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2006 Ford iosis X Concept

Ford Hints at a Forthcoming Crossover with the iosis X

Fords original iosis concept debuted at the Frankfurt auto show in 2005 introducing us to kinetic design, which you may remember Ford feels "expresses energy in motion." The concept was sharp edged, aggressive and featured four gullwing doors. I think they should have rushed into production as is, with the exception of the small exterior mirrors, a detail I didnt care for as I felt that they interrupted the cleanliness of the exterior. But it was merely a concept, just a hint of things to come from Ford of Europe, and to prepare the public for the design direction the brand was heading in. Elements of the iosis have ended up in the 2007 Mondeo, including quite a bit of the front end.

A couple of weeks ago at the Paris Auto Show, Ford expanded on the iosis theme with a crossover concept called the

This is what happens when you take a great looking concept car, and multiply it by a fator of X... (Photo: Ford)

iosis X that shares many of the strong visual elements of the original. When it comes to concept cars, the designation "X" has several different meanings. In this case it stands not for ten or experimental, but crossover. Its no secret that Ford will be entering the crossover market in Europe in less than two years. Although the iosis X is not specifically that vehicle, it is an indication of the forthcoming crossovers design direction.

Ford of Europes Executive Design Director, Martin Smith states that, "Customers will be able to get a feel for the design direction our production model will take, and when

Where the original iosis turned into the Mondeo, the iosis X hints at a possible production crossover. (Photo: Ford)

we do reveal that model next year the relationship between it and the iosis X will be immediately apparent."

The front retains the flared nostrils, trapezoidal grille and angular headlights that is the new corporate face of Ford of Europe. Front and central is a large blue oval emblem bisected by a metal bar in the grille. Although the iosis is aimed at the compact C-segment, its wide, confident stance, sharp exterior lines and relatively short overhangs cause it to appear larger than it is. An undercut divides the upper and lower body sections giving the crossover a sleek smooth look, while fender flares add aggression. The plunging roofline in the rear gives the iosis X a coupe-like look in the rear, but the raised suspension,

Low contrast in colors helps keep the impact of the racing stripes to a minimum. (Photo: Ford)

large angry looking wheels and tires, plus tough looking skid plates clearly label it as a sporty go-anywhere crossover SUV. There are four doors, with the smaller rear ones hinging rearwards for easy access. As with most concepts and precursors to future production models regardless of the manufacturer, LEDS are used in both the front and rear lights.

"What iosis X does do is to move our customers understanding of our new design language on further," Smith concludes. "It demonstrates that kinetic design is becoming a consistent and enduring reality in Fords future and it assures them that when Ford enters this particular sector of the market, it will be with an individual and dynamic product that shares much of the excitement of this concept."

Whereas most manufacturers use vibrant colors for their crossover concepts, Ford decided on

The iosis X at its dramatic, icy debut in Paris. (Photo: Ford)

a different approach. The paint is a very brilliant white, icy and cool, enhanced with a subtle blue hue (Ford calls it a "flip" effect, so that the color shifts in different lights). It also features two of my favorite details on any Ford: silver Shelby stripes. The stripes are even etched into the twin glass panels that run the length of the roof.

"If you look into tunnels of ice you see silvers and powdery whites and thats reflected in iosis X exterior colors," notes Ruth Pauli, Fords Chief Designer for Color and Trim. "This creates a technical, powder snow look and is enhanced by silver stripes contrasting with the cold blue flip of the paint."
Inside, quite a few elements were carried over from the original iosis, such as the skeletal aluminum seats, which have been designed with cross country driving and light off-roading in mind in this application, featuring more supportive padding as well as integrated seatbelts. The slim instrument panel, a further development

Elements of the original, such as the neoprene orange and aluminum finish remain. (Photo: Ford)

from the iosis, features a slender floating console that flows into the door lines, creating what Ford calls a "dramatic cockpit feel." The gauges are transparent and illuminated in orange and are housed individually with a screen between them that allows the driver control of navigation and other features.

Many of the colors, textures and materials used in the iosis X were inspired by extreme heli-skiing equipment to portray an athletic sporty crossover. Interior colors are a myriad of blues, greys, piano white and ever-popular aluminum, de rigueur in any concept. To contrast, however, rich orange accents add a bit of warmth inside.

Running the length of the interior is a very dominant "interlocking bridge" center console that Ford says was inspired by a modern helicopter. The console runs down from the dashboard, divides the 2+2 seating configuration and sweeps up into the roof at the rear. Ford likens it to the tail of a scorpion. There is a roof console as well, which features personal and ambient lighting plus an LCD screen for the rear passengers. But by far the

A revitalization of image is just what Ford needs; the iosis X delivers. (Photo: Ford)

most interesting feature of the iosis X is the glass floor that offers a view of the ground beneath you.

"We wanted to create the feeling that driver and passengers are connected to the outside world and can see their surroundings more clearly," comments the head of Fords interior design team, Nikolaus Vidakovic. "The glass floor is absolutely unique in a vehicle, like those that you get in boats which allow their passengers to look into the ocean. In this case, occupants will be able to see the elements beneath them as they travel."

Considering many crossovers never leave the asphalt I feel it would offer a boring view indeed, but I think Ford has nevertheless created an interesting concept and would like to see the blue-oval brands European division transfer over the new face to its cars on this side of the Atlantic. I believe there is room for smaller segment vehicles to wear something bold; its certainly working for DaimlerChrysler and its Dodge Caliber.

While I prefer the low-slung sports sedan look of the iosis concept, the iosis X is definitely attractive in its own right, as well as edgy. How much of it will transfer to the production version? Well know in 18 months.

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