Ford Model U concept SUV
by on 12. 2.04
Nearly 100 years after Ford unveiled the groundbreaking Model T, they’ve finally decided to again move along the alphabet. With a vehicle that is trying to be as much of a mould breaker as its predecessor was. The Model U is a prototype SUV. Lets ignore, for the moment, the question of whether the planet needs another such beast. And look instead at the innovations captured by the Model U. A vehicle that has felt the hand of Cradle-to-Cradle design guru William McDonough. The Marc Newson of green design - he’s everywhere!
Firstly, to put your mind at ease the Model U is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell supercharged engine. Almost nil CO2 emissions and 25% more fuel efficient than a petrol (gasoline) engine. the equivalent of 45 mpg (5.2lt/100km)and about 300 miles (480km) of range. All without a loss in power output. A world first.
While some the other Model U developments, noted below, may not be world beaters, they hopeful show a shift in direction for the American automotive industry and may be possible world savers:
• recyclable polyester on seats, dash, steering wheel, headrests, door trim, and armrests.
• a corn-based biopolymer for the retractable canvas roof and carpet mats. (Watch those GMOs.)
• also corn-based fillers in the rubber tyres as a partial substitute for rubber black to improve rolling resistance and thus fuel economy
• soy-based composite resins form the rear tailgate and side panels
• soy-based composite foam for seating
• all the armrests are interchangeable for ease of maintenance and remanufacturing
• lightweight, recyclable aluminium body
• versatile body shape and design, converts from a sedan to a utility truck
Elsewhere at Ford they annually use more than 50 million plastic soft drink bottles to make automobile grill opening reinforcements, and about one billion bottle caps to make automotive heating and air conditioning components.
Ford have two websites that record their environmental initiatives and other good works. [by WM]
Click my link for a cool little Gif of the Model U
The doors shouldn't have the lines across it
I absolutely love the Model 'U'. I think it is the sharptest car I have seen yet. I don't think that the people made one flaw in the making of it. I am very pleased with it, and I look forward to buying one when they come out with it.
this is my most favouritest car in the world.
Very sharp indeed! I would wager that Ford is now in the uncomfortable position of realizing that the guys from Exon Mobil are NOT their pals anymore.
Ford will not have to bribe buyers with rebates and zero percent gimmicks to bring in customers.
Also, a second generation hybrid was announced today by Saturn (a plug in hybrid). I understand that Ford also has a second generation hybrid in the wings.
U.S. makers; WAKE UP!! The pinstriped oiligarchs you play golf with are preventing your rebirth.
Bring this thing to the market.
I can appreciate the concept and think Ford is on the right track. However, I still don't quite understand the continued use of the massive plastic fenders which are quite an eye sore and distraction from the beauty of the form. PLEASE return the class to automobiles and get rid of the "plastic" appearance. I saw this vehicle in person awhile ago and was quite intrigued by it and decided to do my college design thesis based on the concept this spring '07. I definetly feel there is further room to explore sustainable materials for the interior and exterior as well which are cheaper and have the potential to be groundbreaking. The only other issue I had was that the interior of the vehicle did not unify the design as a whole. It seemed quite seperated from the exterior as if a completely seperate design team worked on each. The interior was very organic and curvaceous, yet the exteior was very mechanical in appearence with blunt/sharp lines. A little more repetition of design elements from each reflected in the other would have better unified the design in my opinion. But, congrats to Ford!
I, as a potential consumer( college student in need of a vehicle) would love to have this vehicle for it fulfills all the requirements I want (good milage, cute, SUV, sporty, and envrionmentally friendly to say the least).
I would most definantly purchase this vehicle, maybe one day something simlar and affordable will hit the market especially with the increasing awareness of global warming and fuel emmissions.
Great technology... great design.
I sure hope this is the type of car I can buy in a couple years ... I'm sure tired of Model T technology. I would like the driveline to be all electric like the GM VOLT concept... all electric get rid of the ICE engine and its complexity and ineficiency.
Could someone explain, is an intercooled hydrogen internal combustion engine dangerous? I was reading an article about a car, I think it was a Ford- but not the Model U. The article showed a tank that went underneath the car and all I could think about was if the vehicle was in a wreck, would that explode? It may not be any worse than a gas tank we use currently but, it scared me.
I paused the green show on Sundance to write my previous comment. Now that I am watching more about the SUV, the driver is sitting right on top of the tank. Does that not scare the hell out of anyone else?
ford model v should be made.
I just seen one of these at a local Ford dealer today when I drove thru.. is it on sale now??? Does anyone know?
Brian
I so want to own a car that has a low impact on the earth but why oh why does this car and others have to be so ugly?? I think it would be much more palatable to the greatest number of people if it looked more like a normal car, sexy even better. I want environmentalism to be normal, not kooky. Surely, there's a way to make an attractive car that's good for the environment. Make one that's so sexy people want it without even thinking about the environment and then you will make a difference.
I so love this car!!! How much will it be though when sold?
omg!! luv this car!!! im waiting to drive (little bit longer) but already i want to drive this awesome car!!! gas is killing EVERYONE!! it will be $6 p/gallon in no time, and a car that doesnt run on gas? personal miracle... Ford: you have a deadline...