Ford iosis MAX Concept: Kinetic Energy
Motoring Channel Staff - 5/March/2009
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Ford iosis MAX Concept
The interior looks very futuristic - especially the seats
The iosis MAX Concept features unorthodox doors
The Ford iosis MAX is powered by a 1.6-litre
EcoBoost engine with stop-start technology
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Geneva, Switzerland – The wraps came off Ford's latest global concept car, the iosis MAX, at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Incorporating
a new 1.6-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine that pumps out 132kW
(180hp), the new concept car highlights how the Blue Oval's 'kinetic'
design language is evolving. Some of the
design cues seen on the iosis MAX concept are expected to work
their way into the next generation version of the C-Max, a
crossover vehicle not yet available in Australia.
The futuristic design of the iosis MAX concept also hints at how
the next generation Focus will be styled. The new Focus is
scheduled to be built by Ford in Australia in 2011 and give the local
operation a huge boost in sales and morale. Martin
Smith, Ford of Europe's executive design director, explains: "Although
the iosis MAX isn't a forerunner to a specific production vehicle, it
clearly highlights how kinetic design is evolving and can be applied
with stunning results to all vehicles in the Ford portfolio." Certain
design cues seen on the new model may also permeate other upcoming
models in Ford's line-up and like all good concept cars the interior
boasts a number of eye catching features. The
seats look like they were taken from the set of a Star Trek film,
and the dashboard is also very futuristic with a range of high-tech
instruments and LCD gauges. Ernst Reim, Ford of Europe's chief interior designer, says "The
iosis MAX shows how affordable family vehicles can have interiors which
are practical and comfortable, yet still highly desirable. "Our
vision looks beyond normal automotive processes, taking inspiration
from modernist architecture, lightweight construction technologies and
even the sporting world," adds Reim. The Ford iosis MAX concept's exterior design is equally progressive. The
sectioned glass roof gives the vehicle a true show car quality and the
front end design, while similar to the Ford Fiesta's, has a number of
dynamic elements, such as the sweeping LED headlight design and the
gaping front airdam. Attention-grabbing
sliding rear doors and uniquely hinging front doors add to the car's
conceptual tone and could be used in upcoming people mover or compact
MPV models such as the C-Max. One aspect of the vehicle that will make it into production is the 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine. In
America and Europe the EcoBoost range of engines is slowly working its
way into new and current models to offer low emission, low fuel
consumption alternatives that still deliver high levels of
power, torque and drivability. Ford
Australia is also expected to start offering EcoBoost engines from 2010
in some of its imported European cars, such as the Fiesta and Focus,
and possibly even the Falcon further down the track. Ford says the 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine will be used in its European range beginning in early 2010. It
outputs 132 kilowatts of power (180hp) thanks to direct fuel
injection and a turbocharging system, and keeps fuel usage low because
of its small capacity, Auto-Stop-Start technology and Ford's new
PowerShift dual clutch gearbox. The new
1.6-litre EcoBoost engine is likely to be offered in the Zetec Focus
and possibly even a high performance ST version of the Fiesta. The
CEO of Ford Europe, John Fleming, says the new model shows how
much confidence his company has in its new products and design
ethos. "Presenting such a bold concept car during the current
economic climate highlights the confidence within Ford of Europe about
the company's design philosophy and the strength of our current – and
future – product line-up," says Fleming. "The
new iosis MAX concept car marks another important step in the
renaissance of Ford of Europe’s product design under the
leadership of Martin Smith. "The two
previous iosis concepts were significant milestones in that process.
They helped to introduce our new design strategy, and to show how
kinetic design would play a key role in transforming our future product
line," explains Mr Fleming. "The fantastic
reception given to our latest models – from the Mondeo and Kuga,
through to the Fiesta and Ka – suggests that we've been getting
our strategy right. "The iosis MAX sends a
powerful signal that there are more stylish and desirable Ford products
just around the corner," adds Ford's European chief John Fleming. Related Links:
- Ford Focus (2009)
- Ford Ka (2009)
- Ford Mondeo (Road Test)
- Ford Territory MkII (2009)
- Ford Fiesta (Road Test)
- Ford Falcon G6 (Road Test)
- Ford Focus Diesel (Road Test)
- Ford Focus RS (2009)
- Ford Fiesta XR4 (Road Test)
- Ford Focus XR5 Turbo (Road Test)
- Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo (Road Test)
- Ford Ranger (2009)
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