The Ford iosis MAX Concept Car Unveiled

Ford will unveil a head-turning concept car at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, to express the design direction for its next generation of global C-cars.

The Ford iosis MAX showcases new door opening concepts, lightweight materials, advanced aerodynamics, and a preview of the European development of Ford's global EcoBoost petrol engine technology coming in 2010.

Coupled to this clean and lean engine are the recently introduced and acclaimed Ford PowerShift transmission, plus a new Ford Auto-Start-Stop system also due for production in 2010.

The front of the Ford iosis MAX is dominated by the bold trapezoidal lower grille, which is now a key part of the Ford brand identity. For the first time, however, the grille features a distinctive new treatment with three horizontal chrome-rimmed bars, giving the vehicle's face a more dynamic and imposing feel.

The Ford iosis MAX interior presents a bold evolution of the kinetic design language used on the exterior, incorporating dynamic shapes and advanced materials to create an interior environment which is light, spacious and expressive.

A key part of the Ford iosis MAX interior concept is the spine-like bridge which runs the full length of the interior from the bulkhead through to the rear load area.

The bridge supports the centre console, and provides a mounting point for the four individual seats and central armrests. The seats are cantilevered from the bridge, allowing for an uninterrupted floor space and giving occupants the sensation that they are 'floating on air'

The whole of the console surface acts as a touch-screen display to control the vehicle's systems. Information - such as sat-nav instructions or details of an incoming phone call - is displayed on the console when required using projectors mounted beneath the surface.

To help overcome common problems faced by owners when loading or unloading the vehicle in a confined space, such as a congested multi-storey car park, the concept features a unique two piece tailgate design. This allows the tailgate to be fully opened, even when there is restricted space behind or above the vehicle.

Power is provided by a 1.6-litre 180PS four-cylinder petrol engine from Ford's new EcoBoost engine family. Ford EcoBoost engines feature turbocharging and direct injection technology to deliver fuel economy up to 20 per cent better than conventional petrol engines with a similar power output.

The 1.6-litre EcoBoost unit in the Ford iosis MAX is further optimised through the use of a new Ford Auto-Start-Stop system, intelligent alternator and six-speed Ford PowerShift double-clutch automated manual gearbox with ratios tailored to deliver maximum fuel efficiency. Simulations predict that the concept vehicle could achieve CO2 emissions of 125g/km.