Ford Start Concept debuts at Beijing

Ford has presented in Beijing its new concept vehicle developed thinking in the needs of citizens of the world’s mega cities. The Start Concept is a small, green, smart and fun car aimed at the increasing urban population.

“Our ambition with the Ford Start Concept was to design a car that transcends the practical realities of commuting in these mega cities and goes beyond just dressing the technology.  We wanted to design a car you would also love,” explained Freeman Thomas, design director

“The team has delivered a concept car which reflects a decidedly playful take on Ford kinetic design and builds on our fun-to-drive DNA, yet addresses real issues that everyone will be facing in the future of car design,” said Martin Smith, executive director, Ford Europe and Asia Pacific Design.

Besides its design the Start Concept also features a preview of a fuel-efficient petrol Ford EcoBoost engine with just three cylinders and 1.0 litre of displacement, but at the same time with the power of a larger, 1.6-litre I4 engine. This engine is fitted with a five-speed manual transmission which enables gear spacing to deliver performance without sacrificing fuel economy.

In terms of exterior design the Start Concept has a smooth exterior shell constructed with lightweight composite body panels. It was developed thinking in aerodynamics, featuring several details to reduce its drag.

Ford’s trademark kinetic trapezoidal grill has moved upwards reducing the number of prominent openings from two to one and also creating a face that is more sporting and efficient.

Designed to deceive the wind the exterior surface of the Ford Start Concept has been conceived with flush-mounted aerodynamic features, which provide a minimum amount of drag while pulling off maximum fuel efficiency.

With length, width and height of 3700mm, 1672mm and 1400mm, respectively, the Ford Start Concept was also fitted with a full underbody belly pan in order to minimise the aerodynamic inefficiencies found under the car.