Ford Reflex concept resists retro
The February issue of Road&Track features some
supplied photos of Ford’s passenger car concept called the Reflex that will debut in Detroit next week. It seems
Ford wants to get away from retro for a bit, and designer Freeman Thomas (formerly of Chrysler) has certainly created
an original design that doesn’t rely on past influences. R&T reports that the Reflex features a 1.4L turbodiesel with hybrid-electric assist, making it a low-slung sports car with serious eco-intentions. The hatchback seats three in a 2 1 configuration with the rear passenger straddling the middle and flanked on either side by storage. Gull-wing doors open up to reveal front seat frames that are exposed and wrapped in a semi-transparent mesh material, which, along with a glass roof, supposedly makes the interior appear larger than it is.
The Reflex is certainly unique, though Road&Track lumps it together with the Iosis introduced in Frankfurt last year. Frankly we don’t see the resemblance but rather see differences that are due no doubt to the fact that one was designed in North America and the other Europe. Though it’s difficult to see in these pics, Ford’s prominent three-bar grille is present here low on the car’s face, which suggests that the design of the Reflex contains some elements we may see in future Ford products. Probe replacement, perhaps?
[Source: Road&Track magazine, February 2006]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
James 8:34AM (1/02/2006)
I can see the similarity between the Iosis and this - it's in the hips and the surfacing over the door, plus the wheels are very similar. There's also a bit of Visos ( http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z7313/Ford_Visos/default.aspx ) in the hips, the tail and the overall package.
Reply
Car-la 5:13PM (1/02/2006)
What's even more striking than the design for me is the engine choice. This is a diesel-coupe-concept, something that was only deemed possible in Europe so far. Hopefully, some more diesels will make it across the pond, as well. That good ol' swell of torque from low down would be worth it. Not to speak of the gas-mileage.
Reply
doug delano 9:49AM (1/04/2006)
This production proposal (I hope) is positively 21st century gorgeous, and the power set up is just what much of the public wants, at least today...
Reply
ffass 5:21PM (1/23/2006)
If ford can deliver cutting technology and design as is so powerfully evident in this car then they will certainty rebound, and deservedly so, from their financial woes. Though my next point may seem minor, as a graphic designer I think that now is the time for Ford to scrap their antiquated, hackneyed 19th century Ford logo design and adopt a brand new logo design that's says "we're boldly innovating for the future."
Reply
sherwood baker 7:17PM (1/24/2006)
ALl I can say is wow. Ford Motor Company if you make something like this I will write out the check. I am looking for an automobile like this to shove in some of the smug import owners around work!
Reply
Corey872 1:13PM (1/27/2006)
Ughhh...I can only spot two real things wrong with this concept. First, they would never build it as it looks. It will probably come out looking more like a Festiva, which is a shame because I think the concept looks pretty stunning. Second, it is a Ford. I've had three Fords and I've had three Fords burst into flame while driving due to various electrical and mechanical defects. Each time I chalk it up to that one vehicle just being a lemon, but after three???
I guess if they actually built this car pretty much as shown, I might be lured back for one more round.
Reply