SEMA: 2009 Ford Flex by Funkmaster Flex

Ford’s second Flex concept for the 2007 SEMA Show (see the first one here) was penned by Funkmaster Flex. The designer supports that he has handed a sense of urban luxury to Ford’s new crossover –whatever that means. Dubbed Flex2, the concept features the same “Land Rover” styled fascia, a nice Brandywine body color combined with a faux-brushed aluminium roof and 22-inch forged alloy wheels. Inside, the Flex2 is fitted with custom seat covers with alligator print inserts and stainless steel color stitching on the seats and interior along with a high-end entertainment system. -Details and pics after the jump

Press Release: Flex2 designed by Funkmaster Flex

Hip Hop guru of car customization Funkmaster Flex brings his vision of urban luxury to Ford’s newest crossover with the Flex2. His signature two-tone paint scheme is integrated cleverly into the Flex2 through a House of Kolor Kandy custom paint job that features a Brandywine body color and a unique faux-brushed aluminum roof. Flex2’s exterior design is further enhanced by custom 3dCarbon accents including fender vents, upper and lower grilles and a rear upper spoiler.

The all-black leather interior features Katzkin custom seat covers with alligator print inserts and stainless steel color stitching on the seats and interior trim. To keep the party going inside the vehicle, Funkmaster Flex added two Invision headrest-mounted DVD systems in the first and second rows, along with a JL Audio 12-inch subwoofer and amplifier to enhance the tunes.

Flex2 rolls on custom 22-inch NC Forged wheels and Cooper Zeon XST tires. With a 1-inch lowered suspension and Borla dual rolled exhaust tips, Flex2 is an urban legend in the making.

“I know what this vehicle is going to be in the urban market: It’s going to be killer!” says Funkmaster Flex. “Whether you’re flossin’ with your friends, going to the club or riding around with your girl, the Ford Flex is the next urban street vehicle, and Flex2 is my interpretation of the ultimate in street luxury.”

SEMA: 2009 Ford Flex by Chip Foose

Even though Ford’s crossover won’t go on sale before summer 2008, that didn’t deter FoMoCo from presenting a supped up version penned by custom car designer and host of the Overhaulin TV Show, Chip Foose. Before we go to any details, take a good look at the customized front-end; are our eyes playing tricks with us or did Chip Foose shamelessly copy the fascia of a Land Rover?

That aside, the customized Flex crossover with the two-tone blue and cream pearl paint job gets humongous 22-inch alloy rims and lowered Eibach springs for a more dynamic stance. Additional exterior details include painted appliqué door handles and a relocated license plate. Moving into the cabin, the Chip Foose chose to equip the Flex with three-tone blue, gray and tan premium leather surfaces by Katzkin Leather. -Continued

“When Ford called, I was quite excited to be one of the first to get my hands on the Flex,” says Foose. “I didn’t want the individual pieces I added to be the most eye-catching parts. I wanted it to look as if it came from Ford’s design studio.”

2007 Tokyo Show: Ford Escape Adventure Concept

Finally, we managed to find the worldwide premiere that Ford promised us for the 2007 Tokyo Show. Back in September when we tried to shed some light on the Tokyo show premieres (click here) we believed that Ford would most probably unveil the Asian version of the Verve concept. Instead the American carmaker chose to show off a concept version of the Escape SUV (Maverick in Europe and other markets).

According to Ford, the Escape Adventure Concept features several 'teasing' changes to draw attention to future possibilities, hinting at styling opportunities that can be quickly introduced to market either as production changes or as accessories. These include a revised front incorporating a three-bar grille with silver-accented air intakes and larger headlights. In the rear-end, the Escape concept gets restyled horizontal (instead of vertical) LED tail lamps and a diffuser. The prototype is also equipped with 18x7-inch alloy wheels with 235/60R18 tires. -Continued after the jump

"Our goal from the start was to accentuate the Escape's on-road presence with styling changes that would enhance its appeal as a crossover SUV. To achieve this, we focused mainly on the grille and head light areas," said Paul Gibson, Chief Designer, Asia Pacific and Africa who was responsible for the exterior facelift for MY06 Escape.

2008 Ford Model T Concept by Designer David Beasley

The Ford Model T, one of the most important vehicles in automotive history will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year. With this in mind, David Beasley, an industrial designer with a Master in Design from Coventry University and a Master in Art from the Royal College of Art, created a new interpretation of the “Tin Lizzie”. According to David, the 2008 Model T is inspired by modern architecture and proposed in different body variants (2+2 'dickie' coupe, a 2-seater pick-up and a more versatile and practical 4-seater wagon). -Continued after the jump

"2008 bears a special date for Ford - the 100th birthday of the Model T. For this reason, I believe that the perfect time to replace the Ka or Fiesta and give the customer an affordable 'halo' product is next year”, said David. I have designed this around contemporary architecture and graphic influences with the intention of creating a fresh yet heritage inspired design."

Images courtesy: David Beadley , Via: Carbodydesign

2008 Ford Kuga Update: Press Release

Continuing our Frankfurt Show updates, Ford released the first official details of its beautifully designed Kuga crossover, the first pictures of which we showed you last night. To be produced at Ford's Saarlouis plant in Germany, the Focus based Kuga will be available in Europe in the first half of 2008. There’s no word about it coming to the States, and to be honest, we wouldn’t be betting it on it. The show car is equipped with a 136 Hp 2.0 turbo-diesel engine which will be available along with a wide range of petrol and diesel units. Ford also notes that the Kuga will be offered with 'intelligent' 4WD and FWD systems. -Follow the jump for the press release or click here for the image gallery

FRANKFURT PREVIEW FOR NEW FORD KUGA CROSSOVER

COLOGNE, Germany, September 5, 2007 – Ford is releasing the first details of its new Kuga crossover at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, where the car will be previewed ahead of production early in 2008. The Kuga will be previewed alongside the new Ford Verve Concept small car and other exciting new products yet to be revealed on the show's first press day, September 11th.

The All-New Ford Kuga in Brief

• Stylish Ford Kuga crossover will be previewed at Frankfurt Motor Show in near production form ahead of sales launch in early 2008
• Inspired by the iosis X Concept that was revealed at the 2006 Paris Motor Show
• Kuga is the latest showcase for Ford's 'kinetic design'
• Impressive on-road driving dynamics with substantial off-road ability
• Model range features 'intelligent' 4WD and FWD systems
• Powered by Ford's acclaimed 2.0-litre 136 PS Duratorq TDCi diesel engine
• Benefits from strong Ford Focus lineage
• First crossover designed and developed in-house by Ford of Europe
• To be produced at Ford's Saarlouis plant in Germany

Ford of Europe's product portfolio is expanding again – and in another new direction. The new Ford Kuga is an exciting 4WD crossover that combines style with technology and promises impressive on-road dynamics coupled with substantial off-road ability.
The new Ford Kuga will go on sale throughout Europe during the first half of 2008. "When we unveiled the stunning iosis X Concept car at the 2006 Paris Motor Show I promised that in less than two years we would enter this segment with an all-new vehicle developed and built in-house," said John Fleming, President and CEO, Ford of Europe.

"In delivering that promise, the commitment we also gave in Paris two years ago to add new and exciting niche vehicles to a newly energised Ford of Europe portfolio was also kept," Fleming added.

"Kuga offers a rare blend of a wagon and SUV features together with coupé-like sporting qualities," said Stephen Odell, Vice President for Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe.

"A major element of our strategy to return the Ford of Europe business to sustained profitability is the introduction of exciting new products – like Kuga – that attract new customers to the brand," explained Odell. "The S-MAX proved to us that there is demand for vehicles which offer the customer universal usability for work, leisure and family roles and where "driving pleasure" is also very important."

Unmistakably a Ford
One of the challenges of the Kuga development team was to give the vehicle Ford's acknowledged driving quality while at the same time delivering substantial off-road ability.

For this reason, the Ford Kuga will be available with an intelligent four-wheel-drive system which contributes positively to normal road use and helps give the vehicle an almost sporty dynamic ability. The fact that the Kuga will also be available as a front-wheel-drive only version simply emphasises the crossover concept of the vehicle.

Kuga's powertrain will feature Ford's established and highly fuel efficient 2.0-litre, 136 PS Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engine mated to a Durashift 6-speed manual transmission. Further details of the Kuga powertrain will be released closer to launch in early 2008.

Kuga Design - Standing Out
"Our kinetic design form language is very flexible and is giving an exciting look to all our new vehicles," said Martin Smith, Executive Design Director, Ford of Europe. "The iosis XConcept demonstrated how kinetic design could be adapted to the C-sized crossover segment of the market. All the expressive design elements of iosis X are clearly visible in the production vehicle. The new Ford Kuga is a dramatic addition to the Ford portfolio which develops our brand significantly."

Kuga closely follows the proportions and basic dynamic forms of the iosis X. This relationship is enhanced by the paint finish in the same unique 'Ice White' body colour and the bold wheel arches are filled with the same alloy wheels, as seen on iosis X which will be available to customers as a 19-inch option. Strength and athleticism in the design are key attributes of Ford's 'kinetic design' philosophy. Kuga demonstrates this through its dynamic lines, full surfaces and muscular presence. This athletic form language is highlighted with the bold kinetic graphics such as the trapezoidal front grills, rising belt-line and kick-up of the rear window graphic and the dramatic swept back headlamp shapes.

For the production Ford Kuga the coupé-like roof profile of the iosis X Concept has been adjusted to a slightly higher silhouette offering comfortable accommodation for five people.

The luggage compartment is accessed via a split tailgate and this, together with the divided rear lights, ensures the maximum full load width is available for loading and unloading.

Finally, the rear end design of Kuga also incorporates the graphic elements of 'kinetic design' such as the high mounted tail lamps, facetted rear glass and sculptured rear bumper. The rear bumper neatly integrates the tailpipes into the contours of the diffuser.

Kuga Interior – Space and Comfort
The interior of the new Ford Kuga has a spacious feel – and not just because of the large panoramic glass roof fitted to the preview model and available as an option in production.

The clean, ergonomic design of the instrument panel and centre stack converge into a voluminous centre console for maximum accessible storage. These interior components contribute to a comfortable surrounding for the driver and front seat passenger. The high seat and shoulder line position of the doors offers the opportunity for maximum glazed areas to give a light and airy environment for passengers and provides the driver a commanding view of their surroundings.

The materials chosen for Kuga's interior also demonstrate the close links to the iosis X Concept. In Kuga we see once again technical materials, fine leathers and striking orange piping. The Ebony interior is set off by a centre console and details in the door which also feature the piano-white finish from iosis X. All these elements together show how Ford intends to enable Kuga customers in the future to personalise their vehicle.

A hint of the technology coming in Kuga is seen in the new Blaupunkt navigation system which incorporates a 7" colour display to also show images from a rear view camera incorporated into the tailgate. This new feature, to aid reversing manoeuvres, will find its way to the production version of the Kuga.

"We're very excited about Kuga, and believe that its blend of great looks, compact exterior dimensions, superb on-road driving quality, spacious and high quality interior and good off-road ability will allow it to stand out from the crowd," said Fleming. "We can't wait to see it on and off road early next year"

Video: Ford Verve Concept

Deemed as one the most interesting concepts of this year’s Frankfurt Show, the Verve is what we all wish that next year’s production version of the Fiesta will look like. Of course, we’ll probably be like “duh” in 2008 when Ford takes the wraps of the new Fiesta covered in semi-colored bumpers and 14-inch wheels, but what else is new. In this official video, Ford Europe’s head of design, Martin Smith and his team, explain the philosophy behind the creation of the Verve Concept.