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| Ford Visos Design Study Ford signals future design direction through new Visos concept car
Chris Bird, Ford of Europe Design Director, on Visos: "We wanted Visos to be a car from which we could take ideas and features and flow them through into future models.Ý Above all, we wanted it to remind everyone that, despite the hugely competitive nature of todayís automotive business, the young design group inside Ford of Europe can express themselves in a more esoteric way. "We knew the sky wasnít the limit ñ we needed to set targets, we needed to define the parameters, and we needed to make sure it was undoubtedly a Ford.Ý As Ford designers, we also wanted to ensure that the vehicle we created would send a message about how we see the European ìblue ovalî car of the future evolving, in terms of design language and cues, and also in terms of customer-focused technology. "Visos is the fusion of a true sports car and a luxury touring car. It adapts seamlessly to the driverís demands, delivering a motoring experience that is as stirring and inspiring as the appearance of the vehicle itself. Visos has ample space for up to four adults, and many innovations that clearly set it apart from any current production vehicle." Chris Svensson, Design Chief, on Visos: "To me, Visos is all about innovation. As the name suggests, Visos is a strong hint at the shape of things to come. It gives a glimpse not only of what Ford of Europeís future vehicles may look like, but also of the challenges that designers will face in the future. Our team not only addressed each of Visosí challenges, but also often turned them into advantages that allowed us to entertain, to be dramatic and truly to push at the limits of car design. "Comfortably fitting four adults into a sleek, sports coupÈ silhouette that is only marginally longer than a Focus, is unprecedented. By giving Visos dramatic, wide shoulders, we were able to move equipment that would normally be found behind the instrument panel, into the carís flanks. This in turn allowed us to dramatically decrease the size of the instrument panel, freeing up valuable cabin space. "We decided to use doors that open in a conventional way, but extended them to cut deep into the roofline. The roof itself lifts up and folds inward on either side, for easy access to the rear seats. Despite interior space that is appropriate to a luxury touring car, we managed to retain the energetic lines of a sports coupÈ. We also hid the B-pillar behind the side-window glass, and created a sharply curved C-pillar to give a distinctively Ford look to the side view." Chris Hamilton, Exterior Design Manager, on Visos: "From the outset of the project we wanted to create a vehicle that incorporated clean, elegant lines and dramatic proportions that conveyed its purpose and character.Ý Using ëActive Surfacingí, we were able to hide the aerodynamic aids normally associated with high performance cars and only call on them when required.Ý This retains the purity of Visosí purposeful exterior shape without compromising its performance potential.Ý "When the driver selects Sport mode it initiates a series of changes to the exterior, the interior and to the performance characteristics of the car.Ý Externally, this results in the deployment of the front splitter, the rear diffuser and the rear spoiler.Ý In 'comfort' mode the vehicle does not necessarily require the same aerodynamic assistance and so these devices are retracted into the body. "ëActive Surfacingí is also evident in integrated door cameras that fold flush into the door panels when the vehicle has been ëshut downí.Ý When the engine is started the cameras automatically rotate out of the door surfaces.Ý The camera imaging system provides a clear rear view and it features ëblind spot detectioní to warn the driver if it is not safe when changing lanes.Ý When the car is parked the cameras retract into the carís bodywork, ensuring that they are fully protected from dirt or damage.Ý "The front lights use a combination of different technologies to create a distinctive light graphic that is a key design signature for the face of the car.Ý It was very important to the team that the car have a strong presence on the road, even at night, and that it was clearly identifiable." Paul Campbell, Interior Designer, on Visos: "The inside of Visos is full to the brim with technology and innovation. My favourite part, though, is the sculpted instrument pod, mounted on the steering wheel.Ý It consists of a large analogue circular dial flanked by two customisable LCD panels. This is another design element that demonstrates the dual personality with displays that can be either performance-orientated or luxury-inclined. We have really loaded up the inside of Visos with useful technology.Ý Yet it is designed to be accessible to people who are not technically minded.Ý Most of the conventional dials and switches have been replaced by a high definition LCD monitor in the centre console. This allows easy, central control and assessment of all vehicle functions. The LCD panels and monitors used in Visos are Sony screens that incorporate next generation LCD technology, which provides improved contrast and brightness. "We partnered with Sony to incorporate state-of-the-art electronics technology into Visos.Ý Ford also worked with Biganimal Design, London to explore new ways to display and interact with information on the LCD screens.ÝÝ The result is systems that are intuitive to use, yet allow full control over all aspects of the car ñ from in-car entertainment, like DVDs, to the GPS Navigation system and the climate control system. The inside of Visos is just as exciting as its outside." |
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