You’ve heard us use the term “global design” before on TheFordStory.com; it
basically refers to the foundation of new Ford products that can be used
worldwide. To simplify that even further, it’s like automotive DNA. And, it’s
also part of the One Ford product plan.

The Ford Evos Concept, which will officially debut at the 64^th
Frankfurt International Motor Show, held September 15-25, 2011, might give you
the biggest hint of all regarding the DNA of the next generation of Ford cars
and crossovers.

“The Ford Evos Concept is a strong statement of intent from the global
design team, and highlights the compelling vision we have for our future
products. We believe that the new generation of buyers around the world has
higher expectations for a more premium design language in all products,”
explained J Mays, Group Vice President, Design and Chief Creative Officer.

Take special note of the interior and exterior of the four-seater. There’s a
fastback roof profile, which screams aerodynamic efficiency. There’s a sporty
appearance. Its architecture is muscular. And about the face: The familiar Ford
inverted trapezoid grille has been moved upward, which you might have already
noticed on the new Focus Electric and Focus ST.

But it’s not only the design that’s important here. “The Ford Evos Concept
unites three key elements which are at the core of our One Ford global product
strategy: outstanding design, smart technologies and fuel economy leadership,”
said Derrick Kuzak, Group Vice President of Global Product Development.

Driver interaction and awareness are key features. You’ve heard references
to “the cloud”? It’s alive and well here. The technology on the Ford Evos
Concept reflects a new generation of driver interaction and awareness currently
under development in the Ford Research and Innovation laboratories. Seamless
connectivity between the vehicle and the driver’s “personal cloud” of
information is at the heart of its capabilities. Ford researchers are focusing
efforts on delivering four key customer benefits: personalization, enhancement
of the driving experience, looking after the driver’s well-being and smart
electrified powertrain optimization.

Using information from the cloud, the vehicle can provide the same connected
lifestyle the driver experiences at home or office. The car knows the driver
and automatically adapts handling, steering and engine controls to deliver a
dynamic driving experience. For example, imagine if it could automatically play
the same music or news program that was just streaming at home, or heat or cool
the interior to an ideal temperature before you got in, without input from you,
since it would predict your departure time based on your calendar. Wirelessly
communicating with devices in the home, it could close the garage door and switch
off the lights automatically as it pulls away.

Learning driver habits and capabilities, the technology can overlay map and
weather data sourced from the cloud to adjust powertrain, steering, suspension
and braking systems for comfort and safety. And Ford researchers have already developed technologies focused on driver
wellness, such as the heart-rate monitoring seat and certified allergy-free
interiors. With a seamless connection to the cloud, the Ford Evos Concept
monitors the physical state and workload of the driver and adjusts the driving
experience accordingly. The concept is also equipped with advanced air quality
sensors and filtration systems to help allergy sufferers. Location-aware, it
can access air-quality data from the cloud and proactively suggest a healthier
route to the destination.

In dynamic driving situations, the vehicle may simplify the appearance of
the instrument panel to display only necessary gauge information and switch the
driver’s connected smartphone to Do Not Disturb mode to help keep the focus on
the road. What about performance? The Ford Evos Concept is a state-of-the-art
lithium-ion plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, providing the same
next-generation performance and fuel economy as the Ford C-MAX Energi scheduled for introduction in North America in 2012 and Europe in 2013. Cloud
connectivity would provide further opportunities to enhance performance and
efficiency by selecting the optimum combination of powertrain modes for any
given journey. Ford researchers are working to increase understanding of driver
behavior, develop accurate protocols to predict it and enhance the trip by
providing the smartest use of fuel or battery for the situation. The
cloud-optimized powertrain would automatically “know” when to save energy and
switch modes, using information about the vehicle’s predicted travel route, any
emission zone restrictions during the journey and current weather conditions.