| Make
|
Ford |
| Model |
Start |
| Concept
year |
2010 |
| Production
year |
- |
| Engine |
1.0
litre turbocharged 3-cyl |
The Ford Start concept made its world debut at the 2010
Beijing International Auto Show. The all-new concept,
which was developed at Ford's Strategic Concepts Group
Studios in Irvine, California, is designed to act as a
showcase for the company's new small-displacement EcoBoost
engine.
Many, if not all, car manufacturers have recognized over
recent years that there is a growing need for small, efficient
vehicles which are specifically designed for congested
urban areas. As the world's population increasingly moves
towards city life, the market for efficient city cars
is increasing rapidly - and Ford wants to use the Start
concept to explore some new styles and drivetrains which
will be a fit for these mega cities.
"Our ambition with the Ford Start Concept was
to design a car that goes beyond the practical realities
of commuting in these mega cities, to go beyond just dressing
the technology. We wanted to design a car you would also
love," explained Freeman Thomas, Design Director,
Ford Motor Company.
The EcoBoost drivetrain of the Start concept consists
of an inline 3-cylinder engine with a turbocharger and
direct injection. It is expected to produce comparable
power levels to a similar four-cylinder engine, while
also producing CO2 emissions under the 100 gm/km threshold.
The engine is coupled to a six-speed manual transmission
with gear ratios designed to offer a balance of performance
and fuel economy.
In appearance the Ford Start is quite different to the
company's current small car offerings like the new Ka
and Fiesta. It has a far simpler shape which is characterised
by gentle bubble-like curves and proportions.
"With the Ford Start Concept, we didn't set out
to design some sort of utilitarian concept to save the
world, nor were we interested in following the competitive
trend toward an overly noisy design language. What we
did set out to do was design a personality driven car
that exudes warmth, charm and aspiration…to design
a car worth bonding with," said J Mays, Group
Vice President Design and Chief Creative Officer, Ford
Motor Company.
Source: Ford via Jalopnik
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