RE: Ford shows small car concept

RE: Ford shows small car concept

Thursday 5th January 2006

Ford shows small car concept

Hybrid uses solar panels to cut power use


Ford Reflex
Ford Reflex
Is Ford on a roll? As well as reporting its first full year increase in US car sales since 1999, it's launched a funky-looking small car concept for the Detroit auto show next week.

Though not perhaps the first automotive choice for a PHer, the Reflex is interesting. It's a hybrid and includes rear-hinged doors that open upward. Under the bonnet is a diesel engine coupled to an electric motor which, with a second electric motor attached to the rear axle, gives the Reflex all-wheel-drive capability. It uses a lithium-ion battery pack and could deliver up to 65 mpg, according to Ford. Helping in that endeavour are solar panels that power the head and taillights.

Inside it include a keyless activation system, a rear seat configurable to hold either an adult or two children, plus inflatable seat belts.

We'll have more from the show next week.

Author
Discussion

GTRene

Original Poster:

17,785 posts

231 months

Thursday 5th January 2006
quotequote all
I think it looks oké, I like it a lot...compact and sexy...and low comsumption too.
GTRene

dean_ratpac

1,582 posts

285 months

Thursday 5th January 2006
quotequote all
lovin' the idea of the rear hinged doors!

GTRene

Original Poster:

17,785 posts

231 months

Thursday 5th January 2006
quotequote all
dean_ratpac said:
lovin' the idea of the rear hinged doors!

Yep me too, only not open them when fast driving
But the looks are good! but I don't see them in produktion very soon I'm afraid...
GTRene

jas16

378 posts

239 months

Thursday 5th January 2006
quotequote all
inflatable seat belts? whats next

annodomini2

6,913 posts

258 months

Thursday 5th January 2006
quotequote all
I can quite easily get that out of my diesel clio, why would I pay for all the extra cost with no benefit?

nightdriver

1,080 posts

233 months

Thursday 5th January 2006
quotequote all
annodomini2 said:
I can quite easily get that out of my diesel clio, why would I pay for all the extra cost with no benefit?


Yeah, but does your clio have cool gullwing doors

badgerman

2 posts

226 months

Thursday 5th January 2006
quotequote all
Solar powered headlights. Fantastic!

UH-Matt

2,172 posts

247 months

Friday 6th January 2006
quotequote all
annodomini2 said:
I can quite easily get that out of my diesel clio, why would I pay for all the extra cost with no benefit?


Benefit 1. This cars not a clio.

GravelBen

15,914 posts

237 months

Friday 6th January 2006
quotequote all
but is it 65 MPG US or UK ?

Chris71

21,548 posts

249 months

Friday 6th January 2006
quotequote all
GravelBen said:
but is it 65 MPG US or UK ?


Does it matter? I'm sure you can get 65MPG with a regular non-hybrid diesel (and yes I know you can get 1000s of MPG with one of those eco challenge 'cars'). The road going hybrids don't tend to impress me to be honest.

waynepixel

3,978 posts

231 months

Friday 6th January 2006
quotequote all
Nice looking car. There is no way the doors are going into the final production car. Forget it.

nightdriver

1,080 posts

233 months

Friday 6th January 2006
quotequote all
waynepixel said:
Nice looking car. There is no way the doors are going into the final production car. Forget it.


TBH I doubt the car will ever get anywhere near a production line. Just ford doing a little publocity stunt to show they are trying to look after the environment, keep the greenies smiling...

cotty

40,300 posts

291 months

Saturday 7th January 2006
quotequote all
waynepixel said:
Nice looking car. There is no way the doors are going into the final production car. Forget it.


Shame they look really cool