Thursday 5th January 2006

Ford shows small car concept

Hybrid uses solar panels to cut power use

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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.

[GTRene]

I think it looks oké, I like it a lot...compact and sexy...and low comsumption too.
GTRene

[dean_ratpac]

lovin' the idea of the rear hinged doors!

[GTRene]

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]

inflatable seat belts? whats next

[annodomini2]

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

[nightdriver]

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]

Solar powered headlights. Fantastic!

[UH-Matt]

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]

but is it 65 MPG US or UK ?

[Chris71]

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]

Nice looking car. There is no way the doors are going into the final production car. Forget it.

[nightdriver]

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]

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