![Gran Turismo 5 demo coming to PSN on Dec 17, GT Academy returns [w/VIDEO]](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/370z-gt-academy_143x85.jpg)
Detroit Auto Show: Ford SYN-us Concept
What happens when you combine a Brinks Truck with a padded cell? The Ford SYN-us. It gets my nod for the worst concept name so far, and until I see the Infiniti, the worst looking concept. The truck is based off the small Fiesta platform. There's more pictures and information inside.
It seems that Ford is insinuating that if you live in an urban area in the United States, you need to have not only a small car, but a full armored small car. When parked and placed in secure mode, SYNUS deploys protective shutters over the windshield and side glass. Small windows on the flanks and roof are non-opening and bullet-resistant. The rear hatch has no window at all. WHA?
The best thing about this thing is the widescreen TV on the rear hatch that is used not only for watching movies, but to see whats behind you since there is no back window, cause if you live in an urban area, those back windows are dangerous.
Hey, it even has a combo lock on the door and a bank vault spinner-wheel. Thats useful.
The interior is padded all over and everything can be folded away to make a giant jump-around area. Weee!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Brad Barnett 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
I can't believe the name SYNus made it onto this concept. My SYNus is where I keep my snot.
Reply
David Thomas 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
The thing on the back (i would guess) is the camera. I think the idea of an LCD screen instead of a window is kind of cool. Although if you live in an urban area an LCD that big will be more dangerous than a window. the armor is total sci fi. Did KITT even have armor?
Reply
Geoff 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
The exterior looks like it belongs in the Robocop universe, and the interior looks like it's from 2001 A space odyssey.
Maybe it's a concept for the next generation military transport vehicle in Iraq.
Reply
SGV 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
Oh! Come on Walter it looks better than the HHR. Well, actually anything does.
Reply
Walter J Keegan 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
SGV, take the Ford blinders off, or maybe your glasses have shields that fall infront of it like the SYNus so you can't really see this thing? :-) I was hoping you weren't going to defend this, but alas, you disappointed me. This is bad. Really bad.
At least if you bought one, no one would be able to see you in it.
Reply
Ben 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
I don't think it's that bad looking compared to that Mitsubishi California Evo Cruiser Concept or whatever the hell it was...I have to imagine that putting two tons of armor plating on a regular Fiesta would make its teeny little axles snap though. It hardly looks worse than the new 7-series BMWs, IMO.
Reply
SGV 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
Walter, I hate to break the news to you but. . . its a concept :)
Now seriously, I don't know why Ford tried this AGAIN. They did the Bronco concept a few years ago with unimpressive results. This is like that same car but, . . . armored? Since I am Ford fan boy I sincerely wish they know what they are doing. I mean I really hate the Scion Xb or whatever is called -the boxy one-, and the Honda Element. But those cars seem to be doing fine. . . Why shouldn't Ford eat some of that cake?
Reply
Zlivruquok 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
That armor had better work, or you'll have a helluva time getting blood stains out of that white interior...
Reply
David Thomas 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
The concept is probably more to show off the technology. Like I said the rear camera/lcd thing is innovative. armor? well maybe one day. Ford doing a boxy compact? silly. leave that to the Japanese they can kind of pull it off.
Reply
KT 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
Can't say I like it. I sorta understand where they are trying to go with it. But who came up with the name? The internal chat boards are full of thoughts/comments (i'm being nice)this morning.
Reply
Charles S 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
It may be a little silly for some citizen living in the suburbs, but I think some neighborhoods, like mine, could use an armor car. As a matter of fact, during the last two weeks of December, there were at least two carjacking happened in my town.
We may want to also pull back and look at the big (global) picture here.
Iraq, is the first place that comes to mind here in the US. Former Iraqi intelligence are now using all the data gather on well-to-do Iraqis and have organized operation of kidnapping and demanding random for very specific amoung of money and assets. What about all the kidnappings and carjacking in South America, Russia, and Africa?
Hiring more police doesn't necessary mean more protection. They can't be everywhere. When things go bad, it's better to be able to protect yourself first (Clarification: DEFENSIVELY, like a safe-house/panic-room, NOT offensively, like shoot them before they shoot you, OK!?!).
Reply
Seth L 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
I wish my car had a jump-around area!
Couldn't they have put the neat new tech-toys in something that looked decent? And the name seems to show that someone involved thought it was a joke.
Reply
jkchou 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
Synus?! What was Ford marketing thinking!?
Reply
terry 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
cool as hell!!! when can i get one???? i love it... i hope its made,i'll be first in line!!!
Reply
fes 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
well i think this model is really neat..well i would since i work for a armored car co and if i could afford one i would buy one just for my collection ..very nice
Reply
Peter 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
Believe it or not this is a look alike for a 1985 Grumman Kubvan, the original design of the LLV built for the postal service
Reply
chris 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
this vehicle looks like a great idea something fresh I want one!
Reply
valdeschristian 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
Guys come on.... I love space age everything, this Car rocks... I have read all of your comments about this and the negative ones should just shut up... Hey guys at Ford... Bravo.....All the trekkies love this.....
This car will do very well......and don't lisen to those bull-horns.....
Reply
Marky 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
I would buy one today if it was available and I live in the suburbs! My car has been broken into 3 times in the past year. I need an armored car...lol
Reply
Cowboy Dan 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
Maybe somebody at Ford got wind of this.
http://www.ebaumsworld.com/crazyguy.html
I'm pretty sure the woman driving the PT cruiser would be first in line for a SYN-us.
Reply