commitment to serve our customers with the cars and trucks they truly want and value," said Alan Mulally, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company. "Our engineering team used their years of EcoSport experience to make every aspect of the next-generation EcoSport even stronger."

The all-new Ford EcoSport exemplifies the DNA of Ford global vehicles and its versatility broadens the horizons of mobility and use. Its genuine SUV confidence starts in the stability of the chassis, reinforced by the body's robust build, high torsional stiffness and high levels of protection for its occupants. Yet, its innovative design reduces the weight and ensures good fuel efficiency.

Contemporary new EcoSport shape
The all-new EcoSport's contemporary shape conveys confidence while combining refinement and an adventurous spirit in an intelligent and modern package. It sports key SUV cues such as the confident stance, command driving position and signature spare wheel mounted on a swing-gate at the rear of the vehicle.

The EcoSport's hardy character and strong stance give it the appearance of a larger vehicle, while retaining the agility and practicality of a compact car. It features high ground clearance and integrated lower body cladding for robustness.

The back of the vehicle is marked by a large rear window which wraps around to the sides and oblique shaped taillights. This characteristic defines the striking personality of the EcoSport family: a sporty and casual car, for consumers who want to stand out and who want more from life, but in an intelligent and sustainable way.

New global products for growth markets
Previewing the vehicle design first at the 11th Annual Auto Expo in New Delhi gives Ford the opportunity to introduce EcoSport to consumers in one of the world's biggest automotive growth markets ahead of its future global rollouts.

The new EcoSport was developed on Ford's new global B-segment platform, which will be the basis for an array of new small-car products from Ford in the coming years. By mid-decade, the new Ford B-platform family of vehicles will represent more than 2 million units of annual production as compact cars continue to drive global growth.

The EcoSport has been a market phenomenon since it was launched in South America in 2003 as the region's first affordable SUV, selling 700,000 vehicles in nine years. It created a new segment and popularized features that many consumers had wanted.

The EcoSport will be produced at ultra-modern, flexible assembly plants in Brazil, India, and other markets to be announced at a later time. The EcoSport as a global vehicle is an example of the technical ability of Ford's global engineering and high level of integration of the design and engineering centres around the world.

The project was led by Ford's Development Center in Camaçari, Brazil, one of the most specialized in the development of compact cars. The team leveraged Ford engineering strength and SUV expertise from around the world to create the all-new EcoSport.

"The new EcoSport is a significant milestone for our global product development process," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. "It proves that great small-car models for growth markets can be created in growth markets, using One Ford to leverage our global design and engineering expertise."

EcoSport's development was shaped by market research in all of the regions where it will be sold. This helped create a unique vehicle, focused on the needs and desires of consumers. It will eventually be sold in nearly 100 markets worldwide.

Fuelling expansion in Asia and beyond
The all-new EcoSport is a significant linchpin in Ford's aggressive global plan to achieve its goal of increasing worldwide sales by nearly 50 percent by mid-decade to 8 million vehicles a year. Of that figure, 60 to 70 percent is expected to come from the Asia Pacific and Africa region.

"We've promised to bring more than 50 new vehicles and powertrains to Asia Pacific and Africa by mid-decade and the all-new EcoSport continues to deliver on that pledge," said Joe Hinrichs, president, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa. "Endowed with traits that customers in markets like India will want and value, this exciting compact SUV will define a new segment in the small car market."

The EcoSport is the second of eight products slated to be launched in India by mid-decade and will bring about further momentum in a business transformation that was kick started by the Ford Figo and strengthened by the new Ford Fiesta sedan. Ford India's shift from niche automaker to volume player is supported by several new investments in the country.

Ford recently broke ground in Sanand, Gujarat as part of an investment of approximately USD 1 billion to build new vehicle manufacturing and engine plants. Ford also announced earlier an investment of USD 72 million by this year (2012) to expand its already operating powertrain facility in Chennai. Ford's total investment in India to date is approximately USD 2 billion.

The new EcoSport will be produced in the integrated Chennai manufacturing facility which has been transformed with an annual production capacity of 200,000 units and is now positioned as a Ford regional centre of excellence for compact-car engineering and production. Ford EcoSport models will be also produced at the plant for export to international markets.

"Following the success of the game-changing Ford Figo and ‘tech-tastic' Fiesta sedan, the all-new Ford EcoSport will certainly broaden our showroom offering in India, keeping in step with the aspirations of our customers," said Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India. "With its tremendous value story, we're confident this compact SUV will greatly bolster our presence in the competitive Indian market."

Strengths Under EcoSport's New Shape
Designed to offer balanced performance on paved roads as well as off-road terrain, the all-new Ford EcoSport is ideal for the urban consumer who wants the versatility to escape the city.

Developed to world-class product standards via the Ford global product development system, the next-generation model delivers on key traits customers all around the world demand:

Smart - New technology and features from Ford will be central to the all-new Ford EcoSport ownership experience. It will offer innovative equipment normally not found in this class of vehicle.

Green - Fuel efficiency was a key factor in the development process, as Ford targets the EcoSport to deliver leading fuel economy in its segment.

Safe - The all-new Ford EcoSport has been engineered to meet the most demanding safety standards in the various markets where it will be sold. Its weight-optimized, highly resistant body, developed with advanced software and design tools, combines zones aimed to absorb the forces of impact with an extremely rigid cell to protect its occupants.

Quality - The all-new Ford EcoSport will deliver impressive levels of quality and craftsmanship, reflecting its new world-class design and engineering story, and has endured rigorous developmental testing around the globe. Low maintenance costs and great durability were also key objectives in the development process.

All-New, Fuel-Efficient 1.0-litre Ford EcoBoost Engine for India to Debut in All-New Ford EcoSport

• All-new engine for the Indian market will debut in the all-new Ford EcoSport - offering the performance of a conventional 1.6-litre engine with less than 140g/km CO2 emissions

• Ford is introducing its global EcoBoost powertrain technology for the first time in India with the three-cylinder EcoBoost engine

• This newest and smallest member of the global family of EcoBoost engines features advanced turbocharging technology, direct injection, improved twin variable camshaft design and intelligent ancillaries to deliver performance that belies its small size

Ford is bringing its global EcoBoost powertrain technology to India for the first time in the form of its newest and smallest-ever EcoBoost engine. With only three cylinders and 1.0 litre of displacement, the latest EcoBoost engine will provide fuel-efficient power for the all-new Ford EcoSport.

Despite its small capacity and proportions, the engine delivers power and performance that will rival a traditional 1.6-litre petrol engine while emitting less than 140g/km CO2. It will have 120 PS of power and be mated to a five-speed manual transmission, giving the Ford EcoSport a footprint that is small enough for urban driving yet robust enough for a trip out of the city.

The new 1.0-litre is the latest addition to Ford's global family of EcoBoost engines, which currently range in capacity from 1.6 to 3.5 litres. Downsized EcoBoost engines feature turbocharging, direct injection and other technologies and replace larger engines with no loss of performance and with lower fuel consumption.

Ultimately, this all-new engine will be made available in Ford models in China, Europe, North America and other regions.

"The capable EcoSport is a perfect showcase for the advanced small-displacement petrol engine, demonstrating the strength and breadth of Ford's development and engineering capabilities," said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Global Powertrain Engineering.

"The 1.0-litre EcoBoost delivers great low-speed responsiveness, power, torque and smoothness. To produce an engine with such impressive performance and fuel economy clearly reflects our commitment to be class-leading in fuel economy around the world."

Compact and responsive
Developed at Ford's Dunton Technical Centre in the U.K., this direct-injected EcoBoost engine features a new compact, high performance turbocharger design. The extremely fast response of the turbocharger and its ability to reach nearly 250,000 rpm results in virtually no turbo lag and peak torque of 170 Nm from 1,300-4,500 rpm.

The all-new EcoBoost engine also features an exhaust manifold cast into the cylinder head, which lowers the temperature of the exhaust gases and in turn enables the engine to run with the optimum fuel-to-air ratio across a wider rev band.

An advanced "split cooling" system reduces fuel consumption by warming the engine more quickly and - unique to the 1.0 engine -cast iron has been selected for the block, reducing the amount of energy needed for warm-up by up to 50 percent compared with aluminium.

Intelligent ancillaries such as a variable air-conditioning compressor and oil pump also reduce demand on the engine - improving economy and emissions - while special coatings for engine components and intricate development of engine geometry result in minimal frictional losses.

Like its larger-capacity siblings, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine will use twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) to further improve performance and economy. Ford has also employed an all-new camshaft actuator to speed up response times without sacrificing durability.

Smooth and refined
In the all-new 1.0-litre Ford EcoBoost engine, the emphasis in development has been on delivering both smooth and refined performance.

Engine refinement is improved thanks to an innovative design that immerses the two main engine drive belts in oil - resulting in quieter and more efficient running but with the durability of a chain. Careful attention has also been paid to mitigating the natural vibrations of the three-cylinder design.

Rather than employ the traditional method of adding energy-draining balancer shafts, Ford engineers have deliberately "unbalanced" the flywheel and pulley to offset the engine configuration. Ford believes these innovations combined with optimised engine mounts will deliver a truly refined performance feel perfected during 720,000 kilometres of tests - including 360,000 kilometres of durability trials and 10,000 kilometres of environmental testing.

"Fitted with a long list of innovative technologies, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost is one of the most technically advanced and efficient engines Ford has ever designed and produced," said Bakaj. "This new engine demonstrates Ford's laser focus on improving fuel economy without compromising performance. It will be an engine that not only surprises and delights our customers but also offers them great value in the lower cost of ownership."

Ford UK has announced the Focus Zetec S.

Based on the Focus Zetec, the S comes with a full sports styling kit including unique front and rear spoilers with lower sill extensions and 17in alloy wheels together with sports suspension featuring stiffened springs and dampers, aluminium-style sports pedals, rear LED tail lamps and Ford Power starter button.

2012 Ford Focus Zetec S is powered by a 1.6 liter EcoBoost with 180PS (132 kW), which grants superb performance – 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 222 km/h (138 mph). Furthermore, the emissions are just 139 g/km.

The Zetec S Interior Pack, which adds Inferno Red partial leather, heated front seats, power rear windows and global closing for a not unreasonable £800.oo.Developed specifically for UK customers, Focus Zetec S will start at £18,745.

Press Release

FORD ADDS SPORTIEST MODEL YET TO ALL-NEW FOCUS LINE-UP

• New Ford Focus Zetec S developed for the UK market
• Sportiest series ahead of 2012 Focus ST with 250PS
• Standard features include full body styling kit, 17in alloy wheels, sports suspension, rear LED tail lamps and sports pedals
• Priced from £18,745 on the road, equivalent to a Focus Titanium
• Choice of four engines including the 1.6-litre 180PS EcoBoost petrol which debuts in the UK and features fuel-saving ECOnetic technologies
• On sale now

Brentwood, Essex, 29 November 2011- Ford introduces the sporty Zetec S to its acclaimed all-new Focus line up. Developed specifically for UK customers, Zetec S combines sporty styling with the debut of the 1.6-litre 180PS EcoBoost petrol engine.

Based on the existing Zetec model, it adds a full sports styling kit including unique front and rear spoilers with lower sill extensions and 17in alloy wheels together with sports suspension featuring stiffened springs and dampers, aluminium-style sports pedals, rear LED tail lamps and Ford Power starter button.

Anthony Ireson, Ford Britain marketing director, said: "Zetec S models have always been popular with UK customers and so we are delighted to welcome our new Focus Zetec S to the range. With sporty exterior body styling and impressive performance and economy, this latest addition is set to be another showroom hit."

The Ford Focus Zetec S is available now in five-door bodystyle with estate to follow in February 2012, and is offered with a choice of four engines including the 1.6-litre 180PS EcoBoost turbo-charged petrol engine which has a top speed of 138mph, reaches 0-62mph in just 7.9sec and emits only 139g/km CO2. Any Focus Zetec S chosen with this engine or the 1.6-litre 115PS TDCi will carry the ECOnetic Technology badge, as they benefit from auto start-stop, Ford ECO mode, gear shift indicator, active grille shutter and smart regenerative charging.

The 1.6-litre 125PS Ti-VCT petrol and the 2.0-litre 163PS TDCi are also available and can be specified with either manual or PowerShift automatic transmission.

At £18,745 on the road the Focus Zetec S is priced just £1,250 above the equivalent Zetec derivative, which represents outstanding value, as if purchased separately, the additional features would add over £1,700. The Zetec S and Titanium are identically priced so customers can choose either sport or luxury at the same price point.

Options include the technology-laden Driver Assistance Pack which has received several awards, cruise control with Active Speed Limiter and a Zetec S interior pack featuring Inferno Red partial leather, heated front seats, power driver seat, power rear windows and global closing for £800.00.

2011 Frankfurt: Ford Evos Concept【Video】

Ford released the first images of the Evos concept.

Designed in Germany and built in Italy, the Evos is about as long as a compact car, but the sucker is wide. At 77 inches, it eclipses even the full-size Taurus. The thin lights and glass-bisected roof mirror Ford’s Vertrek crossover from last January’s Detroit auto show.



Key features of the design include the fastback body, muscular haunches, and sporty profile. This dramatic exterior also conceals a four-door, four-seat layout--yes, the Evos features two pairs of gullwing doors--and packages them in a sleek coupe like body.



Other sensors and cloud connectivity will provide "access to historical driver behavior and travel patterns," the automatic said. Such information will calculate optimal fuel and energy efficiency by predicting the destination.



Inside, Evos boasts a driver-oriented cabin with limited switchgear. Instead, the car features a high-tech, cloud-based system of displays that actively grab information to both present it to the driver and to modify the vehicle for various conditions. For example, Ford says that Evos will automatically change steering and suspension response in accordance to varying weather conditions it might discern from cloud-based information sources.

Press Release



Ford Evos Concept - The Ultimate Expression of Ford's New Global Design and Technology Vision

• Ford Evos Concept showcases Ford's first truly global design language and a new vision for customer-focused and intuitive technologies

• Dramatic four-door, four-seat fastback concept with state-of-the-art lithium-ion plug-in hybrid powertrain previews Ford's new global design language with distinctive exterior and interior design cues

• Driver engagement technologies explore seamless enhancement of the driving experience, driver well-being and smart, electrified powertrain.

• Ford Evos Concept makes global debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show

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 driver

Reflecting 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.