Ford SynUS Introduction
Ford SynUS Introduction
At less than five-feet high and designed to look like a cross between a bank vault and an armored car, the SYNUS was definitely one of the most unusual concept vehicles at the 2005 NAIAS in Detroit, with some unique features to match its less-than-traditional appearance.
Built on Europe's Ford Fiesta platform, is anything like the SYNUS ever likely to hit the streets? No, but Ford's new subcompact, expected sometime this decade, might borrow a little basic styling from the concept.
Front seats do a 180-degree turn for a view of the giant LCD screen in the windowless rear door. Log on to the Internet, watch movies, or turn on built-om video cameras to find out what's happening outside the vehicle.
When the SYNUS is in motion, cameras allow the LCD screen to show a wide view of s everything behind the vehicle.
It's Like Getting Into a Vault
Park the SYNUS and put it in secure mode -- protective shutters close over the windshield and side glass. Small windows on the flanks and roof don't open anyay, and remember that there's no window in the rear hatch.
The driver's door is secured by a combination lock on the B-pillar. The rear hatch opens with a four-spoke spinner, kind of like the ones you'd see on a bank vault.
The Ford SYNUS is equipped with a 2.0-liter diesel engine that was borrowed from the Ford Mondeo sedan. The engine will run on a mix of 80 percent traditional diesel and 20 percent bio-mass diesel, a biodegradable fuel made from biological sources.
The concept uses the Ford Fiesta's MacPherson strut front suspension and semi-independent torsion-beam rear suspension. Watch for its wide stance and 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in P225/50-18 performance tires.
Subcompacts -- or B-cars -- are ideal for anyone who drives on narrow city streets, and can be parked in some of the tightest spots around. Ford and other automakers are betting that these little vehicles will develop a strong following in the US.
With rising costs of gas, that's probably a safe bet.
Mini Bank Vault?
At less than five-feet high and designed to look like a cross between a bank vault and an armored car, the SYNUS was definitely one of the most unusual concept vehicles at the 2005 NAIAS in Detroit, with some unique features to match its less-than-traditional appearance.
Built on Europe's Ford Fiesta platform, is anything like the SYNUS ever likely to hit the streets? No, but Ford's new subcompact, expected sometime this decade, might borrow a little basic styling from the concept.
SYNUS Features
Front seats do a 180-degree turn for a view of the giant LCD screen in the windowless rear door. Log on to the Internet, watch movies, or turn on built-om video cameras to find out what's happening outside the vehicle.
When the SYNUS is in motion, cameras allow the LCD screen to show a wide view of s everything behind the vehicle.
It's Like Getting Into a Vault
Park the SYNUS and put it in secure mode -- protective shutters close over the windshield and side glass. Small windows on the flanks and roof don't open anyay, and remember that there's no window in the rear hatch.
The driver's door is secured by a combination lock on the B-pillar. The rear hatch opens with a four-spoke spinner, kind of like the ones you'd see on a bank vault.
SYNUS Engine
The Ford SYNUS is equipped with a 2.0-liter diesel engine that was borrowed from the Ford Mondeo sedan. The engine will run on a mix of 80 percent traditional diesel and 20 percent bio-mass diesel, a biodegradable fuel made from biological sources.
Suspension
The concept uses the Ford Fiesta's MacPherson strut front suspension and semi-independent torsion-beam rear suspension. Watch for its wide stance and 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in P225/50-18 performance tires.
- The concept's steering wheel folds away under the dash and its instrument panel is user-friendly.
- The rear seat holds two passengers, but when not in use can be folded down to create cargo space.
B-Car Future
Subcompacts -- or B-cars -- are ideal for anyone who drives on narrow city streets, and can be parked in some of the tightest spots around. Ford and other automakers are betting that these little vehicles will develop a strong following in the US.
With rising costs of gas, that's probably a safe bet.
