Ford S-MAX Concept (Foto Ufficiali)

[Pandino]

Messaggio Aggiornato al 08/04/2014

carscoops

Press Release :

Ford S-MAX Concept Evolves Unique White Space Appeal with Beautifully Crafted Design and Smart Technology

- New S-MAX Concept reveals Ford's vision for future sport activity vehicle

- S-MAX Concept builds upon the popular current model's style without compromise ethos with sleek design, detailed craftsmanship, advanced technologies and more flexible interior

- Connectivity and wellness features include SYNC with MyFord Touch, Ford ECG Heart Rate Monitoring Seat and Glucose Level Monitoring

- Advanced safety and convenience technologies include car-to-car communications, Intelligent Protection System with Pre-Collision Assist, Dual-View Display and advanced version of Active Park Assist

- Dynamic driving appeal and efficiency delivered by new 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine

COLOGNE, Germany, Aug. 28, 2013 – Ford Motor Company today revealed the new Ford S MAX Concept, a new sport activity vehicle that takes the style-without-compromise ethos of the popular current S-MAX to new levels with a sharper design, advanced technology, and premium craftsmanship.

"When Ford unveiled the SAV – sport activity vehicle – Concept in 2005 it immediately captured the public's imagination and inspired us to produce today's S-MAX, a true white space vehicle," said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. "Our new S-MAX Concept takes that unique appeal to the next level with Ford's latest design and technology innovations for a new generation."

The new S MAX Concept employs the latest Ford global design language with a high mounted grille, swept-back headlamps and a unique treatment of the vehicle's lower fascia that includes design elements that appear to float within the lower front aperture and above the spoiler.

The characteristic S-MAX profile has been honed with the front bonnet sweeping seamlessly into the sharply raked front screen, which in turn flows into the dynamic arc of the roof to create a unique glass roof graphic. This sleek silhouette surrounds a spacious and versatile interior that offers anything from four-to seven-seat configurations.

"S MAX drivers are passionate and bring high expectations – they see their S-MAX as a one-of-a-kind vehicle," said Martin Smith, executive design director, Ford of Europe. "Our mission was to exceed their expectations in every area while respecting the core of what they love about the S-MAX."

Further exterior design cues include a feature line running along the side of the vehicle to deliver an impression of length and speed, sculptured muscular shoulders, and distinctive headlamps featuring Organic LEDs – the latest development in lighting that offers greater flexibility in terms of positioning and design, fast response and colour range.

The S MAX Concept interior is an expression of cutting-edge design, convenience, connectivity, flexibility, and craftsmanship.

The front cabin places the focus firmly on the driver. Dynamic shapes and forms combine in a high-set instrument panel that cuts back in the centre console and creates a feeling of space. The door panels are similarly sculptured and an innovative interior roof design maximises the feeling of spaciousness.

High quality materials, including an ultra-soft leather wrap for the instrument panel, and leather and carbon fibre detailing for the sculptured seats, give the interior a sophisticated aura.

"The fine detailing and visible craftsmanship in areas such as the instrument panel air vents reward the driver for really paying attention," said Smith. "Each and every element of the interior stands up to close inspection with intricate and thoroughly considered design."

The Ford S MAX Concept also employs leading-edge Ford features and technologies to provide customers with new levels of connectivity and well-being as well as safety, convenience, and driving appeal.

The Ford SYNC system sits at the heart of the vehicle's advanced connectivity features. Ford SYNC with MyFord Touch delivers wireless internet access for passengers, supported by a tablet docking station that allows second row occupants to seamlessly integrate their personal devices into the vehicle.

SYNC AppLink enables the driver to voice-control smart phone apps from an expanding list of service providers, which include Spotify, Kaliki, Glympse and Aha, bringing additional music, news, personalised information as well as location and navigation options into the vehicle.

SYNC also enables additional features to improve health and well-being:

- Ford's ECG Heart Rate Monitoring Seat records the driver's heart rate, delivering long-term heart activity data that would otherwise need to be recorded at medical centres, and offers the potential to connect with Ford SYNC to alert remote medical experts to unusual activity or even trigger active safety systems to take over in a case of emergency

- Glucose Level Monitoring connects with Ford SYNC could warn parents if a sleeping child in the rear seats suffers a diabetic episode

Sophisticated communications and sensor systems provide the S-MAX Concept with detailed information about the driving environment, to enhance awareness and safety:

- Ford's advanced car-to-car communications technology enables the vehicle to talk to similarly equipped vehicles, delivering warnings in the event of oncoming traffic on the wrong side of the motorway, or if a vehicle has stopped in a potentially dangerous situation such as a blind bend in the road

- Ford Intelligent Protection System with Pre-Collision Assist identifies pedestrians and automatically applies the brakes if a collision is imminent

- Advanced version of Active Park Assist featuring perpendicular parking capability, park out assist and Cross Traffic Alert is the next generation of Ford parking technology, able to control steering, gear selection and fore and aft movement, and assist drivers in leaving parking bays by alerting them to approaching traffic

The interior design offers a range of smart solutions to enhance flexibility and versatility:

- Thin Seat Technology is employed in the third row of seats, enabling the seats to be raised and lowered in a single action with minimum effort. An intelligent second row of seats makes it easy to get in and out, with a centre seat that folds into the vehicle's floor and allows for maximum versatility

- Dual-View Display in the centre console delivers different images to the driver and front passenger using the same screen, ensuring the driver receives important information without being distracted, while the front passenger can enjoy a movie at the same time

Advanced Ford powertrain ensures that the renowned S-MAX driving appeal is raised to a new level:

- High-efficiency powertrain features the all-new 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with turbocharging, twin-independent variable camshaft timing and further advanced technologies to enhance power and fuel economy

"The new S-MAX Concept is not only a unique proposition in terms of its uncompromised combination of styling, versatility and driver-focused dynamics, but also through its innovative technologies delivering superior safety, well-being and seamlessly integrated connectivity," said Pim van der Jagt, executive technical leader, Ford Research and Advanced Engineering. "With the S-MAX Concept we aimed to demonstrate just how wide a scope of technologies Ford is preparing to deliver for customers in future generations of vehicles."

Ford

S-MAX Vignale Concept

Autocar

Press Release Vignale :

• Ford introduces S?MAX Vignale Concept in Milan, expanding the Ford Vignale vision of creating a unique upmarket product and ownership experience
  
• Inspired by trends from furniture and fashion, the S-MAX Vignale Concept features distinctive 21-inch alloy wheels; dark-chromed polished aluminium detailing; special Vignale grille; quilted, premium leather seats and an exclusive exterior colour called “Milano Grigio”
  
• A production version of S-MAX Vignale is planned and will be the second Ford Vignale vehicle to go on sale in Europe after the new Ford Mondeo Vignale reaches customers next year
  
• Select Ford retailers throughout Europe will create “Vignale Lounges”
  

MILAN, Italy, April 8, 2014 – Ford Motor Company unveiled the new Ford S?MAX Vignale Concept today in Milan as it continues to expand its vision for a unique upmarket product and ownership experience for European customers.

The new Ford S-MAX Vignale Concept follows the introduction last year of the Ford Mondeo Vignale Concept and expresses the premium design, craftsmanship, and exclusive specification customers can expect from Ford Vignale. A production version of the Mondeo Vignale will be available to customers next year followed by a production S-MAX Vignale.

“Spacious and aspirational, the S-MAX Vignale Concept goes beyond traditional automotive design and speaks to customers who value aesthetics,” said Martin Smith, executive director, Design, Ford of Europe. “Our Vignale designers were inspired by trends from furniture to fashion to create this new expression of Ford.”

In addition to revealing the S-MAX Vignale in Milan, Ford is showcasing its vision for the Vignale consumer experience this week at the Salone del Mobile, the world’s leading furniture design expo. The design of the Ford stand at Salone del Mobile is a preview of the “Vignale Lounge” retail experience that will be rolled out in select Ford retailers throughout Europe. Ford also will display a Vignale lifestyle collection, including a bespoke travel bag that was awarded an iF Design award.

The personalised experience customers can expect when Vignale launches in Europe in 2015 will include a dedicated relationship manager, as well as VIP collection and delivery services.

Unique product execution

The new S-MAX Vignale Concept features dedicated 21-inch Vignale alloy wheels with fine detailing and high quality finish; jewellery-like appliques and chrome mirror caps; a distinctive hexagonal Vignale grille design; and unique “Milano Grigio” paint colour. The S-MAX concept also offers exclusive Vignale-embossed seating with hexagonal quilting and high-quality and soft-touch leather enhanced with woven texture-embossed aluminium detailing.

Technology highlights include advanced car-to-car communications, tablet device-docking stations for second row seats and an intelligent flexible seating concept with thin seat technology.

The S-MAX Vignale Concept delivers a new take on S-MAX’s sharply styled, sleek exterior, characteristic profile and dynamic roof arc.

The new Vignale colour, “Milano Grigio”, a pearlescent jewel-like tone, is directly influenced by rose metallic tones evident in furniture and fashion designs on display at Salone del Mobile. The attention to colour runs throughout the vehicle with Dark Rose Grey detailing in the exhausts, hexagonal air-vent surrounds, and the lower front fascia.

The technical grille application with hexagonal design first demonstrated with the Mondeo Vignale Concept is again present for the S-MAX Vignale Concept. The grille features a darker matt metallic finish with polished aluminium surround.

“We can see from the designs around us at Salone del Mobile and Milan Design Week that modern luxury does not need to be loud,” said Stefan Lamm, exterior design director, Ford of Europe. “Lighter tones and careful application of detailing have helped us deliver a level of sophistication Ford customers have not seen before.”

Tailored design

The light exterior is matched with a darker interior scheme taking inspiration in part from current menswear trends. Further colours and design have been inspired by eclectic takes on furniture – including high-end sofas – which offer sleek, contemporary lines and hand-stitched pearlescent leathers.

Leather extends from the dashboard and instrument panel to sweep past the glass roof to the rear luggage compartment in a single colour that creates a lounge-like environment.

Metallic textures are applied in warm tones. Woven texture-embossed aluminium behind the steering wheel and across the passenger side dashboard is indicative of the craftsmanship applied throughout, further demonstrated by a directional, brush-painted panel above the central display that features aluminium Vignale lettering.

The seats feature a new variation on the quilting effect first demonstrated in the Mondeo Vignale Concept. Front seats and outer rear seats feature hexagonal quilting bordered with square quilting that stretches across the centre-rear seat and front armrest. “Tone-on-tone” stitching with thick dark red thread highlight the seat centres and is complemented by lighter exterior thread at the seats’ perimeters.

“The tonal connections and the quality of craftsmanship and detailing inject a sense of tradition into the S?MAX Vignale Concept,” said Sonja Vandenberk, chief designer, Colour and Material, Ford of Europe. “The design language itself is on the cusp of the latest fashion and furniture trends, reflecting inspirations in terms of fabrics, leathers, colours and detailing.”

Meeting customer demand

Ford said half of its large cars are sold in high series specification; and that 10 to 15 percent of customers want an even higher level of specification and customer service.

“We know that many customers are looking for a Ford that’s more exclusive and upscale than we currently offer in Europe,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe. “The other key trend is the desire for a more memorable and personalised ownership experience that is tailored to individuals and respects their time. Vignale will meet these needs in a fresh way.”

Ford research shows more than one third of premium brand car buyers consider high levels of customer service a key difference between a mainstream and upmarket experience. The research also revealed that sales staff competence and efficiency are the two biggest influencers of customer satisfaction. And showroom appearance and quality of hospitality are two of the top three factors that influence customer expectations of a brand.

Ford will provide a specially-trained relationship manager as the single customer contact throughout the Vignale purchasing experience. Reflecting the notion that for Vignale customers, time is the most valued resource, Vignale will offer collection and delivery for vehicle servicing alongside servicing scheduled to suit the owner.

“Vignale Lounges” in select Ford dealerships, mostly in metropolitan locations, will be dedicated to delivering a personalised service. The “Vignale Lounge” will offer stimulating, secluded environments to sample exclusive materials and colours and discover exciting features and technologies. It will reflect the quality to be found within the product and provide customers with a relaxing environment.

“Vignale offers a special product and the intangible qualities that allow the customer to feel differently about the experience,” Roelant said. “The convenience offered by personalised delivery, collection for servicing will make Vignale a valued part of customers’ lives.”

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 181,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information about Ford and its products worldwide please visitwww.corporate.ford.com.

Ford of Europeis responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individualmarkets and employs approximately 47,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and approximately67,000 people when joint ventures and unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford MotorCredit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 22 manufacturingfacilities (13 wholly owned or consolidated joint venture facilities and nine unconsolidated joint venturefacilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company wasfounded. European production started in 1911.

Ford

Veramente bella imho

Non mi ha mai entusiasmato l'attuale, questa ha tutte le premesse per venire bene. Brava Ford.

Modificato 8 Aprile 2014 da Touareg 2.5

[Sandro]

Io invece ho sempre molto gradito il design dell'attuale S-Max.

Questa, invece, mi sembra... una Fiesta sotto steroidi

So che è solo un concept (e quindi a peggiorare saranno glì'interni), ma l'esterno lo boccio.

[Pandino]

So che è solo un concept (e quindi a peggiorare saranno glì'interni), ma l'esterno lo boccio.

[owluca]

a me non dispiace, il posteriore però....

[Aymaro]

muso un po attapirato... nel complesso non male...

ps. solita modelleria di Beinasco

[Alce_NeroWRC]

A me piace tantissimo!!!

[TLT5M]

Ottimo che ci siano ancora case che creano prototipi e per di più vengono da noi a realizzarli. Come estetica il frontale non mi entusiasma Ø la bocca qui è ovviamente inserita meglio di quella posticcia di fiesta e questo family ford è di certo meglio delle branchie di focus-new kuga (che penso tra un po' spariscano anche loro), per il resto molto riuscita, superfici ben fatte è un 3-4 posteriore con un portellone molto gradevole nonostante le dimensioni. Interni finalmente ripuliti dai vari tasti...sembrano un po' quelli di alcune nuove GM usa, ma direi ottimi anche quelli

[Jack.Torrance]

Troppo Fiesta nel frontale.

Per il resto, mi piace parecchio.

[Pandino]

Troppo Fiesta nel frontale.

E' il family feeling tesoro

[Gunblade66]

Io sta bocca non la digerisco proprio, ma a mio avviso su questa sta molto meglio che sulla Fiesta. In questo caso "le dimensioni contano"...