2005 Ford iosis Review

Specifications

Ford Advances Kinetic Design

The Frankfurt Motor Shows come and gone, but Im still wading through a swamp of press releases and show-floor photography. Theres no order to the selection of concepts or new model introductions that Im to write about from day to day so I rely on random sparks of inspiration. Though the list is long and the competition fierce the concept that managed to grab my undivided attention most recently is both a looker and highly significant - at least in Europe.

The iosis (lower case intentional) is Fords next big thing, a sneak peek at Ford of Europes future design language; or in other words its a sampling of styling cues that will show up on future Ford products in Europe. Its not the first time weve seen many of these shapes, however, some of which first appeared on the Ford SAV concept that was launched at the Geneva Auto Show. While the SAV previewed a sportier look for Fords vans and people movers, the iosis is the answer for its road-going cars.

With huge lower air intakes, bulging fender flares filled to capacity with chromed wheels, brake vents, a high metal-to-glass ratio, aggressive character lines down the side panels and a tight backside that clearly reflects the front grille and valance, both concepts show a cohesive vision for the future of Ford products in Europe.

Martin Smith, Ford of Europes executive design director, had this to say of his new style: “We are calling this new language Ford kinetic design, because we believe it expresses energy in motion.” With a profile as sleek as the latest Aston Martins, it would be hard to make the iosis look any more kinetic without drawing “whoosh” lines behind it and little exhaust puffs to boot.

While enticing for a blue oval concept, I cant say the iosis comes across as entirely original. Little bits and pieces viewed in isolation hint at muses that are perhaps not so esteemed as PAGs standout Aston brand. The bulging fenders are strongly reminiscent of Mazdas RX-8, which is no bad thing under normal circumstances, but slightly less distinguished than Aston credentials. One feature that seems terribly out of place despite being chrome is the grille: it still seems so down market that it throws the rest of the car off balance, more like an afterthought than an intrinsic part of the initial design. I can just here the conversation initiated by some Ford exec, “Now how do we fit our traditional grille on this stylish new design, Martin”? When I talked it over with a few colleagues at the office, we came to the conclusion that Ford must have lifted it out of the Windstar parts bin. OK, its not identical to Fords old North American minivan but it still doesnt appear like it could have been part of the original iosis theme, which is shame because Fords designers got it right on the SAV.

So Ford is locked and loaded for at least the next five to ten years with a clearly delineated design mission reflecting the sporting and dynamic character of its European lineup, but what about the concepts trick features and fantastic details?

For starters, the doors open in full butterfly mode, with the front pair swinging up and forward and the rears flipping up and to the rear. Think this is part of Fords future in Europe? Not quite. Nonetheless, the angled pivoting door arrangement gives complete, unimpeded access to the interior, no matter how confined the parking spot. The doors are actually made from carbon fibre, so each one is light enough to be supported only by its centrally mounted hinge. The mechanism is also power-assisted for ease of operation.

Once the doors are open we get a view of an outrageously “hip” interior. Heres what Martin Smith had to say: “We connected futuristic materials with sophisticated materials. There are very technical materials like rubber compounds combined with leather, and neoprene combined with high quality aluminium components, for example.” Notice that he uses the word aluminium - the Brits take on aluminum. Funny Brits, but I suppose they formulated the language we, and now Microsoft are slowly “simplifying”. I suppose its use of aluminium components is further confirmation that this concept is for Euro eyes only.

Starting with the Klingon steering wheel, fashioned from solid aluminium with orange leather hand grips, things only get “oranger” from there. Around the view screen in the center console, on the grip of World Rally Car-inspired sequential gear shifter, in the door inserts, on the chairs, and if you go back outside, even the brake calipers peeking through the chrome rims. Orange, Orange everywhere, and not a drop of pink.

There are a lot of nice, unique touches other than trim color, fitting for an advanced technology showcase like the iosis. Helping it live up to concept billing is a center stack that features a pair of USB jacks for connecting memory storage devices. These would likely contain MP3s, contact information, and the like, but could also include specific driver settings and other personal information. The seats are also aluminium, made to resemble a ribcage and vertebrae, covered in specially treated leather that looks sort of like plastic. Leather that looks like plastic - impressive. Actually, Ford claims its supposed to look metallic, and I guess I could see it their way.

Though not the first time theyve made an appearance on a concept car, iosis replaces rearview mirrors with cameras for a more comprehensive view of the cars surroundings and greater aerodynamic optimization, complemented by a back-up camera. The pictures from these cameras can be viewed in the center stack terminal or in a small high-def display screen in between the old school analog speedo and tach in the gauge binnacle - binnacle… theres more of that British jabber sneaking in.

Its a wild interior that mixes some very real and applicable technologies with unlikely, yet fantastic contrasting materials and colors. And despite keeping some idiosyncratic details, the iosis is a bold step forward with solid themes that advance Smiths intent of a “kinetic” design. Fords products in Europe sell themselves by offering exciting driving dynamics to match many of the best European brands, and now they should have the looks to keep up.