FORD INTRODUCES THE ATLAS
The art of trucking at the Detroit show

While Chevy unveiled its new Corvette Stingray and Cadillac dealt an electric card in the form of the ELR, Ford’s major debut at the Detroit auto show wasn’t even a production vehicle. The Ford Atlas Concept looks like it can be the next F-Series. That’s because it probably is the next F-Series.

“We wanted the concept to reflect how Ford trucks help customers in both their worlds – professionally and personally,” said J Mays, Ford group vice president and chief creative officer. “Every surface and feature in the vehicle has been crafted for purpose and capability.” In particular, the Atlas emphasizes fuel economy through a combination of active aerodynamic elements that reduce wind resistance. They include: • Active Grille Shutters: Automatic shutters behind the grille stay open when extra engine cooling is needed, such as during low-speed stop-and-go driving or while working in hot weather. The shutters automatically close to improve aerodynamics when cruising on the highway at steady speeds • Active Wheel Shutters: Automatic shutters in the wheels are hidden to improve style at rest and low speeds, but automatically close at highway speeds to improve aerodynamics. Self-charging batteries use energy from the wheels’ motion to power the shutters • Drop-Down Front Air Dam: A drop-down front wind spoiler lowers at highway speeds to improve underbody airflow. The air dam is raised at low speeds to improve ground clearance – helpful for off-roading • Power Running Boards: Auto-deploying running boards help passengers enter the truck at rest and tuck up against the truck when it is moving to improve aerodynamics and ground clearance

The Atlas is the first Ford truck to feature 360-Degree Point-of-View Camera. The system gives a bird’s-eye view of the truck to help position the vehicle in tight places or when there are obstacles near the truck – such as on a busy job site or grocery store parking lot.