Ford Vertrek 2011
The new vehicle from Ford motor company .
Ford Motor Company’s new Vertrek concept, revealed today at the 2011 North American International Auto Show, offers a dynamic, all-inclusive solution to what customers demand in a compact SUV across the globe, particularly in North America, Europe and the world’s largest car market, China.
It may look like the strange lovechild of the 2012 Ford Focus and the European-spec Kuga crossover, but the Blue Oval's new Vertrek crossover concept is indeed a visual upgrade compared to current small CUV offerings. The Vertrek, which makes its world debut here at the Detroit Auto Show, previews what's in store for Ford's new global small crossover, set to replace both the Escape here in North America as well as the Kuga abroad.
Sure, we're fresh from sampling Ford's next evolutions of MyFord, the Mobile and AppLink systems, but those are due to start hitting cars in the next months and years. Sometimes it's fun to look a little further down the road, and that's what the company's Vertrek concept is doing, giving us a taste of exterior styling to come in the company's C-segment cars (like the C-MAX), plus a taste of some future innovations in the drivetrain department, most notable being an alternator that boosts its output under braking to provide a regenerative-like effect despite this not being a hybrid.
Key trends among customers for this type of vehicle are common to North America, Europe and Asia. They include engaging design, outstanding fuel economy and smart technologies wrapped in a right-sized package that supports an active lifestyle.
“In markets around the world, consumers are very clear about what they want in a compact SUV – strong design, great driving quality, smart technology and the capability that helps get them to places they love to be,” said Jim Farley, group vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service. “This holds true no matter where they live – in the U.S., Europe, China – these are global trends.”
Importantly, the Vertrek concept showcases the cargo-carrying capability that consumers expect, but adds a level of craftsmanship and quality often lost in compact SUVs.
“This concept supports the idea of ‘grab your gear and go’ capability, but does it in a very sophisticated way,” said Farley. “It blends capability and great design and craftsmanship.”
The Vertrek concept previews a next-generation product with a sleek, modern design and yet maintains the generous cargo volume offered by the current Ford Escape in North America, a traditional compact SUV with 66.3 cubic feet (1,879 liters) behind the first row and 29.2 cubic feet (828 liters) behind the second row.
The concept is also created to show how an all-new Ford compact SUV could offer substantially more cargo volume than the current Ford Kuga sold in Europe, yet still retain design leadership in its segment. In production, a vehicle based on the Vertrek concept could offer about 15 percent more cargo volume behind the first row than the Kuga and around 20 percent more cargo volume behind the second row.
The Vertrek also builds upon Ford's Kinetic design language, first seen on the Fiesta hatchback and then carried over to the new Focus sedan and five-door. Sure, the large wheels, small headlamps and futuristic mirrors are purely conceptual design, but Photoshop on some bits from the Focus (with which the Vertrek shares its platform) and a possible production car is indeed in sight. The interior, too, is wholly forward thinking, and while we'd love to see this sort of design on a road-ready crossover, we fully expect a much more toned-down approach.
· Lower trapezoidal grille: A key design cue, now divided into three sections as first seen with the new Ford Focus, immediately identifies Vertrek as the latest Ford
· Slimmer headlamp and taillamp treatment: Highlights the advanced technology, craftsmanship and detailing throughout the vehicle
· Hood: Muscular surfacing signals advanced powertrain solutions
· Faster roofline: Sleek look conveys improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency
· Rising beltline: Conveys dynamic presence
· Wheel arches: Create solid, athletic stance
· Wheels: Combine bold sportiness with lightweight appeal
· Panoramic roof: Graphically linked to the rear glass by the dramatic rear spoiler
Purposeful technology and smarter solutions.
A wide suite of customer-focused Ford technologies including SYNC®, active park assist, BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert and Intelligent Access with push-button start are featured in the Vertrek concept.
A wide suite of customer-focused Ford technologies including SYNC®, active park assist, BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert and Intelligent Access with push-button start are featured in the Vertrek concept.
Powertrain technology is also advanced, providing anticipated best-in-class fuel economy with the 1.6-liter Ford EcoBoost™ gasoline engine featured in the concept vehicle as one of the future powertrain choices. The concept also previews the Ford Auto Start-Stop system, which contributes further to fuel efficiency and low emissions.
Launched in North America and now being introduced worldwide, Ford’s expanding line of award-winning EcoBoost engines produces power comparable to larger, naturally aspirated engines with the fuel economy of smaller-displacement engines.
EcoBoost is fundamental to Ford’s strategy to provide technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that deliver uncompromised performance and fuel economy. Ford EcoBoost engines deliver fuel economy gains of up to 20 percent and reduction of CO2 emissions of up to 15 percent, compared with larger, less efficient powertrains.
In addition to turbocharging with direct injection, Ford engineers have enhanced EcoBoost’s technology capabilities by adding variable valve timing and precisely controlling all aspects of the engine. Ford has at least 125 patents on its EcoBoost technology.
By 2013, 80 percent of Ford’s global nameplates and 90 percent of Ford’s North American nameplates will have an EcoBoost option.
The Vertrek concept could also easily use one of Ford’s wide range of efficient and powerful diesel engines offered in markets outside the U.S. For example, the acclaimed 2.0-liter Ford Duratorq® TDCi (turbo diesel common-rail direct-injection) engine has recently been upgraded to deliver even higher efficiency with improved performance, fuel economy and refinement.
A more efficient combustion system enables greater peak power, significantly improved driveability with increased responsiveness and more pulling power at low engine speeds. It also delivers reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Depending on application, CO2 emissions are reduced by up to 7 percent compared to the previous 2.0-liter Duratorq TDCi engine.
Paired with the high-tech engines are fuel-saving six-speed transmissions. By 2013, all Ford vehicles in North America will incorporate a six-speed transmission as part of the company’s commitment to leadership in fuel economy in all vehicle segments.
Improved highway fuel economy especially important.
Ford’s global data show that compact SUV customers increasingly use their vehicles for weekend getaways, making improved highway fuel economy a must. This highlights the importance of the aerodynamic design of the Vertrek concept, and it led to the inclusion of an accessible, small-displacement internal combustion engine in the vehicle rather than a hybrid or electric powerplant that might be more attuned to city dwellers.
Ford’s global data show that compact SUV customers increasingly use their vehicles for weekend getaways, making improved highway fuel economy a must. This highlights the importance of the aerodynamic design of the Vertrek concept, and it led to the inclusion of an accessible, small-displacement internal combustion engine in the vehicle rather than a hybrid or electric powerplant that might be more attuned to city dwellers.
Mays drives a Kuga in London and says the model is almost considered its own brand there. Like other new Fords, the Vertrek is designed to carry the brand upmarket, in image if not in price.
"It's considerably more upscale than the outgoing model, an aspirational, premium item" in its design and list of amenities, Mays says.
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