EVOS: THE FUTURE OF FORD’S DESIGN

Ford Evos Concept makes global debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show Making its global debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September is the Ford Evos Concept. Created as a bespoke concept vehicle, the fastback introduces Ford’s global design language. “The Ford Evos Concept unites three key elements which are at the core of our One Ford global product strategy: outstanding design, smart technologies and fuel economy leadership,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development. “The next generation of Ford products around the world will display many of the distinctive design ideas and advanced technologies it showcases.” Ford's global Research and Innovation team, led by Paul Mascarenas, was tasked with building Evos Concept around a technology experience as visionary as the design. The result signals how Ford intends to build on the momentum of the SYNC in-car connectivity system. “At Ford, the future of technology in the car will be defined by the experience that it delivers to the driver and passengers,” said Paul Mascarenas, chief technical officer and vice president of Ford Research and Innovation. “We see technology as more than just an impressive list of microprocessors, sensors and software; it’s about the application of that technology to create an experience that enhances the driver’s time behind the wheel.”

Ford researchers are focusing their efforts in this area to deliver on four key customer benefits: personalization, seamless enhancement of the driving experience, looking after the driver’s well-being and delivering smart electrified powertrain optimization. The personalized, cloud-connected lifestyle While today’s Ford products provide drivers with many personalisation options, cloud connectivity will enable future Ford vehicles to take the experience to the next level. “We’re researching how we can use patterns or preferences set by the driver to make life simpler,” said Mascarenas. “The car gets to know you and can act as a personal assistant to handle some of the usual routines of a daily commute.” It could automatically play the same music or news program that was just streaming at home, or heat or cool the interior to an ideal temperature before the driver gets in without having to be requested by predicting departure time based on his calendar. Wirelessly communicating with devices in the home, it could close the garage door and switch off the lights automatically as it pulls away.

Enhanced driving experience Ford Evos Concept explores adaptive vehicle technologies to redefine the driving experience. Current technology requires vehicle chassis settings to be defined based upon the abilities and tastes of a cross-section of drivers and the topography of typical roads. The concept foresees tuning handling and performance to the road ahead and the specific individual behind the wheel. Driver wellness Ford researchers have developed technologies focused on driver wellness, such as the heart-rate monitoring seat and certified allergy-free interiors. With a seamless connection to the cloud, the Ford Evos Concept monitors the physical state and workload of the driver and adjusts the driving experience accordingly. “Our wellness research and technologies are focused on relieving driver stress and enhancing their situational awareness,” said Mascarenas. “Drivers around the world are spending more time behind the wheel, and the car should not be another stress point in their lives.” Cloud-optimized hybrid powertrain Completing the vision for the Ford Evos Concept is a state-of-the-art lithium-ion plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain providing the same next-generation performance and fuel economy as the Ford C-MAX Energi scheduled for introduction in North America in 2012 and Europe in 2013. Ford ‘powersplit’ hybrid architecture allows the electric motor and petrol engine to work together or separately to maximize efficiency. The advanced powertrain typically runs in all-electric mode before switching to charge-sustaining hybrid mode for continued optimal fuel efficiency. Cloud connectivity would provide further opportunities to enhance performance and efficiency by selecting the optimum combination of powertrain modes for any given journey.

Ford’s new design direction “We wanted the Ford Evos Concept to give a clear message about where Ford design is heading – shaping vehicles that are fun to drive, have a strong premium visual appeal, and above all, are stunningly beautiful,” said J Mays, group vice president, Design and chief creative officer. Fastback design with unique proportions To provide a fitting vehicle to introduce the new design language, the Ford Evos Concept was conceived as a fastback concept, combining a new profile and new proportions. Attention-grabbing lines conceal a unique new format, with a four-door, four-seat layout which combines style with surprising practicality. “This is an exciting new interpretation of the fastback bodystyle, with a really innovative silhouette as well as dramatic and very modern proportions,” Mays said.