Ford Motor Company has presented its vision of a more stylish, sportier and more stylish compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) in the 2011 North American International Auto Show. Ford concept Vertrek extracts ambition of the company of a new generation compact SUV that could lead the world in the design industry and energy efficiency.
Concept Ford vertrek is based on the global platform of Ford C-segment, which includes all of the new Ford Focus range to launch in early 2011 in North America and Europe, as well as the latest C-MAX vehicles and Grand C-MAX purpose at work. It represents the vision of top management engineering talent, and the best way to attract and meet the future of the sport utility vehicle customers around the world.
"Ford Vertrek concept is a no-compromise solution we feel Utility Vehicle customers will embrace the world," said Derrick Kuzak, vice president of Ford Group Global Product Development. "It is a revolution compared to what is usually seen in this segment in North America and is an evolution of style over revenue outside North America. This new design is sleeker and more fuel efficient and offers the capacity, including humans and cargo volume demand from customers worldwide. "
The concept combines the best Vertrek Ford Europe kinetic design distinctive style and driving quality with exceptional levels of space, the burden of towing capacity and off-road for North America, promising a vehicle that meets the needs of commercial vehicles for the next generation of compact customers worldwide.
The sleek look of Ford concept was refined aerodynamics Vertrek to help support the program objective of the class of the first fuel economy and low CO2 emissions and high technology solutions for the propulsion system Ford plans.
Ford preliminary data show that the production of a vehicle based on the concept Vertrek would be at least 5 percent more aerodynamically efficient than comparable current North American and European Ford models like the Ford Escape and Kuga.
Global solution for global needsFord's global C-segment platform allows for the efficient creation of vehicles that address consumer tastes around the world.
"Customer demands are converging globally toward a compact sport utility vehicle that is stylish and great fun to drive while at the same time providing the package, capability, engaging technology and fuel economy they expect," said Jim Farley, group vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service. "The Ford Vertrek concept will allow us to hear directly from these customers about trade-offs they are prepared to make as we look to deliver a future production model that brings to life all these attributes."
At least 10 new models will be built on the new global C-segment platform, which replaces three platforms currently in production regionally. By 2012, the new platform will account for more than 2 million units of sales, providing Ford with unprecedented economies of scale and an opportunity to offer customers around the world an array of new technologies and product features usually reserved for premium vehicles.
The compact sport utility vehicle segment is one of the largest (consistently in the top five), most competitive and fastest growing segments - more than doubling in market share since 2000 - in the U.S. It also ranks among the top four most cross-shopped segments in the U.S. It is a segment that Ford helped pioneer with the popular Escape model.
Growth in Europe of crossover products, similar to the compact sport utility vehicle segment in the U.S., has been astounding - up more than 200 percent since 2000. The Ford Kuga has consistently ranked third in its segment, in which all major manufacturers compete, since its launch in 2008. Nearly 70 percent of Kuga customers opt for the high series.
Globally, the compact SUV segment has shown growth since 2009, led by China and the U.S. The market in China is projected to increase 60 percent by 2011 compared with 2009.
"This segment is uniquely diversified across the globe," said Farley. "In the U.S. these are considered small cars, while in Europe and other markets they are considered midsize cars. No matter how you classify it, the segment is vitally important and only those manufacturers who demonstrate leadership in design, customer-focused technology, capability and fuel-efficient performance will succeed."
Kinetic design taken to the next levelThe sporty, sleek Ford Vertrek concept builds on Ford's global kinetic design philosophy. This distinctive and continually evolving design language is rooted in creating cars that appear to be in motion even when stationary, while at the same time communicating the engaging driving experience that Ford cars deliver.
The starting point is creating an athletic stance for the vehicle, almost like a runner in starting blocks poised and ready to burst forward. Other key elements include dynamic lines and taut surfacing, again conveying muscularity and athleticism.
Ford Vertrek concept builds on these kinetic design fundamentals, underscoring its on-road characteristics and off-road capability.
"The Ford Vertrek concept is inspired by contemporary compact sport utility customers' expectations and aspirations," said J Mays, group vice president, Design, and chief creative officer. "It unites stylish design, world-class craftsmanship and outstanding capability to present a fresh vision that we believe will resonate globally."
High-tech gasoline and diesel powertrain solutionsThe Ford Vertrek concept shows how the vision of a next-generation, fuel-efficient compact SUV could become reality by extending the reach of the company's growing EcoBoost™ engine and advanced turbo diesel common-rail direct-injection (TDCi) engine families while introducing Ford Auto Start-Stop technology.
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 engines.
In addition to turbocharging with direct injection, Ford powertrain 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.
Ford Vertrek concept features the highly efficient 1.6-liter four-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine, giving the vehicle the power of a larger engine yet delivering significantly better fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
By 2013, 80 percent of Ford's global nameplates and 90 percent of Ford's North American nameplates will have an EcoBoost option.
Advanced diesel enginesOutside the U.S., Ford also offers customers a wide range of efficient and powerful Duratorq® TDCi engines, many of which could be applied to a future production model based on the Vertrek concept. Advanced diesel technology is especially vital in Europe - 96 percent of Kugas sold are diesel-powered.
The acclaimed 2.0-liter Ford Duratorq TDCi 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 engine will be a fuel-saving six-speed transmission. By 2013, 100 percent of Ford vehicles in the U.S. will incorporate a six-speed transmission as part of the company's commitment to leadership in fuel-economy performance in all vehicle segments.
Automatic shutdown of engine saves fuelAnother key enabler of enhanced fuel efficiency is the Ford Auto Start-Stop system. This system automatically shuts down the engine when the vehicle is at idle - at a stoplight, for example - and quickly restarts the engine when the driver wants to move off.
An Auto Start-Stop system can reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 5 percent in mixed driving conditions. In city driving and in heavy traffic with frequent stops, the savings could increase to as much as 10 percent.
The advanced new Ford Auto Start-Stop system has been carefully designed with customer comfort in mind, providing consistent starting and stopping performance that is smooth, quiet and seamless, requiring no changes in driver behavior. When the engine shuts down, the electronic control unit immediately prepares the engine's systems for an instant restart. An integrated system of sensors is then used to detect when the driver performs an action that signals the intent to drive off, such as pressing the accelerator or clutch pedal.
As soon as the driver prepares to move away, the engine starts quietly and almost instantly; it takes the system only around 0.3 second to fire up the engine. The process is near imperceptible and happens before gear selection is completed. To support the increased number of engine starts, the starter motor is upgraded with a high-performance electric motor and a stronger pinion-engagement mechanism with reduced noise levels.
Smart Regenerative ChargingAdvanced battery technology is required to ensure the main vehicle battery copes with the frequent charge-discharge cycles common with start-stop operation. Additional technologies ensure the battery is kept charged in the most efficient way.
A Smart Regenerative Charging system increases the alternator output when the vehicle brakes or decelerates. This converts the kinetic energy of the vehicle into electric energy without using additional fuel.
The "free" electric current is used to recharge the battery, so it can be used by the electrical systems at a later stage. This could be when the engine is switched off during a stop phase but also can be when the generator is operating in a less-efficient mode.
The battery has an advanced management system that continually monitors its status and communicates with the Ford Auto Start-Stop system, so that the regenerative charging feature can charge the battery in the optimal way. The Auto Start-Stop system knows how much battery charge is available, so that it can leave the engine running if the battery does not have a sufficient level of charge.
DesignFord's continually evolving global kinetic design philosophy is well-suited to the next generation of compact sport utility vehicles as envisioned by the Ford Vertrek concept unveiled today at the 2011 North American International Auto Show.
"The world is changing and consumers are looking for a new compact SUV," said J Mays, group vice president, Design, and chief creative officer. "They work hard, play hard and desire a vehicle that reflects that outlook and stands out. We believe the Vertrek concept will fulfill what they're looking for."
The core goal of kinetic design is to create vehicles that imply motion even when standing still and convey Ford's excellent driving dynamics.
"The building blocks of kinetic design - defining the stance and how the body is set over the wheels; strong and precisely executed surfacing; the dynamic, expressive lines and creating a sleeker aerodynamic profile - are all very much in line with what we believe customers want in future compact SUVs," said Martin Smith, Ford executive design director.
The Ford Vertrek concept takes its inspiration from the European Ford Kuga crossover, hailed as the design leader in its segment, and takes the promise of a future global compact SUV to the next level.
The new sleeker, sportier design intelligently integrates the capability requirements that customers demand in this segment with an interior cargo volume comparable to today's Ford Escape.
"Overall, the Ford Vertrek concept is a sleeker, sportier and smarter representation of what customers want in a compact SUV," said Smith. "Additionally, the exquisite detailing, such as the execution of the headlamps, taillamps and wheels, evokes advanced technology and craftsmanship."
The exterior color is Liquid Platinum, chosen to bring out the strong sculpturing of Vertrek while stressing the sophistication and premium execution of the vehicle's personality.
Key exterior design attributes of the Ford Vertrek concept include:
• ower 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
• limmer headlamp and taillamp treatment: Highlights the advanced technology, craftsmanship and detailing throughout the vehicle
• ood: Muscular surfacing signals advanced powertrain solutions
• aster roofline: Sleek look conveys improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency
• ising beltline: Conveys dynamic presence
• heel arches: Create solid, athletic stance
• heels: Combine bold sportiness with lightweight appeal
• anoramic roof: Graphically linked to the rear glass by the dramatic rear spoiler
"Based on the reception of the Fiesta and all-new Focus models, customers are excited by our new global design strategy," said Smith. "So it makes absolute sense to offer kinetic design in our next generation of compact utility vehicles as well."
Sporty, sophisticated and roomy interiorThe Ford Vertrek concept interior is lightweight and spacious and conveys all the expressive flair evident in the exterior.
As the focal point of the interior, the instrument panel displays shapes and forms that are absolutely unique, and further demonstrates Ford's kinetic design language. The wing-like profile spans the cockpit and visually extends through the side glass into the rear view camera. The center console swoops into the interior and develops into a central bridge flowing through the vehicle.
The theme of sophisticated craftsmanship is evident throughout the interior, including the instrument panel wrapped in Dusk Grey leather, contrasted and cooled by the satin-tinted platinum tones of the center console. The fluorescent detailing comes as a surprising highlight.
The execution of the four individual seats communicates sportiness and relaxation. The slim seats are clad in naturally tanned, velour leather and, says Smith, "have the robust quality of Bavarian lederhosen." This is offset throughout the interior by the modernistic touch of neon red-orange fluorescent highlights - an intriguing combination of traditional and high-tech. The seats are of slim construction, showcased by the central spine support.
Replacing conventional carpet, Ford Vertrek concept incorporates handcrafted woven-leather floor materials. Functional elements on the steering wheel, doors, cluster and instrument panel have a polished, premium finish that demonstrates craftsmanship normally seen on premium products.
"The Ford Vertrek concept brings new excitement to the global crossover and compact SUV arena and is our vision of how kinetic design can redefine this increasingly popular segment for Ford globally," said Mays. "The very name Vertrek signals versatility and capability, typifying the personality of the revolution in this market."
