Friday, May 3, 2013
Best Ford Vertrek Concept
Alan Mulally insisted Ford resurrect the Taurus namplate, then turned the Explorer into a midsize crossover sport/utility. Can he, will he, name the sleek new Vertrek an obvious hint for the 2013 Escape replacement -- the Escape? The Vertrek concept, unveiled at the North American International Auto Show, goes on sale in early 2012 and is Escape in size and European Kuga in its use of Martin Smith sleek kinetic design language. Like the Focus and C-Max with which it will share its front-drive platform, the Vertreks profile features a "Zorro Flip" with converging Z-shaped accents between the front quarter-panel, the doors, and the rear quarter-panel. The hoods center bulge, with its unusual cutout pattern just ahead of the windshield, is said to be production-ready, though the skylight-style glass roof panel behind .
The deeply drawn lower-profile accents also are a good indication of production. Dont count on the sequential LED taillamps and certainly not the sleek, low sideview mirrors, which help create a wing look by connecting with the dashboard. The deep-bucket 2+2 seats are pure concept, but the interior materials give good hints at the level of attention Ford interior designers paid to the inside. From the outside, add a thick B-pillar, remove the power-operated foldout running boards, and youve got a good look at the next Escape. Weve pulled the A-pillar forward and made a sleeker roofline, with a sport coupe-like rear roof resembling the current Kuga, says J Mays, Ford group vice president for design and chief creative officer. People actually think lowered the car, but we haven.
