Blue Oval Guide Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 TWO AMERICAN ICONS DELIVER THE CROSSOVER MODEL OF THE FUTURE WITH THE FORD AIRSTREAM CONCEPT * Crossover growth is exploding : Ford Airstream Concept speaks to the future of crossovers as the market segment is projected to top 3 million units annually by the end of the decade. * Green Journey : Ford Airstream Concept is powered by a new plug-in hydrogen hybrid fuel cell – called HySeries Drive – that operates under electric power at all times and delivers the combined city/highway equivalent fuel economy of 41 miles per gallon. * Two icons of American transportation: Ford and Airstream have teamed up to deliver a futuristic crossover concept, showing what tomorrow’s road trip vehicles could look like. DETROIT, Mich. , Jan. 7, 2007 – Playing to win in the growing crossover segment, Ford has joined with another iconic company to showcase how it could further expand its lineup of expressive crossovers with the Ford Airstream Concept. “Crossovers are an increasingly important part of our business, and Ford is going to continue developing an expressive range of these vehicles,” says Peter Horbury, executive director – Design, The Americas. “The Ford Airstream Concept is a futuristic look at crossovers. It’s the ultimate modern touring vehicle that delivers flexibility and capability with dynamic design that evokes the spirit of the journey.” The concept is powered by a plug-in hydrogen hybrid fuel cell drivetrain – called HySeries Drive™ – 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 can operate in the dead of winter. That’s a major step forward because today’s fuel cells don’t do well when the mercury dips below freezing. Natural Intersection The Ford Airstream Concept captures the sense of optimism and adventure conveyed in American aircraft, spacecraft and the streamlined shape of Airstream trailers. It’s reflected in the crossover concept’s organic, fuselage-inspired form language, unique reflective paint and 12 ceremonial rivets, which pay homage to Airstream’s iconic construction. “For 75 years, Airstream has been an icon synonymous with the optimism, discovery and wanderlust that’s helped defined America,” said J Mays, group vice president – Design, and chief creative officer. “It seemed only fitting for us to come together through our shared passion for the open road and show a vision for the future of American transportation.” Much like Ford, Airstream began with one man’s dream. In 1931, Wally Byam began leveraging aircraft-construction methods to make trailers aimed at feeding Americans’ surging desire to travel. “Silver bullets” have been shooting up and down highways ever since, leading a Recreational Vehicle industry that’s realized record profits and revenues in 2005 and the first half of 2006. “Business for Airstream and the RV industry has been strong, but we want to continue finding options for tomorrow’s road trips. Our success in recent years has come from challenging the conventional thinking about what an Airstream is. The Ford Airstream Concept is a stunning example of just that,” says Bob Wheeler, president and chief executive officer of Airstream. “Plus, a partner like Ford, with its long history as an American icon, made perfect sense for this kind of exploration.” Common Ground Both companies are influenced by economic and demographic trends – chiefly baby boomers approaching retirement age. In the U.S., 11,000 people turn age 50 every day. These consumers are starting to downsize their lives and their vehicles, opting for more nimble and fuel-efficient models. With their children leaving home and some retiring, they also have more time for travel. For Ford, that trend – plus younger couples starting families later – is fueling a shift to crossover vehicles. The crossover segment is expected to hit 3 million units by the end of the decade, making it potentially the largest U.S. vehicle segment. For Airstream, these demographic changes are meaningful as well. RV ownership is highest among retirement-age consumers, and by the end of the decade, 50- to 64-year-old consumers will tally 57 million – a 38 percent increase versus 2000, according to University of Michigan studies. And the number of RV-owning households is expected to grow to 8.5 million during the same period. Seeing the Future Today Growing Ford’s crossover share means breaking through the competitive and fragmenting segment, and the company is leveraging bold designs to win customers. Ford’s crossover lineup already features the functional Freestyle, newly launched agile and modern Edge and, in time, will include a more refined full-size crossover based on the Fairlane concept. Ford designers wanted to push further into the future and tapped inspirations including Airstream’s iconic designs and the optimistic future Stanley Kubrick created and captured in his 1960s cult film 2001: A Space Odyssey. These inspirations are evident – inside and out. 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. “This reflects the purpose of the vehicle: looking out and remembering that the journey – not the destination – matters most,” said Freeman Thomas, director, North American Strategic Design. “The Ford Airstream Concept is an ultra-modern, optimistic vehicle that allows passengers a pure traveling experience to enjoy with good company, no matter the destination .” 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 that runs two-thirds the length of the vehicle. A three-door hatch finishes the rear of the crossover. Futuristic Interior The futuristic theme and modern form language of the exterior carries through to the concept’s interior. “Through the materials, color palette and technology, the Ford Airstream Concept has distinct cues from the spacecraft and environments portrayed in 2001: A Space Odyssey,” says Thomas. “We’re able to maximize the spaciousness of the interior, creating a lounge atmosphere in contrasting colors of cosmic red and white that provides an inviting experience for the ultimate journey.” 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 view DVDs and post mobile blogs. The driver and front-seat passenger will navigate in style 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 B&B Italia fabric. The focal point of the rear seating area is a 360-degree screen for entertainment and games. The unique screen also creates ambient mood settings, including a modern lava lamp and virtual fire, as well as a live camera feed. How the Rubber Meets the Road The new HySeries Drive plug-in hydrogen fuel cell featured in the Ford Airstream Concept is more than a concept. This powertrain is already on the road and driving in a Ford Edge prototype. Ford scientists and engineers created this vehicle with partial funding from the United States Department of Energy. The HySeries Drive delivers the combined city/highway equivalent fuel economy of 41 miles per gallon. In this application, the fuel cell’s sole function is to recharge the vehicle’s lithium-ion battery pack as needed. This allows it to work like a portable generator, instead of an engine, as had been the case in previous Ford fuel cell vehicles. The new fuel cell, supplied by Ford partner Ballard, operates in a steady state, allowing a significantly smaller, less expensive fuel cell and drastically improving the durability of the fuel cell. With this system, the fuel cell delivers the power needed to recharge the lithium-ion batteries, rather than to be the primary power source to drive the wheels, as in a typical fuel cell-powered vehicle. In pure electric mode, the Ford Airstream Concept can travel 25 miles before the fuel cell begins operating to recharge the vehicle’s 336-volt lithium-ion battery pack. With the hydrogen-powered fuel cell, the range increases another 280 miles for a total of 305 miles. Safe Journeys Safety belts remain the most important safety technology in vehicles. Ford is researching several new safety belt designs, including four-point safety belts found in the front seats of the Ford Airstream Concept. “Inside, outside and under the hood, the Ford Airstream Concept speaks to the future,” Mays said. “Ford is looking out onto the horizon and imbuing crossovers with emotion, made even more powerful by our association with Airstream.” Ford Airstream Concept Specifications Powertrain Ford’s HySeries Drive plug-in hydrogen hybrid fuel cell Chassis lengths Overall length: .......................185.0 in. Wheelbase: .............................125.9 in. Overall width: ..........................78.9 in. Overall height at curb: ..............70.6 in. Track width Front: .......................................67.6 in. Rear: ........................................69.2 in. Suspension Front: ................. Double wishbone-independent suspension Rear: ..................Multi-link independent Headroom Front: .......................................37.5 in. Second Row: ............................36.2 in. Legroom Front: .......................................39.6 in. Second Row: ............................33.1 in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardJensen Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 (edited) Ford's new take on the "B" car uses enhanced Skynet technology retrieved from the future due to a rather improbable time travel incident involving a botched attempt to kill some kid in California. The "Airstream" is able to transform into a number of different cars, and is virtually indestructible. Edited January 7, 2007 by RichardJensen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardJensen Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 The fuel cell thingy looks pretty interesting. Especially if you're Sanyo, because you get to keep selling those Li-ion batteries. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atomcat68 Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 I hate this thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Watchdevil Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 Another useless concept wasting Ford's financial resources when they could have spent the money the used developing that thing changing the Five Hundred's greenhouse instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildosvt Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 Japan called... And they want their concept back..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sizzler Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 I like it, sorta. Always wondered why it took so long for the automakers to grasp the concept of a diesel-electric locomotive power structure. Electric power is electric power and decades of use have certainly proven the concept. I mean, it's called a "powertrain", isn't it? (all puns intended ) But, no details on the powertrain? How is the Hydrogen stored? Where? What's it take to refuel? What kind of electric motor(s) (I mean, they say what kind of batteries, what kind of motor?), electric motors can be incredibly powerful/torquey monsters, vette-slayers even. Nothing but buff and fluff words, always missing the important details from Ford. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark B. Morrow Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 Ford's new take on the "B" car uses enhanced Skynet technology retrieved from the future due to a rather improbable time travel incident involving a botched attempt to kill some kid in California. The "Airstream" is able to transform into a number of different cars, and is virtually indestructible. Yeah, But can it find Sarah Connor? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardJensen Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 Yeah, But can it find Sarah Connor? Unfortunately, that's all it can do. Ford engineers describe this as a 'glitch' that will be worked out before production. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edstock Posted January 7, 2007 Share Posted January 7, 2007 The door-seam and other seams around the handle and access hatch are incredibly tight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsgnome Posted January 8, 2007 Share Posted January 8, 2007 (edited) Unfortunately, that's all it can do. Ford engineers describe this as a 'glitch' that will be worked out before production. You can't be serious... that *thing* is horrid! Putting it into production would be like reviving the "Pinto" nameplate! :o However, the technologies it contains should be put into production... but not in that form... Edited January 8, 2007 by rsgnome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
syrtran Posted January 8, 2007 Share Posted January 8, 2007 So, then, noone else here is reminded of a customized '68 Econoline? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Watchdevil Posted January 8, 2007 Share Posted January 8, 2007 So, then, noone else here is reminded of a customized '68 Econoline? I wouldn't say a '68... Maybe a '76... Maybe they are previewing the next grille change for the Econoline Van... 3-bar of course. The Econoline has ran so long it has taken on every grille theme Ford has used for the past 30 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted January 8, 2007 Share Posted January 8, 2007 I guess they had a lot of leftover polished aliminum from the Shelby GR-1 concept. Eek. Like Watchdevil said. This thing is a complete waste of resources. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris D. Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 I don't hate this concept. Toned down a little, I think the overall shape and styling has potential. People are always looking to be distinctive and different, and it certainly is that. We know the future of the industry is one of fractionation and nich products, and this could represent "bold" in the manner Ford is shooting for. Reminds me of the blocky SynUS concept, though this is clearly spoken of along the lines of a people mover, not a B-car. In all likelihood, it's just a unique showcase for Ford's alternative fuel technologies. I wonder how long before a powertrain like this could be mass-produced. How awesome would it be if Ford could bring that type of powertrain technology to market first; exactly the type of innovation needed to help turn things around. I'll keep my fingers crossed on that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sizzler Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 ...I wonder how long before a powertrain like this could be mass-produced. How awesome would it be if Ford could bring that type of powertrain technology to market first; exactly the type of innovation needed to help turn things around. I'll keep my fingers crossed on that. GM, who is working on a similar setup with its VOLT concept says the Lithium battery pack won't be ready for production use before 2010. It works as a prototype only right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linc Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 A vehicle for people that have special needs? That's a wonderful idea! Seriously, way to go with this one FORD. I'm actually impressed with this concept. Please do not consider this sarcasm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Misteredog Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 From what I've seen I like the concept, and I hope something resembling this does hit the road soon as a competitor to the like of the Scion xB. It's far nicer than the 2005 SYNus concept and the odd window shapes might well work if toned down a bit for production. I wonder if he hybrid powertain could be adapted to diesel or gasoline ICE as well as H2 fuel cells? If so it's even more interesting if they can get that into a reaworld production vehicle. To Watchdevil, I like the FiveHundred's greenhouse, just as I liked the greenhouse on my old '92 Crown Vic, and most Audi, Volvo, VW, and other recent Ford greenhouses. They afford great visibility in all directions and have classic flowing shape. The recent trend in many cars toward large C pillars, high beltlines and dropped rooflines is annoying to look at, and even more annoying to look out out of. In some vehicles, e.g. the Chrysler 300, the poor sightlines and large blind spots seem to present a safety issue. After a brief testdrive of a 300 I couldn't wait to exit the vehicle, navigating in a crowded urban environment or parking lot is a nightmare in one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackHorse Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 The last time I saw one of those it was in the movie Freejack with Emilo Estivez. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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