While most manufacturers these days are too busy either refining their V8 engines for maximum efficiency, or refining the interior appointments by increasing the size of their in-dash touchscreens, Ford seems to be heading for a different dimension altogether as evident in their latest Evos Concept.
Ford’s Evos concept is all about incorporating next-generation technologies into a vehicle which heavily relies on cloud connectivity, thereby allowing possibilities of fancy space age level driving experience seen only in Hollywood movies. The Evos concept is powered by Ford’s plug-in hybrid powertrain featuring the proven Ford Powersplit technology, where the vehicle’s electric motor and gasoline engine can work together or independently as required, depending on power and efficiency demands. The vehicle is capable of running only on batteries before switching to charge-sustaining hybrid mode for optimal fuel efficiency and larger driving ranges. The engine itself can work independent of the vehicle speed, charging the batteries or powering the drive wheels as needed. And when coalesced with cloud connectivity, the Evos concept shall automatically choose the best combination of drive modes depending on several data including driving habits, travel route, emission zone restrictions during the journey, weather conditions and so on.
With the Evos concept, Ford also intends to highlight their stride towards ambitious futuristic designs which shall influence the appearance of all their forthcoming products. The next-level driver interactions and a cockpit-inspired interior portray Ford’s strategy of building a true driver’s car.
The Evos concept will be unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. While we do not expect to see Evos concept on the roll any time in the near future, we do have a fair idea of what to expect from future Ford vehicles, at least in terms of design.