Detroit, Michigan - Ford unveiled the Ford Reflex concept today, an environmentally-friendly small sporty car with a fuel-efficient diesel-electric hybrid powertrain that delivers up to 65 mpg (U.S.), according to the automaker.
The Reflex has such unique features as solar panel-powered headlights, a flexible interior made from synthetic and regenerated materials, sound insulation made from scrap Nike running shoes, integrated child seat, and inflatable rear safety belts.
The Reflex features an electric motor on the rear axle in addition to the hybrid propulsion system on the front axle. The rear motor provides all-wheel-drive capability. Energy is stored in a new-generation lithium-ion battery pack, using the same technology found in cell phones. Its Ford-patented battery-charging headlight system improves fuel economy by using the sun's power to charge the on-board batteries, while capturing and reusing the daylight at night.
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The vehicle's low-voltage circuitry is exposed beneath the glass roof and rear hatch, and the roof also features self-powered solar fans that cool the car when parked.
Inside, its mesh seat covers are transparent and sheer, offering maximum airflow for comfort and style. At the touch of a button, the instrument cluster controls appear in a cool blue hue as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) switch on. Located in the centre console, touch-screen technology helps reduce driver distraction. Shift paddles that control the 6-speed semiautomatic transmission are tucked behind the steering wheel.
The back seat offers unique small-car flexibility. A second-row "love seat" can accommodate two children or one adult. With a push of a button, a divider bar raises through the seat bottom, transforming one seat into two.
Rear-seat passengers also have the luxury of watching their favourite movie on two small flat-screen monitors mounted to the lower portion of the front seatbacks. Like the front seats, the rear seats feature mesh wrapped around a lightweight inner frame.
Advanced safety technologies include inflatable safety belts, BeltMinder for backseat passengers, side air curtains, a love seat fitted with an integrated rear-facing child safety seat, and a "baby cam" in the headliner.
"Ford Reflex is a small car that doesn't feel small," says Freeman Thomas, director, North American Strategic Design. "It is a gorgeous sporty car that delivers guilt free performance with a hybrid engine. And thanks to its innovative approach to the interior, it has space for growing families."
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"i promise we won't get drunk, and go out in boat in the dark, stand up in the boat and fire the gun into the air unless we have life jackets on."
Oh! almost forgot - The Diesel end of the powertrain comes from a 1.4liter turbo and 6spd semiauto, which I assume refers to manual tranny but with an auto clutch(That's what it is on an ATV anyway).
I think the rear looks like ass, but the profile and 3/4 view are tits!
I can't help but think how nice that would be with rear wheel drive, and the powertrain from the Focus RS... the SRT4/Si/SS wouldn't stand a chance.
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"i promise we won't get drunk, and go out in boat in the dark, stand up in the boat and fire the gun into the air unless we have life jackets on."
kinda looks like other proto type cars out there
kinda similar looking to the skyline , and evo x
i like the side more than the front or back
It is a cool looking little car. Now lets just see if it ever gets built.
Semper Fi SAINT. May you rest in peace.
we all must be looking at a different car. i think it looks like butt!
GO PATS!!!
I think it has some simularities to the Crossfire...
Lotta good ideas on it. What the funk are inflatable seat belts?
Just another concept car that will only see 1% in actual production...
I have seen a lot uglier concepts then this. I'd give it a B+ for looks...
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it looks cool....but i dont like the price tag....i read an article in out local newspaper and it said that the price would be around 12-15k.
it should be a little bigger and *gasp* more expensive. otherwise its like a super tricked out geo metro. can you imagine if they made this thing compete with the solstice and other sport compacts?
although the reverse/suicide/lambo/gull wing doors kick ass
-----I'm such a NEWB!-----
---caleb
its decent. the headlights look horrible. the rest is pretty nice looking, but that ford emblem on the front completely ruins it.
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The Redneck wrote:we all must be looking at a different car. i think it looks like butt!
Agreed. WTF is with those wheels?! They must be 40-lb each! Doors definitely don't get my vote...
But realistically, the principle behind the mechanics or drivetrain and powerdrain, as well as most other functional parts of the vehicle, is pretty bitchin'. 65MPG's... Yowzaaahhh!
I would like it better if it didn't have the terrible name "Reflex". It kinda looks like the old Ford Probe.
I think they should keep everything but the rear end and put a something that actually makes power, like a V8 or turbo V6 in it and call it the new Probe.
The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there's a 90% probability you'll get it wrong.
FireStarter wrote:it looks cool....but i dont like the price tag....i read an article in out local newspaper and it said that the price would be around 12-15k.
it should be a little bigger and *gasp* more expensive. otherwise its like a super tricked out geo metro. can you imagine if they made this thing compete with the solstice and other sport compacts?
although the reverse/suicide/lambo/gull wing doors kick ass
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Don't worry they would never sell it that cheap!
If it's not network news, it's probably the truth getting out.
