Ford's design schools merge in Vertrek concept

Ford has lifted the covers off the Vertrek concept in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

A design study for a compact SUV, the Vertrek incorporates 'Kinetic Design' styling cues from the European-market Kuga, but takes the styling further.

Ford has been reticent about whether the Vertrek will become a production reality -- but it is built on the Global C segment (Focus) platform and could enter production in fairly short order if the company decides to give the go-ahead. As mentioned in an earlier report, the Kuga is believed to have some years left in it, but Ford is reported to be planning for a new compact SUV to be built in the US to replace the Escape. Under the 'One Ford' regime, such a vehicle would also replace the Kuga, in due course.

A fact sheet available through Ford's global media website reveals that the Vertrek is slightly greater in length and wheelbase than both the existing Escape and Kuga. At 2789mm, the Vertrek's wheelbase is 99mm longer than Kuga's and about 170mm longer than Escape's. The overall length of the Vertrek (4534mm) leaves it 97mm longer than the Escape and 91mm longer than Kuga. In width too, Vertrek (1875mm) beats the Escape (1805mm) and Kuga (1842mm), but the Escape stands taller than the Vetrek (1679mm).

The larger dimensions for the SUV concept are a consequence of stretching the design to offer North American buyers the sort of luggage capacity the Escape boasts and the wheel-in-each-corner stance of the Kuga -- all topped off with some length and sleekness in the body for aerodynamic efficiency and fuel savings.

Unintentionally or otherwise, there's an ambiguity in the phrase 'Kinetic Design'. Not only is it design based around movement -- but the styling theme itself doesn't stand still. The Kinetic Design of today -- as seen in Fiesta and Mondeo -- will evolve into a design strategy for the near future, one that integrates styling details close to the hearts of global consumers. For the moment, Kinetic Design is seen as very much a Ford Europe initiative, but the company aims to harmonise its design across all global products.

The Vertrek introduces new technologies bundled together in the one package, including Blind Spot Information System, Active Park Assist, Auto Start-Stop and Smart Regenerative Charging. Ford's press material posits three engines for the US in the event the Vertrek goes into production: a 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine, a 2.0-litre EcoBoost and a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine -- all four-cylinders. For Europe, in theory, the Vertrek would be limited to the 1.6-litre EcoBoost four and a 2.0-litre turbodiesel.

"Based on the reception of the Fiesta and all-new Focus models, customers are excited by our new global design strategy," said Ford executive design director, Martin Smith. "So it makes absolute sense to offer kinetic design in our next generation of compact utility vehicles as well."

"Overall, the Vertrek concept is a sleeker, sportier and smarter representation of what customers want in a compact SUV."

"Additionally, the exquisite detailing, such as the execution of the head-lamps, tail-lamps and wheels, evokes advanced technology and craftsmanship."

Even if the Vertrek doesn't go into production, it is a sure sign of Ford's on-going commitment to reduce global platforms through the 'One Ford' rationalisation program.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...