Ford Airstream Hydrogen Fuel Cell hybrid Concept 2007

The Ford Airstream Concept was introduced at the 2007 Detroit Motor Show. It represents a crossover powered by a plug-in hydrogen hybrid drivetrain - called HySeries Drive - that operates under electric power at all times. " Crossovers are an increasingly important part of our business, and Ford is going to continue developing an expressive range of these vehicles," says Peter Horbury, executive director- Design. "The Ford Airstream Concept is a futuristic look at crossovers. It is the ultimate modern touring vehicles that delivers flexibility and capability with dynamic design that evokes the spirit of the journey."

Ford and Airstream have teamed up to deliver a futuristic crossover concept, showing what tomorrow's road trip vehicles could look like. Much like Ford, Airstream began with one man's dream. In 1931, Wally Byam began leveraging aircraft-construction methods to make trailers aimed at feeding Americans surging desire to travel. "Silver bullets" have been shooting up and down highways ever since, leading a Recreational Vehicle Industry. "Business for Airstream and the RV industry has been strong, but we want to continue finding options for tomorrow's road trips. Our success in recent years has come from challenging the conventional thinking about what an Airstream is. The Ford Airstream Concept is a stunning example of just that," says Bob Wheeler, president and chief executive officer of Airstream. " Plus, a partner like Ford, with its long history as an American icon, made perfect sense for this kind of exploration."

The concept's bold, futuristic front-end explores a new look for Ford, encapsulating the single-surface grille and headlamps into the same graphic. Each of the concept's bold orange-trimmed window graphics is a unique shape. "This reflects the purpose of the vehicle: looking out remembering that the journey - not the destination- matters most," said Freeman Thomas, director North American Strategic Design. " The Ford Airstream Concept is an ultra-modern, optimistic vehicle that allows passengers a pure traveling experience to enjoy with good company, no matter the destination."

Its doors are asymmetric as well, allowing for easy loading of passengers and cargo. In addition to the driver side hatch, the passenger side features a power clamshell door that runs two-thirds the length of the vehicle. A three-door hatch finishes the rear of the crossover.

The futuristic theme and modern form language of the exterior carries through to the concept's interior. "Through the materials, color palette and technology, the Ford Airstream Concept has distinct cues from the spacecraft and environments portrayed in 2001: A Space Odyssey," says Thomas. " We are able to maximize the spaciousness of the interior, creating a lounge atmosphere in contrasting colors of cosmic red and white that provides an inviting experience for the ultimate journey."

The Ford Airstream Concept features a floating instrument panel with flush-mounted, touch-sensitive controls and a multi-function single gauge display providing the driver with all primary information. The driver and front-seat passenger will navigate in style in modern, pod-shaped swiveling captain's chairs that also rotate so they can socialize during parking. In the rear, lounge-like seating is sculptural, creating a continuous cocoon-like environment wrapped in bold red B&B Italia fabric. The focal point of the rear seating area is a 360-degree screen for entertainment and games.

The new HySeries Drive plug-in hydrogen fuel cell featured in the Ford Airstream Concept is more than a concept. This powertrain is already on the road and driving in a Ford Edge prototype. In this application, the fuel cell's sole function is to recharge the vehicle's lithium-ion battery pack as needed. This allows it to it to work like a portable generator, rather than to be the primary power source to drive the wheels. The new fuel cell, supplied by Ford partner Ballard, operates in a steady state, allowing a significantly smaller, less expensive fuel cell and drastically improving the durability of the fuel cell. In pure electric mode, the Ford Airstream Concept can travel 25 miles (40 km) before the fuel cell begins operating to recharge the vehicle's 336 volt lithium-ion battery pack. With the hydrogen-powered fuel cell , the range increases another 280 miles (450 km) for a total of 305 miles (490 km).

Dimensions: Length 185 in./ 4.699 mm; Wheelbase 125,9 in./ 3.198 mm; Width 78,9 in./ 2.004 mm; Height 70,6 in./ 1.793 mm.

Texte Paul Damiens - Photos and illustrations Ford Motor Coporation

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