Soundbites: Ford Atlas Concept
Earlier today, Ford Motor Company revealed the bold and versatile Ford Atlas Concept, a groundbreaking exploration of potential technologies, fuel efficiency advancements and capability improvements that are designed to meet the work and recreation needs of tomorrow's truck buyers. Gordon Platto, Chief Designer, says the Ford Atlas Concept has signature design features that are part of Built Ford Tough DNA, including the nostril grill, the drop-down belt and a few new aesthetic features that are functional, serving life style and work interest.
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| Cut #1: |
"We're looking at a drop down feature in the roof, with a roof cradle, that works with a little element that pops out of the tailgate, and allows you to haul long boards, and canoes and so forth." :10 sec. |
| While this is still in concept mode, The Ford Atlas Concept is powered by a next-generation twin-turbocharged, direct injection EcoBoost engine striving to achieve better fuel efficiency with some added features like Auto Start-Stop engine shutoff technology in heavy traffic or stop-and-go conditions. | |
| Cut #2: |
"One of the key features we show on this is active wheel shutters, that we call them, where the windows of the wheels actually close-out to improve aerodynamics, we've got active grill shutters, that actually close-out at speed, which will deflect the air and help improve fuel economy. We've got an integrated tailgate spoiler, it's about a six-inch wide, basically a platform on the tailgate surface that allows for better aerodynamics, that will in-turn help out with the fuel economy." :25 sec. |
| Platto says they listen very carefully to customer wants and needs. The Ford Atlas Concept was built to function as a workhorse and transportation after the day is done to fit the consumers lifestyle. | |
| Cut #3: |
"If they want to go out to dinner with their family, they like to be able to get their whole family in, that's why this is a crew-cab, and then they like to feel comfortable pulling up to a nice restaurant and not ashamed to jump out of their work truck. But these trucks are now designed to clean-up really well and dress-up really nicely as well as serve their primary function of a work truck." :18 sec. |
| Inspiration for the Ford Atlas Concept comes from a deep understanding of truck customer needs that's advanced through decades of design and engineering learning with customers at the job site, not in a lab. Platto says one of those features in this Atlas concept includes Trailer Backup Assist that could help even novices park a trailer like a pro. | |
| Cut #4: |
"It's a knob that allows you to take your hands-off the wheel, once you get in position and direct your trailer you can take your hands-off the wheel and the truck will do the rest for you in backing-up straight." :10 sec. |
| The Ford Atlas Concept exterior and interior uses Cobalt Blue accent lighting, that customers say they wanted. Platto says it typically is a three year process to go from sketch phase to production. | |
| Cut #5: |
"Again this is strictly a concept, a place for us to get actually kind of do a little market research event and really see how some of the really unique features, that we really want to see how they resonates with the customer." :11 sec. |