Ford Vertrek Concept at 2011 Detroit Auto Show

The Ford Vertrek concept, revealed at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, The Ford Vertrek concept previews the company's ambition for a next-generation, global compact SUV that could lead the industry in both design and fuel efficiency.

Key exterior features of the new design language include the familiar three-piece, lower trapezoidal grille; slimmer headlights and taillights; and a more muscular bonnet with an FPV-style bulge.

The Vertrek concept is equipped with a 1.6-liter Ford EcoBoost engine with Auto Stop-Start technology linked to a six-speed transmission. Outside the U.S., a production Vertrek would likely get a "wide range" of diesel engines, said the automaker.

Inside, the cabin has the usual futuristic touches, but in a nod to realism, the boot has a cargo capacity of 29.2 cubic feet (828 liters) which can be expanded to 66.3 cubic feet (1,879 liters) when the rear seats are folded down. Furthermore, the crossover comes loaded with tech goodies including SYNC, active park assist, BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) and Intelligent Access with push-button starting.






Press Release

FORD VERTREK CONCEPT PREVIEWS A SLEEKER, SPORTIER AND MORE STYLISH COMPACT SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE

• The Vertrek concept is Ford's vision for a utility vehicle that will appeal to customers around the globe; it signals the direction Ford will take in developing a new global utility vehicle

• The concept features a stylish design, outstanding cargo space and a 1.6-liter EcoBoost^TM engine equipped with Ford Auto Start-Stop technology that could deliver best-in-class fuel economy. These are key why-buys for customers around the globe

• Ford Vertrek concept is built on Ford's global C-segment platform, which will underpin more than 2 million vehicles globally by 2012

DETROIT, Jan. 10, 2011 - Ford Motor Company today unveiled its vision for a sleeker, sportier and more stylish compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. The Ford Vertrek concept previews the company's ambition for a next-generation, global compact SUV that could lead the industry in both design and fuel efficiency.

The Ford Vertrek concept is based on Ford's global C-segment platform, which includes the all-new Ford Focus range launching early in 2011 in North America and Europe, plus the latest C-MAX and Grand C-MAX multi-activity vehicles. It represents the vision of the company's top design and engineering talent on how best to attract and satisfy future sport utility vehicle customers around the world.

"Vertrek concept is a no-compromise solution we feel utility vehicle customers will embrace around the world," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development. "It is a revolution compared to what is typically seen in this segment in North America and is a stylish evolution compared with products outside North America. This new design is sleeker and more fuel efficient and delivers the capability, including people and cargo volume, customers demand globally."

The Ford Vertrek concept combines the best of Ford's distinctive European kinetic design styling and driving quality with outstanding levels of cargo space, trailer-tow and off-road capability for North America, promising a vehicle that meets the needs of next-generation compact utility vehicle customers around the world.

The sleek appearance of the Ford Vertrek concept has been honed aerodynamically to help support the program target of class-leading fuel economy and low CO2 emissions and complement the high-tech powertrain solutions Ford envisions.

Ford preliminary data show that a production vehicle based around the Vertrek concept would be at least 5 percent more aerodynamically efficient than current comparable Ford North American and European models, such as the Escape and Kuga.

Global solution for global needs
Ford's global C-segment platform allows for the efficient creation of vehicles that address consumer tastes around the world.

"Customer demands are converging globally toward a compact sport utility vehicle that is stylish and great fun to drive while at the same time providing the package, capability, engaging technology and fuel economy they expect," said Jim Farley, group vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service. "The Ford Vertrek concept will allow us to hear directly from these customers about trade-offs they are prepared to make as we look to deliver a future production model that brings to life all these attributes."

At least 10 new models will be built on the new global C-segment platform, which replaces three platforms currently in production regionally. By 2012, the new platform will account for more than 2 million units of sales, providing Ford with unprecedented economies of scale and an opportunity to offer customers around the world an array of new technologies and product features usually reserved for premium vehicles.

The compact sport utility vehicle segment is one of the largest (consistently in the top five), most competitive and fastest growing segments - more than doubling in market share since 2000 - in the U.S. It also ranks among the top four most cross-shopped segments in the U.S. It is a segment that Ford helped pioneer with the popular Escape model.

Growth in Europe of crossover products, similar to the compact sport utility vehicle segment in the U.S., has been astounding - up more than 200 percent since 2000. The Ford Kuga has consistently ranked third in its segment, in which all major manufacturers compete, since its launch in 2008. Nearly 70 percent of Kuga customers opt for the high series.

Globally, the compact SUV segment has shown growth since 2009, led by China and the U.S. The market in China is projected to increase 60 percent by 2011 compared with 2009.

"This segment is uniquely diversified across the globe," said Farley. "In the U.S. these are considered small cars, while in Europe and other markets they are considered midsize cars. No matter how you classify it, the segment is vitally important and only those manufacturers who demonstrate leadership in design, customer-focused technology, capability and fuel-efficient performance will succeed."

Kinetic design taken to the next level
The sporty, sleek Ford Vertrek concept builds on Ford's global kinetic design philosophy. This distinctive and continually evolving design language is rooted in creating cars that appear to be in motion even when stationary, while at the same time communicating the engaging driving experience that Ford cars deliver.

The starting point is creating an athletic stance for the vehicle, almost like a runner in starting blocks poised and ready to burst forward. Other key elements include dynamic lines and taut surfacing, again conveying muscularity and athleticism.

Vertrek concept builds on these kinetic design fundamentals, underscoring its on-road characteristics and off-road capability.

"The Ford Vertrek concept is inspired by contemporary compact sport utility customers' expectations and aspirations," said J Mays, group vice president, Design, and chief creative officer. "It unites stylish design, world-class craftsmanship and outstanding capability to present a fresh vision that we believe will resonate globally."

High-tech gasoline and diesel powertrain solutions
The Ford Vertrek concept shows how the vision of a next-generation, fuel-efficient compact SUV could become reality by extending the reach of the company's growing EcoBoost^TM engine and advanced turbo diesel common-rail direct-injection (TDCi) engine families while introducing Ford Auto Start-Stop technology.

EcoBoost is fundamental to Ford's strategy to provide technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that deliver uncompromised performance and fuel economy. Ford EcoBoost engines deliver fuel economy gains of up to 20 percent and reduction of CO2 emissions of up to 15 percent, compared with larger, less-efficient engines.

In addition to turbocharging with direct injection, Ford powertrain engineers have enhanced EcoBoost's technology capabilities by adding variable valve timing and precisely controlling all aspects of the engine. Ford has at least 125 patents on its EcoBoost technology.

Ford Vertrek concept features the highly efficient 1.6-liter four-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine, giving the vehicle the power of a larger engine yet delivering significantly better fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

By 2013, 80 percent of Ford's global nameplates and 90 percent of Ford's North American nameplates will have an EcoBoost option.

Advanced diesel engines
Outside the U.S., Ford also offers customers a wide range of efficient and powerful Duratorq® TDCi engines, many of which could be applied to a future production model based on the Vertrek concept. Advanced diesel technology is especially vital in Europe - 96 percent of Kugas sold are diesel-powered.

The acclaimed 2.0-liter Ford Duratorq TDCi engine has recently been upgraded to deliver even higher efficiency with improved performance, fuel economy and refinement.

A more efficient combustion system enables greater peak power, significantly improved driveability with increased responsiveness and more pulling power at low engine speeds. It also delivers reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Depending on application, CO2 emissions are reduced by up to 7 percent compared to the previous 2.0-liter Duratorq TDCi engine.

Paired with the engine will be a fuel-saving six-speed transmission. By 2013, 100 percent of Ford vehicles in the U.S. will incorporate a six-speed transmission as part of the company's commitment to leadership in fuel-economy performance in all vehicle segments.

Automatic shutdown of engine saves fuel
Another key enabler of enhanced fuel efficiency is the Ford Auto Start-Stop system. This system automatically shuts down the engine when the vehicle is at idle - at a stoplight, for example - and quickly restarts the engine when the driver wants to move off.

An Auto Start-Stop system can reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 5 percent in mixed driving conditions. In city driving and in heavy traffic with frequent stops, the savings could increase to as much as 10 percent.

The advanced new Ford Auto Start-Stop system has been carefully designed with customer comfort in mind, providing consistent starting and stopping performance that is smooth, quiet and seamless, requiring no changes in driver behavior. When the engine shuts down, the electronic control unit immediately prepares the engine's systems for an instant restart. An integrated system of sensors is then used to detect when the driver performs an action that signals the intent to drive off, such as pressing the accelerator or clutch pedal.

As soon as the driver prepares to move away, the engine starts quietly and almost instantly; it takes the system only around 0.3 second to fire up the engine. The process is near imperceptible and happens before gear selection is completed. To support the increased number of engine starts, the starter motor is upgraded with a high-performance electric motor and a stronger pinion-engagement mechanism with reduced noise levels.

Smart Regenerative Charging
Advanced battery technology is required to ensure the main vehicle battery copes with the frequent charge-discharge cycles common with start-stop operation. Additional technologies ensure the battery is kept charged in the most efficient way.

A Smart Regenerative Charging system increases the alternator output when the vehicle brakes or decelerates. This converts the kinetic energy of the vehicle into electric energy without using additional fuel.

The "free" electric current is used to recharge the battery, so it can be used by the electrical systems at a later stage. This could be when the engine is switched off during a stop phase but also can be when the generator is operating in a less-efficient mode.

The battery has an advanced management system that continually monitors its status and communicates with the Ford Auto Start-Stop system, so that the regenerative charging feature can charge the battery in the optimal way. The Auto Start-Stop system knows how much battery charge is available, so that it can leave the engine running if the battery does not have a sufficient level of charge.

Detroit 2011: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell 【Video】

Mercedes has announced it will produce an electric version of its SLS supercar starting in 2013. The new supercar features four electric motors, and has a killer kick of 526 hp and 649 lb-ft of torque and is capable of reaching zero to 62 mph in just four seconds flat, all features that no one was really paying attention to because we were too busy ogling the jaw-dropping paintjob on this sweet ride - a screaming electric yellow!

On the styling front, the E-Cell features LED headlights, a wider radiator grille, a revised hood, and a more aggressive rear diffuser. Other goodies include matte black accents, an extendable front splitter (that moves 7cm downwards at speeds above 120 km/h), and exclusive 10-spoke light-alloy wheels.

On the prototype, Stuttgart electric car specialists and engineers replaced the “stands” SLS AMG's 571HP 6.3-liter V8 petrol engine with four electric motors placed near the wheels effectively making it a four-wheel drive model. The gullwing with electric drive is part of the company strategy entitled "AMG Performance 2015" which aims to continually reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

The gasoline SLS AMG features a 405hp 5.5L V8 engine driving a traditional rear-wheel drive setup, while in the new 2013 Electric version a quartet of electric motors gives the E-Cell sure-footed four-wheel drive.

No detailed info was given on the production SLS E-Cell, but a Daimler source tells us the structure and floorpan are significantly altered from the internal-combustion model, and that there will be even more carbon fiber use to save weight. The peak horsepower and torque numbers are actually likely to rise from those of the prototype, and the car’s range will exceed 130 miles. The interior will be unique to the SLS E-Cell, too, with a futuristic touch-pad center console.





Press Release

Mercedes-Benz at the NAIAS 2011 in Detroit - Fascination of electric mobility.

SLS AMG E-CELL: Electric super sports car enters series production
B-Class F-CELL: With hydrogen around the world

Detroit - Just ahead of the 125th birthday of the automobile on January 29, its inventor is setting further groundbreaking accents in the field of electromobility. At the North American International Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz today announced its decision to put the SLS AMG E-CELL into series production. The battery-electric drive super sports car generates 392 kW (525 hp) and 880 Nm (649 lb-ft) of torque. The second piece of "electrifying" news - January 29 will see the official starting signal of the "Mercedes-Benz World Drive", the first journey around the world with fuel cell electric drive. Under the motto "125! Years of Innovation", Mercedes-Benz is showing in Detroit a complete spectrum of highly efficient and clean drives for the automobiles of today and tomorrow.

"The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL is the most technically advanced super sports car in the 125-year history of the automobile, and shows just how fascinating electromobility can be. Our customers will be able to order it from their Mercedes-Benz dealers from 2013 onwards", said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, at the Mercedes press conference. Zetsche delivered his words on the redesigned Mercedes show stand, which offers a three-dimensional experience of the Stuttgart automaker's multi-faceted driveline strategy on an area of almost 1,800 square metres. "Our stand architecture vividly shows how single-mindedly we are moving forward," continued Zetsche. "We are driving on a multi-lane highway into the future - one that we have populated with all relevant driveline technologies. The spectrum ranges from high-tech internal combustion engines, like our new gasoline direct injection units and our BlueTEC diesels, through a variety of types of hybrids to powerful battery and fuel cell electric drives with full everyday usability."

Mercedes-Benz F-CELL World Drive - around the world with hydrogen

At the end of 2009, Mercedes-Benz put its first electric vehicle with fuel cell drive made under series production conditions on the road with the B-Class F-CELL. As part of a spectacular road trip, the brand with the star now wants to provide impressive proof of the enormous potential offered by fuel cell technology - on the occasion of the official birthday of the automobile on January 29, three fuel cell vehicles from the current series production run will set off from Stuttgart on the "Mercedes-Benz World Drive" - 125 days long, across four continents and through 14 countries. Each of the three vehicles will cover around 30,000 kilometres (18,750 miles).

"Electric cars with fuel cells have what it takes to revolutionise our mobility once more," said Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "The hydrogen-driven B-Class F-CELL combines several key benefits. Its drive is efficient, clean and fully suitable for everyday use. Plus, it delivers local zero-emissions driving with a long range of around 400 kilometres (240 miles), short refueling times of only three minutes and no shortage of driving pleasure." This is provided courtesy of the 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor that generates a refined 290 Nm (214 lb-ft) of torque. The B-Class F-CELL achieves an NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) consumption figure equating to just 3.3 litres of fuel (diesel equivalent) per 100 kilometres. Its EPA fuel economy stands at 54 mpg.

Commitment to the establishment of a hydrogen fuel station network

Mercedes-Benz has now developed fuel cell technology for automotive drive to series production maturity. However, while the vehicle technology of the B-Class F-CELL is fully mature, the fuel station infrastructure represents limitations. Dr. Weber: "With our ‘F-CELL World Drive', we want not only to demonstrate the capability and everyday usability of fuel cell drive, but also to lobby for the establishment of a hydrogen fuel cell network. This will make the B-Class F-CELL a global ambassador for a new, local zero-emissions auto-mobility of the future."


In order to ensure fuel supply to the participating vehicles on all stages of the tour, a hydrogen fuel tanker will be used at all the start and finish points along the route. Dr. Weber: "Our ‘World Drive' will also serve to motivate governments and energy suppliers to build a suitable refueling infrastructure. Our objective is clear - in future, drivers should be able to fill up with hydrogen anywhere in the world, in the same way that they can today with gasoline and diesel."