Exotik
08-18-2005, 12:28 AM
http://car-reviews.automobile.com/Ford/concept/2005-ford-synus-concept/1023/
Taking Urban Living to a New Level
"Say what?! They cant be serious," were just a few words uttered during Fords introduction of the extremely odd, albeit quite innovative new SYNus concept SUV at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Sunday, January 9th.
Truth be told, Ford didnt expect would-be buyers to jump all over it anyways.
But the new concept should pique the interest of auto show passersby, and in so doing heighten peoples awareness about what new technologies Ford is busy at work developing for the urban environment.
Why urban? When cars were just being developed people were moving from the farm to the city, and then when those cars wore big fins and loads of chrome it was an exodus from the city to the suburbs. And what about now? Urban real estate, or anything close to town, is hot property in todays world, and Ford wants to show those buying into the inner city that it is serious about solving the kinds of problems commonly experienced by urban dwellers.
What kinds of problems? First and foremost is the lack of parking, and when a spot can be found its a "small car only" space more often than not. The SYNus is not only compact, but based on Ford of Europes B-segment Fiesta. That puts it into the size spectrum of Toyotas Echo and Hyundais Accent, and yes the same class as Scions xB - the only car that makes the SYNus appear aerodynamic.
Seriously though, while diminutive in size, the SYNus is tough enough to stand up to pretty well anything an urban guerilla can throw at it.
By the way, my opening attempt at making you laugh with the Brinks truck comparison isnt original. Ford actually found inspiration for the new concepts design from "bank vaults and armored cars", in order to visually communicate the SYNuss integrated security systems.
Parking the SYNus in secure mode automatically deploys protective shutters that clamp down over the windshield and side glass - yes that narrow strip that looks more like a slot for poking through automatic weapons is actually for occupants to see out of, or at least allow a semblance of sunshine in.
Dont try to open one, however, as these are fixed in place and, of course, bulletproof - and just why are people moving back into the city? Sound impenetrable? The rear hatch doesnt offer a window at all, so valuables that otherwise might get stolen through an SUVs rear window are safe and sound in the SYNus.
Of course, property crime, especially from vehicles, is no joking matter, especially in city cores where drug trafficking and resultant addiction is most prolific and the necessity of feeding the habit at any cost very real.
More style than substance, anyone wanting to get into the windowless rear hatch first needs to spin the vault-style 4-spoke spinner.
It looks like Jimmy Neutron or someone like that would drive this.
Taking Urban Living to a New Level
"Say what?! They cant be serious," were just a few words uttered during Fords introduction of the extremely odd, albeit quite innovative new SYNus concept SUV at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Sunday, January 9th.
Truth be told, Ford didnt expect would-be buyers to jump all over it anyways.
But the new concept should pique the interest of auto show passersby, and in so doing heighten peoples awareness about what new technologies Ford is busy at work developing for the urban environment.
Why urban? When cars were just being developed people were moving from the farm to the city, and then when those cars wore big fins and loads of chrome it was an exodus from the city to the suburbs. And what about now? Urban real estate, or anything close to town, is hot property in todays world, and Ford wants to show those buying into the inner city that it is serious about solving the kinds of problems commonly experienced by urban dwellers.
What kinds of problems? First and foremost is the lack of parking, and when a spot can be found its a "small car only" space more often than not. The SYNus is not only compact, but based on Ford of Europes B-segment Fiesta. That puts it into the size spectrum of Toyotas Echo and Hyundais Accent, and yes the same class as Scions xB - the only car that makes the SYNus appear aerodynamic.
Seriously though, while diminutive in size, the SYNus is tough enough to stand up to pretty well anything an urban guerilla can throw at it.
By the way, my opening attempt at making you laugh with the Brinks truck comparison isnt original. Ford actually found inspiration for the new concepts design from "bank vaults and armored cars", in order to visually communicate the SYNuss integrated security systems.
Parking the SYNus in secure mode automatically deploys protective shutters that clamp down over the windshield and side glass - yes that narrow strip that looks more like a slot for poking through automatic weapons is actually for occupants to see out of, or at least allow a semblance of sunshine in.
Dont try to open one, however, as these are fixed in place and, of course, bulletproof - and just why are people moving back into the city? Sound impenetrable? The rear hatch doesnt offer a window at all, so valuables that otherwise might get stolen through an SUVs rear window are safe and sound in the SYNus.
Of course, property crime, especially from vehicles, is no joking matter, especially in city cores where drug trafficking and resultant addiction is most prolific and the necessity of feeding the habit at any cost very real.
More style than substance, anyone wanting to get into the windowless rear hatch first needs to spin the vault-style 4-spoke spinner.
It looks like Jimmy Neutron or someone like that would drive this.