What is it?
Ford Equator
What's special about it?
With General Motors poised to expand into the super-brute arena using Hummer-badged SUVs, Ford's Equator concept shows the direction in which the Dearborn-based company might proceed if it deems a competitor to Hummer is warranted. Ford started with an F-350 Super Duty chassis, but kept Equator's height down to F-150 levels. The result is a roomy cab and an aggressive, squat stance. A four-wheel maximum-travel independent suspension inspired by off-road racing underpins the Equator, and should you exceed the ability of the dampers to absorb rocks and ruts, the truck's lower extremities are made of Kevlar for superior resistance to damage. A central tire inflation system and waterproof lower door panels are perfect accessories for serious off-road adventure. Though Equator is designed for roughhousing, the leather-clad interior blends luxury and functionality in an industrial-looking wrapper. Folding the backseats and bulkhead extends the bed to 6.5 feet, while "clamp on" gauges allow the driver to configure them in a personalized location using only the dials they desire. Additionally, a GPS is on board, but you can dismount the dashboard compass to take it with you on hikes in the backcountry.
Why should I care?
Don't believe that Ford will continue to let GM, or any other automaker for that matter, continue to dominate any given segment. Company leaders are aggressively positioning Ford to dominate global sales, and the Equator would be the perfect antidote to the Hummer H1 and H2.
Ford Equator
What's special about it?
With General Motors poised to expand into the super-brute arena using Hummer-badged SUVs, Ford's Equator concept shows the direction in which the Dearborn-based company might proceed if it deems a competitor to Hummer is warranted. Ford started with an F-350 Super Duty chassis, but kept Equator's height down to F-150 levels. The result is a roomy cab and an aggressive, squat stance. A four-wheel maximum-travel independent suspension inspired by off-road racing underpins the Equator, and should you exceed the ability of the dampers to absorb rocks and ruts, the truck's lower extremities are made of Kevlar for superior resistance to damage. A central tire inflation system and waterproof lower door panels are perfect accessories for serious off-road adventure. Though Equator is designed for roughhousing, the leather-clad interior blends luxury and functionality in an industrial-looking wrapper. Folding the backseats and bulkhead extends the bed to 6.5 feet, while "clamp on" gauges allow the driver to configure them in a personalized location using only the dials they desire. Additionally, a GPS is on board, but you can dismount the dashboard compass to take it with you on hikes in the backcountry.
Why should I care?
Don't believe that Ford will continue to let GM, or any other automaker for that matter, continue to dominate any given segment. Company leaders are aggressively positioning Ford to dominate global sales, and the Equator would be the perfect antidote to the Hummer H1 and H2.
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