Ford Iosis Max concept combines style, innovation and efficiency

The iosis MAX features striking exterior and interior designs based on a fresh interpretation of Ford's kinetic design form language. It is a dynamic MAV and showcases new levels of efficiency and flexibility.

The car's dramatic looks are complemented by innovative solutions which enhance its practicality and environmental performance. These include new door opening concepts, lightweight materials, advanced aerodynamics, and a preview of the European development of Ford's global EcoBoost petrol engine technology coming in 2010.

Coupled to this clean and lean engine are the recently introduced and acclaimed Ford PowerShift transmission, plus a new Ford Auto-Start-Stop system due for production
in 2010.

[B]New style for Compact MAVs[/B]

The primary objective for the iosis MAX exterior design team was to create an exciting new style for compact MAV format vehicles by applying kinetic design principles.

"We were convinced that we could use our kinetic design form language to develop a C-segment MAV that was sporty, dynamic and desirable," explains Stefan Lamm, Ford of Europe's chief exterior designer. "The iosis MAX takes the core kinetic design elements and extends them to a new level, with a totally fresh execution which is not only stylish and innovative, but functional too."

[B]Dramatic interior environment[/B]

The iosis MAX interior presents a bold evolution of the kinetic design language used on the exterior, incorporating dynamic shapes and advanced materials to create a dramatic interior environment which is light, spacious and expressive.

"The iosis MAX shows how affordable family vehicles can have interiors which are practical and comfortable, yet still highly desirable," says Ernst Reim, Ford of Europe's chief interior designer. "Our vision looks beyond normal automotive processes, taking inspiration from modernist architecture, lightweight construction technologies and even the sporting world."

[B]Innovation delivers increased practicality[/B]

The iosis MAX also explores innovative solutions which could provide future MAV vehicles with increased practicality and flexibility.

These ideas were conceived by a team led by Patrick Verhee, Ford of Europe design innovation and show-car manager, who oversaw the development of the concept vehicle.

To help overcome common problems faced by owners when loading or unloading the vehicle in a confined space, such as a congested multi-storey car park, the concept features a unique two piece tailgate design. This allows the tailgate to be fully opened, even when there is restricted space behind or above the vehicle.
To provide even greater loading flexibility the iosis MAX utilises a B-pillarless construction, providing a wide, unobstructed load aperture when both front and rear side doors are open. In combination with the 'floating' seat design, this enables awkward, bulky items - such as flat pack furniture - to be slid easily onto the floor of the cabin or the folded seat backs.

The stylish LED lighting strip in the rocker panels provides additional illumination to assist safe entry to and exit from the side of the vehicle.

[B]Responsive yet environmentally friendly[/B]

The innovation featured in the iosis MAX extends to its powertrain, which showcases efficient technologies coming in future Ford vehicles to demonstrate how reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions can be achieved without compromising dynamic performance.

Power is provided by a 1.6-litre 178 HP 4-cylinder petrol engine from Ford's new EcoBoost engine family. Ford EcoBoost engines feature turbocharging and direct injection technology to deliver fuel economy up to 20 per cent better than conventional petrol engines with a similar power output.

EcoBoost engines will be progressively introduced to Ford's European product range from early 2010.

The 1.6-litre EcoBoost unit in the iosis MAX is further optimised through the use of a new Ford Auto-Start-Stop system, intelligent alternator and six-speed Ford PowerShift double-clutch automated manual gearbox with ratios tailored to deliver maximum fuel efficiency. Simulations predict that the concept vehicle could achieve CO2 emissions of 125 g/km.

The concept's environmental sustainability is enhanced by the use of lightweight materials and through careful attention to its aerodynamic design; the body's optimised shape and details including the 'flying buttress' rear door pillars, advanced rear wing design, rear diffuser, narrow tyres and active front cooling ducts which are blanked off when not required.

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[IMG]http://www.oneshift.com/showroom/uploadimages/resized-20090303104755527.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://www.oneshift.com/showroom/uploadimages/resized-20090303104737711.jpg[/IMG]

Credits: JRC