Ford Iosis Concept – Ford Lives to the Max
FORD IOSIS MAX CONCEPT COMBINES STYLE, INNOVATION AND EFFICIENCY
Third in the series of exciting Iosis ‘kinetic design’ concept cars is unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show
New iosis MAX is a vision for Ford’s next generation compact multi-activity vehicle (MAV), and hints at the design direction of Ford’s next global C-cars
* Concept combines bold, dynamic styling with new levels of efficiency and flexibility
* Striking exterior design based on a fresh interpretation of Ford’s kinetic design form language
* Coupé-like side profile, with bold new window line graphic and highly original ‘flying buttress’ C-pillar design
* Distinctive new design treatments for lower trapezoidal grille and front / rear lights
* Interior presents a bold evolution of the exterior design language, incorporating dynamic shapes and advanced materials
* Slim, muscular instrument panel flows into innovative centre console with three-dimensional touch-screen surface
* Lightweight seats supported on spine-like bridge, so that occupants are ‘floating on air’
* Unique two-piece tailgate design allows full opening even in restricted spaces
* B-Pillarless construction and new door kinematics provides optimised side loading
* Environmental sustainability enhanced by innovative powertrain technologies, advanced aerodynamics and lightweight construction techniques
* iosis MAX previews Ford of Europe’s high efficiency EcoBoost engine family with a 1.6-litre 180 PS unit designed to deliver improved fuel economy and lower emissions
* 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine is coupled to a new Ford Auto-Start-Stop system and Ford’s advanced PowerShift transmission showcasing future possibilities for lean, clean and efficient petrol powertrains
Ford Iosis Max Concept
Ford is unveiling the third in its series of exciting iosis ‘kinetic design’ bespoke concept cars at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. iosis MAX is a concept study for the next generation of Ford’s compact multi-activity vehicle (MAV) as well as a glimpse at the design direction Martin Smith and his team are taking for the company’s next generation global C-car family.
The iosis MAX features striking exterior and interior designs based on a fresh interpretation of Ford’s kinetic design form language. It is a dynamic MAV and showcases new levels of efficiency and flexibility.
The car’s dramatic looks are complemented by innovative solutions which enhance its practicality and environmental performance. These include new door opening concepts, lightweight materials, advanced aerodynamics, and a preview of the European development of Ford’s global EcoBoost petrol engine technology coming in 2010.
Coupled to this clean and lean engine are the recently introduced and acclaimed Ford PowerShift transmission, plus a new Ford Auto-Start-Stop system due for production
in 2010.
Ford Iosis Max
Ford Iosis Max Concept
Like all kinetic design vehicles, the exciting shape of the iosis MAX conveys ‘energy in motion’ through its athletic stance and muscular surfacing.
The design team also sought to create a strong impression of lightness and efficiency. This was achieved through the concept’s sleek, sporting and aerodynamic profile, which provides a clear contrast to the more boxy approach adopted by many vehicles in the compact MAV segment.
The feeling of lightness is reinforced by the extensive use of glass in the vehicle, with the steeply raked front screen flowing back in one piece to the tailgate, revealing the skeletal roof structure underneath.
The visual excitement of the concept’s exterior is also transferred to its interior design. The cabin extends some of the kinetic design themes with complex shapes and graphic forms which complement the expressive style used on the outside of the vehicle.
Advanced materials are combined with innovative solutions like the ‘floating’ seat design to create an overwhelming feeling of space and lightness for the occupants.
New style for Compact MAVs
The primary objective for the iosis MAX exterior design team was to create an exciting new style for compact MAV format vehicles by applying kinetic design principles.
“We were convinced that we could use our kinetic design form language to develop a C-segment MAV that was sporty, dynamic and desirable,” explains Stefan Lamm, Ford of Europe’s chief exterior designer. “The iosis MAX takes the core kinetic design elements and extends them to a new level, with a totally fresh execution which is not only stylish and innovative, but functional too.”
The front of the iosis MAX is dominated by the bold trapezoidal lower grille, which is now a key part of the Ford brand identity. For the first time, however, the grille features a distinctive new treatment with three horizontal chrome-rimmed bars, giving the vehicle’s face a more dynamic and imposing feel.
The dynamic character of the design is reinforced by the coupé-like side profile, with its striking new window line shape – the daylight opening graphic – and rakish C-pillar design.
Ford Iosis Concept
Ford Iosis Max Interior
The iosis MAX is powered by a 1.6-litre 180 PS 4-cylinder petrol engine from Ford’s new EcoBoost engine family which will be launched in Europe in 2010. Ford EcoBoost engines feature turbocharging and direct injection technology to deliver fuel economy up to 20 per cent better than conventional larger displacement petrol engines with a similar power output.
EcoBoost technology is more affordable than equivalent hybrid or diesel engine designs, and builds on existing petrol engine knowledge to provide customers with a way to improve fuel economy and emissions significantly without compromising driving performance.
The combination of direct fuel injection, advanced turbocharging and variable valve timing create a much more efficient combustion process. This enables Ford EcoBoost technology to deliver the strong low-end torque and responsive performance of a large capacity engine, but with the size, weight and fuel economy of a much smaller unit.
EcoBoost engines will be progressively introduced to Ford’s European product range from 2010.
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