Autoblog

Ford reveals concept trucks that ultimately became Atlas

Zach Bowman — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:50:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Truck, Ford, Design/Style

The Ford Atlas Concept was one of the quiet success stories of the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, and now Ford has given us a quick glimpse as to how that creation came to be. Designers actually combined two early sketches to build the Atlas. One, called the Bullet Train, is a futuristic, aerodynamic creation, while the other, aptly named the Locomotive, features the squared off proportions we're familiar with.

Once designers settled on the truck's proportions, they began nailing down exactly which attributes they wanted the final design to have. The Concept's notched windshield originated as a forked glass roof that seamlessly transitioned into the windscreen.

Likewise, designers wanted to fit the truck's tailgate with a storage compartment for tools and a first aid kit, but settled on the dual-purpose step/cargo cradle. Interestingly enough, the concept's active aero shutter wheels actually originated in some of the earliest sketches. Check out the photos and slides here for a closer look.

Ford reveals concept trucks that ultimately became Atlas originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #322

Dan Roth — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:45:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Podcasts, Bentley, Jeep, Lincoln, Subaru, Toyota, Tesla, Electric

2014 Jeep Cherokee, Tesla profit, 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur, Ford Atlas chief designer Gordon Platto

Episode #322 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff Ross talk about the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, Tesla's cautious announcement of a first-quarter profit, the 2014 Bentley Flying Spur and Zach and Dan share an interview with Gordon Platto, chief designer for the Ford Atlas Concept truck from this year's Detroit Auto Show. We wrap with a couple of your questions, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #322:

Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
2013 Toyota Prius V
2013 Lincoln MKS

Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, Jeff Ross

Runtime: 01:26:23

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #322

Autoblog Podcast #322 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #322 LIVE!

Dan Roth — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:16:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Bentley, Ford, Jeep, Tesla, Electric

We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #322 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments regarding the rest of the week's news via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #322

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #322 LIVE! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #317

Dan Roth — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 17:50:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota, Volvo

Mitsubishi Mirage, Toyota thinks of beefing up US production, Marchionne on Alfa, Dart and minivans, Ford Atlas concept, Honda Gear concept

Episode #317 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Jeff Ross and Michael Harley bookend the other podcast topics with a pair from the Montreal Auto Show, the Mitsubishi Mirage and Honda Gear concept, and in between we talk about Toyota building all its US-market cars stateside, Hyundai building a Nurburgring test facility, Sergio Marchionne's latest words about Alfa Romeo, Dodge Dart powertrains and the future of Chrysler vans. Some chatter about the Ford Atlas concept finishes up the meat of the 'cast and then we wrap with your questions. For those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #317:

Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Volvo C30
2013 Dodge Journey
2013 Nissan Altima

Hosts: Dan Roth, J eff Ross, Michael Harley

Runtime: 01:50:11

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #317

Autoblog Podcast #317 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac ELR, Nissan Resonance and Ford Atlas win Eyes on Design awards

John Neff — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Nissan, Design/Style

This year's annual Eyes on Design awards were presented at the end of press days for the Detroit Auto Show on Tuesday. Given out for the best production and concept car designs that debuted at the show, and voted on by an esteemed panel of actual car designers, this year's award for best production vehicle design went to the 2014 Cadillac ELR. The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette, which was the show favorite among Autoblog editors, apparently did not impress the Eyes on Design judges enough with its all-new vent-festooned design.

The award for best concept design was actually split as a tie among the Nissan Resonance and Ford Atlas concepts. Last year's winners were the 2013 Ford Fusion and the Lexus LF-LC concept.

The Eyes on Design organization also presented a new honor this year called the Catalyst Award to Bob Lutz, former Vice Chairman of General Motors. Lutz is reported to have given a defense of design in his acceptance speech, arguing that advancements in quality across the industry as a whole have made good design a key differentiator for buyers.

Cadillac ELR, Nissan Resonance and Ford Atlas win Eyes on Design awards originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jan 2013 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Atlas Concept carries the weight of the F-150 on its shoulders [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:53:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Truck, Ford

Ford has taken a shot at the freshly unveiled Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra with the Atlas Concept. Unveiled at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, the brutish pickup gives us a glimpse at what the next-generation F-150 may bring to the table. With active wheel shutters and a "smart" chin spoiler capable of altering the vehicle's aerodynamics on the fly, Ford says the concept offers substantially better fuel efficiency than the company's current pickup offerings. There are no drivetrain specifics available at the moment, but Ford says the Atlas relies on a "next-generation" Ecoboost mill for power, complete with a start-stop system.

Other handy tricks include a tail gate step that doubles as a cargo cradle, which can support longer materials strapped across the vehicle's roof. Dynamic Hitch Assist automatically lines up the pickup's tow hitch with a trailer, while a 360-degree camera provides a perfect view of the truck's surroundings. You can check out the full press release below for more information, as well as official shots from Ford and our live shots in the attached galleries.

Continue reading Ford Atlas Concept carries the weight of the F-150 on its shoulders [w/video]

Ford Atlas Concept carries the weight of the F-150 on its shoulders [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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