We've already brought you the official announcement and photos on the EcoSport, but now we have the first videos as well as a batch of live pictures from the New Delhi show, courtesy of India-based website Motorbeam.
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The EcoSport is based on the B-segment Fiesta platform with its exterior sporting several styling cues from the Evos concept that was displayed at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Highlights include a very large, trapezoidal grille at the front, while the back we find a tailgate-mounted spare tire.
“EcoSport has a tough, robust attitude that says ‘I can play with the big boys’”, says Ford’s chief designer J Mays. “But it also makes you want to play. That’s why it’s so appealing. EcoSport is perfect for crowded urban streets and inspires you to seek adventure away from the city too.”
The company formed a group of designers led by chief designer of passenger cars for the Asia, Pacific and Africa region, Todd Willing. The team created several of studies that paid tribute to the styling cues from the original XB Coupe Interceptor, but ultimately, only two made the cut. The winning designs were penned by Nima Nourian and Simon Brook.
By eliminating the traditional B-pillar, Ford promises best-in-class access to the cabin without compromising safety. With both front and rear doors open, the aperture measures 1.5 metres, around twice the width offered by competitors, according to Ford.
“With its unique door format and dynamic design, the B-MAX sends a strong message that customers looking for a compact, stylish and versatile vehicle will soon have an exciting new choice,” said Stephen Odell, CEO of Ford Europe. Another highlight is the lack of door handles, with the opening system being remote-controlled.
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The compact-sized model is based on the underpinnings of the Focus hatch and is powered by Ford's 1.6-liter turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine featuring start and stop technology for improved fuel efficiency.
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Residing in that enormous region of "in-between" is a small company called Fiberglass Freaks in Logansport, Indiana, but they're not your average car shop. In fact, you could say they're one-of-a-kind.
Owned and operated by Mark Racop (the "what guy") and Jeff Sandberg (the "how guy"), and staffed by six full-time and eight part-time employees, Fiberglass Freaks is much like Harley Davidson; they sell dreams. In the case of this unassuming small-town Indiana garage, however, they're giving people the opportunity to own a real 1966 Batmobile.
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The news comes from a Ford source in Europe who told Automotive News that production of the Fiesta MPV will begin by the end of next year at Ford's factory in Craiova, Romania. A Ford of Europe spokesman essentially confirmed the news by telling the publication that “It is a B-segment vehicle and will go into full production early in 2012.”
So Seth Rogen and Jet Li are remaking it as a comedy, which is...good? Anyways, the Chrysler Imperial is back, reprising the role it played in the '60s original. Which is fine, but I think it should have had a bit of a remake as well. No, I'm not saying it should be replaced with a Chrysler 300C with green tinted headlights (God forbid).
What I think it should be replaced with is this: Vaughn Gittin Jr's RTR-X Mustang from the 2010 SEMA Show. Here are four reasons why:
"If you're a Mustang enthusiast looking to set your Mustang apart from others, SEMA is like going into a toy store full of inspirational imagery," said Melvin Betancourt, Ford design manager.
One of the customized Mustangs will be a 2011 GT model prepared by Ford Vehicle Personalization with parts from the firm's accessory catalog. These include a rear pedestal spoiler, rear quarter window louvers, side scoops and a billet grille – all finished in a liquid silver color, plus 18-inch machined liquid silver wheels. Hit the jump for details and pictures on the rest of the SEMA-bound Mustangs.
