Ford at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show
Hybrids and horsepower, innovation and bold concepts are amongst the highlights on the Ford Motor Company stand at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week.Ford Edge
The Ford Edge crossover utility vehicle (CUV) is expected to be one of the stars of the Show. Edge’s bold design will turn heads in the CUV market – the fastest-growing vehicle segment in the US with over 2 million sold in 2005.
"The new Ford Edge is modern, stylish, sporty and will inject a healthy dose of American design and personality into the hot crossover market," says Peter Horbury, Ford’s executive director of North America Design.
Edge is powered by Ford's new 3.5-litre V6 engine and new six-speed automatic transmission – which help deliver a dynamic driving character and impressive fuel economy.
Inside the new Ford Edge comfortably seats five and is big on details and innovation: MP3-player, console laptop storage, panoramic Vista Roof™ , 20-ounce cup-holder is included in each front-door pocket, along with juice box holders in the rear door pockets, two super-size cup-holders in the center console and two in the rear armrest. Edge goes on sale in North America during the fourth quarter of 2006.
Ford Shelby GT500
One of the most anticipated and powerful cars coming in 2006 just got hotter with the announcement that a convertible version will join Ford’s line-up. Carroll Shelby and Ford Special Vehicle Team join forces to create a modern successor to the famous Shelby GT500 of the late 1960s.
This hot new car combines classic Mustang heritage with an aggressive muscular front-end design, Le Mans racing stripes, unmistakable "Cobra" logo and Shelby nameplate. With more than 450bhp on tap from its supercharged 5.4-litre V8 engine, the Shelby GT500 convertible will be the most powerful factory-built Ford Mustang in history.
Ford F-250 Super Chief Concept
The most advanced, well-appointed pickup ever, the Ford F-250 Super Chief displays the ultimate execution of rugged optimism and demonstrates innovation in technology as the world’s first vehicle with Tri-Flex fueling, enabling the supercharged V10 to run for 500 miles between fill-ups on hydrogen, E85 ethanol or gasoline.
The Ford F-250 Super Chief concept takes truck leadership to a new level. The tri-fuel flexibility is one possible innovation by Ford to help pave the way for hydrogen vehicles, as the US ethanol and hydrogen fueling infrastructure continues to develop.
Ford Reflex Concept
The Ford Reflex concept sets new standards for a small B-class coupe, demonstrating that small, environmentally friendly vehicles can be family friendly, visually appealing and sporty.
The Reflex Concept is a technological showcase including solar-panel powered headlights, integrated child seat, inflatable rear safety belts and an interior insulated by scrap Nike athletic shoes.
Under the bonnet an advanced diesel-electric hybrid engine and new-generation lithium-ion batteries help deliver up to 65mpg.