Ford Start Concept 2010

[Revo]

Ford Start Concept

Small, green, smart and fun, the Ford Start Concept revealed at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show is a pure, bespoke concept car from Ford Motor Company making its global debut in China. The Ford Start Concept plays an important role to preview the latest in Ford green technology with its groundbreaking 1.0-litre, three-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine.

The Ford Start Concept was inspired by the world’s fast-growing mega cities and the unique needs and mindset of their inhabitants. With heavy traffic, limited parking and fuel efficiency being key concerns among urban drivers, the Ford Start concept provides a vision into a future sporty, small-car package that meets a multitude of primary driving objectives, particularly among first-time buyers.

The Ford Start concept is more than a design exploration into the feasibility of a future small car, however. That’s because it previews the smallest engine yet in the growing Ford EcoBoost engine family.

The powerful new Ford EcoBoost 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine is engineered to bring the EcoBoost promise for fuel efficiency to small cars with compact engine compartments. This very real technology will come into production in the near future to deliver CO2 emissions of less than 100 g/km but power and drivability comparable to larger petrol I4 powerplants.

The Ford Start Concept also has adopted smart phone technology to perform a multitude of in-car functions. This aspirational design concept uses lightweight material and efficient aerodynamics.

source: media.ford.com

[Revo]

Ford Start Concept #2

[Commodore GS/E]

I think it was also inspired by the Fiat 500. Sort of.

[Ferrer]

I think this looks better than the Ka. And the engine looks interesting.

EDIT They say it will debut in the Mk 3 Focus, but I'm not sure it's a good idea.

[LeonOfTheDead]

I actually think that this, even if better looking than the present Ka, doen't look like a Ford at all. I actually thought it was a Fiat.

The engine may work on the Focus, if you don't plan to drive it out if the city or on the motorway everyday.

[Revo]

IMO this is the most interesting (and good looking) concept from Ford in the past few years.

The designer is Freeman Thomas btw.

[Commodore GS/E]

I actually think that this, even if better looking than the present Ka, doen't look like a Ford at all. I actually thought it was a Fiat.

Ageed. Not enough elements of Fords current kinetic design language. I like the roofline, though. Very dynamic^^

[f6fhellcat13]

I think designers should really look into this great thing called headlights, not light slits.

[Ferrer]

Ageed. Not enough elements of Fords current kinetic design language. I like the roofline, though. Very dynamic^^

Maybe this will signal the introduction of new design language.

Which, well seems like they could be heading in the right direction.

[Roentgen]

I love it. I love it so much I want one. It is very modern... yet somewhat retro.

[IBrake4Rainbows]

This is a gorgeous concept and I hope it can translate to a production model fairly unfettled.

the best part of it is the lightness of the roof pillars, which of course won't make the transition, but the Volvoesque Trusses are very strong and lightweight...

Intelligent, pretty, lightweight. Pretty much the perfect car.

[LeonOfTheDead]

I think the car is a bit of incongruous after the last pillar, the way the rear window is shaped doesn't cut it, my 2 cents.

Still think it looks more of a Fiat rather than a Ford. I thought it was like the next 500 with a design of its own rather than the usual retro touch. Too bad Fiat barely makes a concept car every 10.000 years.

[W.R.]

Pretty much the perfect car.

Is that not taking things a little too far? Of course a concept car is going to seem good when all you have to go on is a press release and pictures of a Fiat 500 and Citroen Revolte mash up.

[IBrake4Rainbows]

I don't see a Revolte/500 mash up, personally.

What I see is a really interesting take on the wrap-around daylight opening, coupled with elegantly simple surfacing and, I'll admit, a little bit of a messed up grille.

I'm a visual person and where you see mash up, I see retro futurism. And daddy like.

[PRC777]

I admit, it is somewhat very appealing...