First Look: Ford EVOS Concept
Images of design study vehicle released before Frankfurt
Ford just released a number of photos of its EVOS concept car, scheduled to bow in Frankfurt in September.The four-door gullwing fasthatch is a design study meant to introduce, according to the presser, Ford's "first truly global design language as the momentum of the company's One Ford product plan continues to build." Should future Blue Oval-badged vehicles enjoy the streamlined silhouette, larger hexagonal grille and aggressive, slitted headlamps -- not to mention a more driver-focused, cockpit-like interior -- count us happy.
The concept is powered by a plug-in hybrid drivetrain (the same one in the C-Max Energi) that
stores and releases electricity, allowing the vehicle to operate primarily as an EV. Ford is touting it as a vehicle that adapts to the driver via all sorts of far-fetched conceptual technologies -- it "adjusts the driving experience" according to "the physical state and workload of the driver" and offers a "cloud-optimized hybrid powertrain" -- but who needs that nonsense? Check out, instead, the very slick design:
[Source: Ford.]
I found the size of the Caliber to be one size too large, and that was my first impression seeing the Focus Station Wagon on the road today.
That's why Ford offers a car one size smaller then the Focus.
That was one problem with the Caliber. Chrysler didn't offer anything smaller. That should change within the next year or so.
There was nothing technically wrong with the Caliber other then the fact that it wasn't attractive. So I would consider the above statement to be a good thing.
I don't think that it's a good thing personally. I found the size of the Caliber to be one size too large, and that was my first impression seeing the Focus Station Wagon on the road today. It just looked a little too tall to me. I think overall the Ford Fiesta/Chevrolet Sonic is a much better size. I know they don't get much better mileage than the Focus, but I find the smaller size to be more attractive.I like the design but what is up with the buttons on the seat? To me that would be a big distraction.
I think it's actually a good place to put some controls that aren't needed frequently but still you need to find on occasion without hunting all over the car. Like the trunk opener, hood opener, gas cap release, etc.EXPLORE NEW CARS
MORE ON MSN AUTOS
Chrysler relents, recalls 2.7M JeepsAutomaker recalls 2 Jeep models for fire hazards, but says they’re safe.
ABOUT EXHAUST NOTES
Cars are cool, and here at MSN Autos we love everything about them, but we also know they're more than simply speed and style: a car is an essential tool, a much-needed accessory to help you get through your day-to-day life. What you drive is also one of the most important investments you can make, so we'll help you navigate your way through the car buying and ownership experiences. We strive to be your daily destination for news, notes, tips and tricks from across the automotive world. So whether it's through original content from our world-class journalists or the latest buzz from the far corners of the Web, Exhaust Notes helps you make sense of your automotive world.
Have a story idea? Tip us off at exhaustnotes@live.com.
