Ford today unveiled its vision for a sleeker, sportier and more stylish compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. The Ford Vertrek concept previews the company's ambition for a next-generation, global compact SUV that could lead the industry in both design and fuel efficiency. (continued below)
2011 Vertrek Concept Photo Gallery
Ford Vertrek Concept Previews a Sleeker, Sportier and More Stylish Compact Sport Utility Vehicle
Source: Ford | Published: Mon Jan 10, 2011
(continued from above)
The Ford Vertrek concept is based on Ford's global C-segment platform, which
includes the all-new Ford Focus range launching early in 2011 in North America
and Europe, plus the latest C-MAX and Grand C-MAX multi-activity vehicles. It
represents the vision of the company's top design and engineering talent on how
best to attract and satisfy future sport utility vehicle customers around the
world.
"Vertrek concept is a no-compromise solution we feel utility vehicle
customers will embrace around the world," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice
president of Global Product Development. "It is a revolution compared to what is
typically seen in this segment in North America and is a stylish evolution
compared with products outside North America. This new design is sleeker and
more fuel efficient and delivers the capability, including people and cargo
volume, customers demand globally."
The Ford Vertrek concept combines the
best of Ford's distinctive European kinetic design styling and driving quality
with outstanding levels of cargo space, trailer-tow and off-road capability for
North America, promising a vehicle that meets the needs of next-generation
compact utility vehicle customers around the world.
The sleek appearance
of the Ford Vertrek concept has been honed aerodynamically to help support the
program target of class-leading fuel economy and low CO2 emissions and
complement the high-tech powertrain solutions Ford envisions.
Ford
preliminary data show that a production vehicle based around the Vertrek concept
would be at least 5 percent more aerodynamically efficient than current
comparable Ford North American and European models, such as the Escape and Kuga.
Kinetic Design Taken to the Next Level
The 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.
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."
