Going Global: the Ford Evos Concept

A new "car of future" seems to arrive almost every week, but the Ford Evos Concept might just be a little different. This four-door, four-seat fastback will make its global debut at Frankfurt, but it's not just the eye-catching looks that will have everyone talking.

Encouraged by the success of the kinetic design approach used in the Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta, the company is taking the concept upmarket -- starting (appropriately) with the Ford Evos Concept. It's a continuation of the One Ford product strategy that is transforming the brand.

Here at Auto eBid we enjoy translating what manufacturers say about their cars into plain English that our customers can understand. We do love seeing the word "global", but we don't want you to lose sight of the important stuff amongst all the meaningless verbiage.

So news that the Ford Evos Concept isn't just a car but an excuse for a "new exterior and interior design vocabulary" is a bit worrying. Here are a few key points that you might want to brush up on:

• Silhouette innovation. This sounds like a weight-watching plan, but is an indicator of Ford's highly distinctive profile. In the case of the Ford Evos Concept, what you're seeing is "sportiness" and "fun to drive".
• Perceived efficiency. This deceptively dull phrase is a reference to the Concept's fastback roof profile (it's aerodynamic!) and the teardrop shape of the car's lines towards the rear. Character-wise, this car is said to be light on its feet. (Back to the slimming vocabulary again.)
• Technical graphics. OK, this can't be too confusing, can it? Apparently the Ford Evos Concept is flying the flag for smart technology with its low-profile headlights and tail lamps and an integrated rear exhaust.
• New face of Ford. They really do mean a new face here: the inverted trapezoid grille has been shifted upwards.

Away from all the talk about global design DNA, the Ford Evos Concept also features a state-of-the-art lithium-ion plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. This will offer the same next-generation performance and fuel economy as the Ford C-MAX Energi, which will arrive in North America in 2012 and Europe in 2013.