Ford Forums banner

US:Ford "Reflex" hybrid concept rethinks small cars

1K views 2 replies 1 participant last post by  Stacy94PGT 
#1 ·
Ford hybrid concept rethinks small cars



Automotive News

The Reflex concept car is Ford's statement that small cars don't have to look boring — especially when they are equipped with rear-hinged doors that open upward.

That bodywork is wrapped around an advanced hybrid powertrain. Under the hood is a diesel engine mated to an electric motor. A second electric motor is attached to the rear axle, giving the Reflex all-wheel-drive capability. The concept uses an advanced technology lithium-ion battery pack to store energy. The diesel hybrid powertrain could deliver up to 65 mpg, Ford says.

Solar panels on the Reflex convert sunlight to electricity to power the headlights and taillights.

Interior touches include a keyless activation system, a second-row seat that can be configured to hold 1 adult or two children and inflatable seat belts.







 
See less See more
5
#2 ·
Ford Reflex concept showscases big ideas in small cars

Global Auto Index

Ford has issued the following press release:

The Ford Reflex proves that small cars can be bold, American and innovative. The sporty concept is expected to be an auto show star, reflecting a growing and important "small is big" trend in America.

Reflex is a technological showcase with its advanced diesel-electric hybrid engine – delivering up to 65 miles per gallon – solar panels, flexible interior made from synthetic and regenerated materials, and such advanced safety features as inflatable safety belts in the rear.

The concept underscores Ford's intent to offer bold, American designs regardless of vehicle size.

"From consumer electronics to urban dwellings, small is becoming big in America," says Peter Horbury, executive director, North American Design. "The bold and innovative design of Reflex stretches the traditional boundaries of a subcompact car. Reflex delivers the fuel economy and flexibility that Americans have come to expect."

Bold, American Design
Reflex underscores the bold, American design direction for all Ford vehicles going forward. It also is packed with Ford innovation.

"Ford Reflex is a small car that doesn't feel small," says Freeman Thomas, director, North American Strategic Design. "It is a gorgeous sporty car that delivers guilt free performance with a hybrid engine. And thanks to its innovative approach to the interior, it has space for growing families."

Reflex is set off with Ford's three-bar grille – made of high-strength anodized extruded aluminum, which is hand polished to a matte finish. The concept's shoulder line flows upward to the B-pillar and back down into the wheel arch. Reverse butterfly doors aid vehicle ingress and egress.

The vehicle's low-voltage circuitry is exposed beneath the glass roof and rear hatch, giving a clever nod to accessible technology – even as a fashion statement. The roof also features self-powered solar fans that cool the car when parked.

Reflex's aggressive 20-inch wheels are polished alloy. The large diameter, narrow width and unique Michelin tire design provide low-roll resistance for improved fuel economy.
Kid-Inspired Interior

Lightweight, space-efficient materials define the interior with its innovative 2+1 backseat configuration. Mesh seat covers are transparent and sheer, offering maximum airflow for comfort and style. Unexpected colors – red and robotic white – create a sense of warmth and accessibility.

The cockpit comes alive with keyless activation. At the touch of a button, the instrument cluster controls appear in a cool blue hue as organic light-emitting diodes (LEDs) switch on.

Located in the center console, touch-screen technology helps reduce driver distraction. Shift paddles that control the 6-speed semiautomatic transmission are tucked behind the steering wheel.

"The interior of Reflex is modern, with no wood and leather," says Thomas. "The color and materials challenge many of today's dark plastic interiors by offering a blend of warm and cool colors. It is a fresh approach that will inspire future trends in many industries, including fashion and home furnishings."

The back seat offers the ultimate in small-car flexibility. A second-row "love seat" can accommodate two children or one adult. With a push of a button, a divider bar raises through the seat bottom, transforming one seat into two.

Rear-seat passengers also have the luxury of watching their favorite movie on two small flat-screen monitors mounted to the lower portion of the front seatbacks. Like the front seats, the rear seats feature mesh wrapped around a lightweight inner frame.

Reflex takes safety innovation a major step forward. Advanced safety technologies include inflatable safety belts and BeltMinder™ for backseat passengers. The inflatable safety belt helps reduce injury risk to second-row occupants. Ford's patented BeltMinder™ technology alerts the driver when second-row occupants are not buckled up.

Reflex also is equipped with side air curtains. The love seat is fitted with an integrated rear-facing child safety seat.

Understanding that the responsibilities of a parent don't end once the car starts, Reflex designers added a strategically placed "baby cam" in the headliner. From this vantage point, the driver can see streaming video images of the rear-seat occupants.

Sporty and Green
Reflex features an advanced diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system that harnesses diesel, electric and solar power. This combination of power can deliver maximum fuel economy – up to 65 mpg – without compromising performance.

The concept features an electric motor on the rear axle in addition to the hybrid propulsion system on the front axle. The rear motor provides all-wheel-drive capability, improved driving dynamics and the fuel economy benefits of a full hybrid vehicle.

Reflex's energy is stored in a new-generation lithium-ion battery pack, using the same technology found in cell phones. Ford was the first manufacturer to produce an electric vehicle using this type of battery system when it introduced the electric Ford Ka research vehicle in 2000. Also contributing to Reflex's power and performance are unique headlamps and taillamps that integrate solar panels. The Ford-patented battery-charging lighting system improves fuel economy by using the sun's power to charge the on-board batteries, while capturing and reusing the daylight at night.

Reflex also uses ground rubber from scrap athletic shoes, called Nike Grind, as insulation to reduce noise and vibration in the car's interior.















 
#3 ·
UK:Reborn Puma set to pounce

By Sam Hardy
Auto Express

Take cat! Ford has let loose its wild new Puma. Packed with technological innovations, the stunning coupé wowed the crowds at this week's Detroit Motor Show with its solar-powered headlights, inflatable seatbelts and diesel-electric hybrid engine.

And underneath the amazing body of the car, currently badged the Reflex, is the platform of the next-generation Fiesta. The Reflex features a sporty front end dominated by a three-bar chrome grille and broad lights. Vast 20-inch polished alloys and thick rear haunches mark out the side profile, and with minimal overhangs, the newcomer has a chunky, athletic stance.

The squat rear end owes much to the Porsche 911, but it's the glass roof and hatch that's a major talking point. This gives a great view of the complex electronic circuitry that lies inside the car, providing the nerve structure for the diesel-electric hybrid engine and lithium-ion batteries.

Access to the futuristic interior is gained by twin butterfly doors. In the front, there's plenty of space for the driver and passenger, while in the back a special single chair can be split into two at the touch of a button, giving enough room for a couple of children. It's a feature that may well debut on the next Ka, as could the Reflex's mesh seats, which are designed to improve airflow around the occupants. Twin TV screens mounted in the front seatbacks are also included, while a screen in the headlining allows the driver to keep an eye on kids in the back. Further safety items include injury-reducing inflatable seatbelts and an integrated child seat for the single rear chair.

The dashboard is equally impressive. Switching the Reflex on requires a simple button press which illuminates a bank of blue LEDs. In a bid to keep things as simple as possible, a touch-screen centre console gives the driver access to most of the control systems.

With the emphasis on future materials, there is no wood or leather in the Reflex; all the trim - including the steering wheel-mounted paddleshifters for the six-speed semi-automatic gearbox - is plastic. And in line with the model's eco-focus, the rubber sound insulation comes from recycled Nike training shoes. The cabin is kept cool by solar-powered fans, which operate even when the car is parked.

A diesel hybrid engine powers the front axle, while the rear axle is driven by an electric motor - giving the Reflex four-wheel drive. Lithium-ion batteries are used to store energy, which comes via solar panels mounted in the headlights and tail-lamps. Together with specially developed Michelin tyres, which offer low rolling resistance, the Reflex is said to be capable of 65mpg. And given its low overall weight, the new car should have lively performance, too.

While the Reflex is a concept at this stage, you can expect to see much of its hybrid technology debut in future Ford models as the manufacturer seeks to reduce emissions across its range. And a Reflex-inspired Puma is tipped to arrive in 2008, with power from a line-up of blue oval petrol engines. It will debut a year or so after the all-new Fiesta.


Based on next Fiesta platform, Reflex shows look of successor to Ford's Puma. Combination of diesel engine and electric motor propels all four wheels, and promises strong performance.


Muscular stance gives aggressive rear, with 911-style wheelarches


Off to a flier
With its rear-hinged, upward-opening butterfly doors and now-trademark three-bar grille of Ford cars, the Reflex concept is a stunning piece of design. Crammed with technology, the environmentally friendly coupe even uses rubber from recycled Nike trainers to reduce noise and vibration entering the cabin.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top