Ford Airstream concept

By Phil McNamara

Motor Shows

07 January 2007 05:36

Ford Airstream: the lowdown

Ford today unveiled the Airstream, a thoroughly American alternative to the S-Max crossover MPV sold in Europe. A collaboration with iconic trailer maker Airstream, the Airstream is a concept car that runs on hydrogen fuel cell power, cossets passengers in a flexible and luxurious cabin and looks exceptionally cool. 'Crossovers are the fastest growing segment of the market,' said Ford design supremo J Mays, unveiling the car in Detroit (above). 'Demographic changes [older, affluent empty nesters] are stimulating huge demand for recreational vehicles – that's why we teamed up with Airstream. This concept celebrates the joy of the great American journey.' For more, click next.

Two major influences shaped the 4.7m-long Airstream. With its silver plated-look and lozenge shape, the show car is visually linked to Airstream recreational vehicles, America's glamorous take on the caravan. Meanwhile, the interior design takes inspiration from the science fiction film 2001: A Space Odyssey. American Fords' bold, three bar grille is fused into one rectangular piece, which glows with a piercing white light. The headlamps merge seamlessly into this beefy shield. The doors and windows are assymetric, with a small driver's side door and large, top-hinged aperture on the offside. The glass is surrounded by bright orange accents, remiscent of flashes on the original Ford S-Max concept.

By Phil McNamara