Ford
Airstream
The
Ford Airstream concept displayed at the 2007 North American International Auto
Show was a crossover vehicle influenced by Airstream's iconic design and the
optimism for the future that Stanley Kubrick captured in his 1960s cult film 2001:
A Space Odyssey. The whole idea behind the Ford Airstream concept was to create
a vehicle for adventures, touring and traveling long distances in a unique
design.
The
Ford Airstream concept is powered by a plug-in hydrogen hybrid fuel cell
drivetrain that operates under electric power at all times. This advanced fuel
cell system is lighter and cheaper than today's fuel cells, and as a further
bonus it can operate in the dead of winter, most other fuel cells struggle when
the temperate drops below freezing.
The
unusual design of the Ford Airstream concept uses several different influences,
including aircraft and spacecraft for the windows, Airstream's mirror Finish
bodywork - on the concept Ford have used a unique reflective paint. The Ford
Airstream concept's bold, futuristic front-end explores a new look for Ford,
encapsulating the single-surface grille and headlamps into the same graphic.
The
Ford Airstream Concept's doors are asymmetric as well, allowing for easy
loading of passengers and cargo. In addition to the driver's side hatch, the
passenger side features a power clamshell door that runs two-thirds the length
of the vehicle. A three-door hatch finishes the rear of the crossover.
Inside,
the Ford Airstream concept features a floating instrument panel with
flush-mounted, touch-sensitive controls. A multifunction single gauge display
provides the driver all primary information. A Sharp dual-view screen centrally
mounted on the instrument panel provides a camera view and secondary driver-oriented
information, while allowing the front-seat passenger to view DVDs and post
mobile blogs.
Modern,
pod-shaped swiveling captain's chairs rotate so the driver and front-seat
passenger can easily socialize. In the rear of the Airstream concept, lounge-like
seating is sculptural, creating a continuous cocoon-like environment wrapped in
bold red fabric. The focal point of the rear seating area is a 360-degree
screen for entertainment and games. The unique screen not only creates ambient
mood settings including a modern lava lamp and virtual fire, but it also is an
entertainment source featuring games and a live camera feed.
