The concept is powered by a plug-in hydrogen hybrid fuel cell drivetrain-called HySeriesDrive-that operates under electric power at all times. This advanced fuel cell system is half the weight and cost of today’s fuel cells and delivers the combined city/highway equivalent fuel economy of 41 miles per gallon.
The concept’s bold, futuristic front-end explores a new look for Ford, encapsulating the single-surface grille and headlamps into the same graphic. Each of the concept’s bold orange-trimmed window graphics is a unique shape.
Its doors are asymmetric as well, allowing for easy loading of passengers and cargo. In addition to the driver’s side hatch, the passenger side features a power clamshell door thataruns two-thirds the length of the vehicle and a three-door hatch finishes the rear of the crossover.
The Ford Airstream Concept features a floating instrument panel with flush-mounted, touch-sensitive controls and a multi-function single gauge display provides the driver all primary information.
A Sharp dual-view screen centrally mounted on the instrument panel provides a camera view and secondary driver-oriented information, while allowing the front-seat passenger to post mobile blogs. The driver and front-seat passenger will travel in style, seated in modern, pod-shaped swiveling captain’s chairs that also rotate so they can easily socialize.
In the rear, lounge-like seating is sculptural, creating a continuous cocoon-like environment wrapped in bold red fabric. The rear focal point is a 360-degree screen for entertainment, games and ambient mood settings that include a modern lava lamp and virtual fire.
A possible next-generation safety belt system incorporates a four-point “belt-and-suspenders” design in lieu of the familiar three-point safety belt. The four-point belts are featured in the front seats of the Ford Airstream Concept.
FORD SYNC
Also new to Ford is the Ford Sync. Ford and Microsoft are launching a new factory-installed, in-car communications and entertainment system that is designed to change the way consumers use digital media players and mobile phones in their vehicles. The Ford-exclusive technology, called Sync, provide consumers the convenience and flexibility to bring into their vehicle nearly any mobile phone or portable music player and operate it using voice commands or the vehicle’s steering wheel or radio controls. Because Sync is fully upgradeable, Ford owners will never need to worry about whether their car or truck is compatible with the latest phone or music player that hits the market.