- The Ford Evos Concept, a futuristic fastback that harks back to classic GT cars, but is so loaded with technology that it can "suggest a healthier route to the destination," will debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.
- The Ford Evos Concept is a plug-in hybrid with four gullwing doors and a four-passenger cabin.
- Ford says "you will never see this car on the road," but that it points the way to future Ford styling and high-tech features.
FRANKFURT, Germany — The Ford Evos Concept, a futuristic fastback that harks back to classic GT cars but is so loaded with technology that it can "suggest a healthier route to the destination," will debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.
The Ford Evos Concept is a plug-in hybrid with lithium-ion batteries, along with four gullwing doors and a four-passenger cabin. Don't expect to see the dramatic doors on a production Ford, but the Evos Concept's face is likely to make it into the real world. It features what Ford calls a "higher-mounted trapezoidal grille."
"You will never see this car on the road," said Ford in a statement, adding that the one-off concept showcases "a new vision for customer-focused and intuitive technologies." But the Dearborn automaker hastened to point out that the Evos Concept is more than a 2-ton smartphone.
"The intent is not to convert the vehicle into a smartphone, but rather to provide personalized and safe connection to the outside world in an enriching manner," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of global product development.
The Evos Concept seems to straddle two worlds. Ford says it created the concept to satisfy a growing consumer desire for more premium-looking and technical designs, even in basic transportation. Still, the Evos Concept has some old-school styling cues that will be familiar to Baby Boomers. Ford said it wanted to "create the impression of a classic GT car, but with a very contemporary feel."
On the futuristic side of the ledger, the Evos Concept takes Ford's wellness push to the next level. The automaker said the Evos is "location aware" and — with the help of advanced air quality sensors and access to air quality data — can "proactively suggest a healthier route to the destination."
"With information from the cloud, the vehicle can provide the same connected lifestyle the driver experiences at the home or office," said Ford. "The car knows the driver, and automatically adapts handling, steering and engine controls to deliver an exceptionally dynamic driving experience."
Ford said the vehicle will have access to such data as the "driver's work schedule and local traffic or weather conditions."
The connection between car and driver will be so intimate that it could even reset "your alarm clock to let you sleep in," Ford said.
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.
"The cloud-optimized powertrain would automatically 'know' when to save energy and switch modes, using information about the vehicle's predicted travel route, any emissions zone restrictions during the journey and current weather conditions," Ford said.
The cabin reflects the trapezoidal grille with trapezoidal cut-outs, along with a red driver seat. The rear passengers get adjustable sports seats and touchscreen displays.
Inside Line says: From future design cues to radical technology, there's something for everyone in this impressive Ford concept.
Add A Comment »
shouldermonkey says:
11:11 PM, 09/14/2011
Ford is overtaking the rest! I used to be a honda fan, but their constant disregard of what their American consumer base wants and lack of innovation in their cars (I still like their robots, motorcycles and jets) are just unforgivable. Pedal to the metal, Ford, and into the FUTURE!!!
fizzump04 says:
10:01 AM, 09/08/2011
Too bad they say it will never be on the road- this looks fantastic.
lolxd says:
08:18 AM, 09/08/2011
"Also for a historical reference look at the front end of the '57 Tbird"
+1 ghcart. Didn't actually see the historical resemblance here except for maybe its European roots (Mondeo, Focus, Fiesta, etc.) and a hint of Aston Martin Design.
lolxd says:
08:14 AM, 09/08/2011
"jscion says:
12:05 AM, 09/05/2011
I say send this to production as a Lincoln. They could use a coupe!"
I think this looks more "Ford" than "lincoln". Lincoln should consider getting a design house or hire a designer (preferably European particularly Italian) to do their cars.
Plus that front end may make it towards the next Generation Mustang.
Also, there's a hint about Ford Bringing the Mondeo to US shores in a Passat cc-like 4 door coupe body so it may take some design cues.
stingray454 says:
06:21 AM, 09/08/2011
Very impressive. A little bit of BMW X6 mixed with some Aston Martin, and the rest entirely unique. I like it.
jscion says:
12:05 AM, 09/05/2011
I say send this to production as a Lincoln. They could use a coupe!
ambee514 says:
06:15 AM, 09/04/2011
Great Ford, you just made me spill my cream of wheat in my pants!
This looks like like an Aston Martin more then what you would think of for a Ford. This is a fantastic car!
alex38 says:
06:01 PM, 09/03/2011
Stunning...one of the best Ford concepts since the Mustang. I can see this as a Mustang replacement, however, I'd rather see this as the spiritual sucessor to the Probe GT. As a previous owner of a Probe, i'd be in the market for another updated version.
Throw in an ultra fuel efficient 4-cyl GDI with Turbo on upper level trim, conventional doors, a simple but clean and modern interior and Ford would have a tough time keeping these in stock..
Really well done here and very promising..
dmpete says:
07:17 AM, 09/02/2011
This thing is absolutely beautiful, I just wish that these concepts made it too the real world, with something other than a blow dryer powering it. Keep those lines, ditch the gull-wings(ford is not a benz). Put a real motor in it and I would sell my car today and buy it. YES.
larthallor says:
07:22 PM, 09/01/2011
This screams next-gen Mustang. I mean, they obviously won't put the gull wing doors on it and the styling will change somewhat. And the wheels and the mirrors. However, I'm willing to bet you are looking at the 80% of the styling of the 2014/15 Mustang.