Ford Interceptor Concept revealed

[jetsetter]

Ford will use the Detroit auto show in just over a week to showcase an all-new concept car called the Interceptor. Built on a stretched version of the Mustang platform, the car offers a preview of a four-door rear-wheel drive sedan to compete with the Chrysler 300.

"The Ford Interceptor concept is a pure sedan that speaks to performance car lovers everywhere," said Freeman Thomas, director, North American Strategic Design. "These people might need more space, but they still appreciate the power and attitude that cars like this represent."

Under the hood is a 400 horsepower 5.0-liter V-8 Cammer engine, capable of running on E-85 ethanol. Overall length is 201.6 inches, while wheelbase is 120.8 inches. The car features a number of safety features, including four-point seat-belts and inflatable rear belts. It rides on 22-inch wheels and a solid rear axle.(I know, I know)

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/12/...ept/#more-4600

Yes, it has a solid rear axle but I still dig it. It looks interesting and I believe if they actually made it the vehicle would sell well.

[fbc]

Oh good, I see they've managed to get a fender-vent on there...

I don't care what country it comes from - a solid rear axle on a brand new vehicle in this day and age?? Does it still run drum brakes too? Fingers crossed if they do build it, it gets an independant rear. (Which makes me a hypocrite, since I'm a 'stang fan...)

Anyway, that aside - I can see they've been looking closely at the Chrylser 300's proportions... And I don't know why, but I keep picturing it as a police car. I actually can't work out if I like it or not - apart from the chopped roof line, it's a conventional three-box sedan.

[jetsetter]

Anyway, that aside - I can see they've been looking closely at the Chrylser 300's proportions... I actually can't work out if I like it or not - apart from the chopped roof line, it's a conventional three-box sedan.

I read that the guy who designed the 300 also designed this vehicle.

And I don't know why, but I keep picturing it as a police car.

Mean looking police car.

[kaBOOMn]

Well on a smooth road you don't really need IRS, plus the IRS system is a wee bit heavy....but yeah use the back end out of a BA/BF falcon and your set!

BUT!

I'm glad to say that American car designers are becomeing proud again to design a American looking car.....it has presence!

[Ezbok58a]

Sweet, good to know my car's replacement is dead sexy. Oh, and about the Live rear axle.

At Ford's current financial condition, they can't afford IRS for this or any car. The Mustang was designed from the start with IRS in mind, it still is infact. Just bolt one underneath a current mustang and it'll work. But it'd cost a little more than the IRS, and that little more could be spent saving a company on it's deathbed. Just a FYI

[SL65]

Yeh I like it Just wondering what the headlights will be on the production version...

Its a big-ass car and I would definately expect at least some IRS, as fbc pointed out. The technology is there, and has been for ages, so why not use it. Its like using a chalk board rather than a whiteboard.

[fbc]

Originally Posted by jetsetter

Mean looking police car.

True, true. It's certainly got a presence.

[jetsetter]

The Mustang was designed from the start with IRS in mind, it still is infact. Just bolt one underneath a current mustang and it'll work. But it'd cost a little more than the IRS, and that little more could be spent saving a company on it's deathbed. Just a FYI

I wouldn't say that Ford is on its deathbed, remember that it is still one of the largest auto companies in the world.

[flyingfridge]

FORD: Please, please build this car. It will sell, look at the 300C.

[the Interceptor]

I don't like the looks, and especially the name is crap.

... oh wait!

[Scott]

I hate it

[cvrefugee]

Originally Posted by fbc

Does it still run drum brakes too?

My car has rear drum brakes

[NecroJoe]

Originally Posted by cvg

My car has rear drum brakes

If it makes you feel better, it's the best car you can buy for the earth's sake.

From wikipedia: "CNW Marketing research concluded in a long-term study of “dust to dust” energy costs for passenger vehicles that the Scion xB was the most energy efficient car of 2005. According to the site, "The research tracked and calculated the energy cost of each model sold in the U.S. in 2005 from initial concept to the projected time it is scrapped." The xB costs $.48 per mile to drive over its lifetime, whereas in comparison the Toyota Prius costs $3.25 per mile."

[un-dee]

Thats because its made from recycling paper, just like these boxes in which you ship your ebay stuff around.

[NecroJoe]

Any good photoshoppers out there want to show us your "skillz" and turn this into a police cruiser? (Classic American "Black & White" please...)

[Cobol74]

Originally Posted by kaBOOMn

I'm glad to say that American car designers are becomeing proud again to design a American looking car.....it has presence!

Yep I go along with that and the 300C has grown on me too. The Ford is very nice - rims a bit much for me but probably just right for NA. And yes this would make an awesome looking Police car. I bet no Right hand drive tho'.

[hajj]

I want one!! That's the way Ford's should look like.

[Dins]

It's big and stupid. And look how minutely small the brake disks are! If Ford ever builds this I'll become a terrorist.

[BlitzR]

Those brakes are behind 22 inch wheels, though the brakes aren't big they aren't exactly small.

[marcos_eirik]

Hmm, this reminds me about the Ford 427 concept car from 2003.