Ford’s latest concept car, the Ford Reflex, proves that small cars can be bold, innovative and very much American. The sporty concept wowed the visitors during the 2006 North American International Auto Show held last month.
The Reflex is a technological showcase with its advanced diesel-electric hybrid engine, solar panels, flexible interior made from synthetic and regenerated materials as well as advanced safety features as inflatable safety belts in the rear.
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| Ford Reflex | | According to Freeman Thomas, Ford’s director for strategic design, "The Ford Reflex is a small car that doesn’t feel small. It is a gorgeous sporty car that delivers guilt-free performance with a hybrid engine. And thanks to its innovative approach to the interior, it has space for growing families."
The Reflex is set off with Ford’s three-bar grille – made of high-strength anodized extruded aluminum, which is hand polished to a matte finish. The concept’s shoulder line flows upward to the B-pillar and back down into the wheel arch. Reverse butterfly doors aid vehicle ingress and egress.
The vehicle’s low-voltage circuitry is exposed beneath the glass roof and rear hatch. The roof also features self-powered solar fans that cool the car when parked.
The Reflex’s aggressive 20-inch wheels are polished alloy. The large diameter, narrow width and unique Michelin tire design provide low-roll resistance for improved fuel economy.
Lightweight, space-efficient materials define the interior with its innovative 2/1 backseat configuration. Mesh seat covers are transparent and sheer, offering maximum airflow for comfort.
The cockpit comes alive with keyless activation. At the touch of a button, the instrument cluster controls appear in a cool blue hue as organic light-emitting diodes (LEDs) switch on.
Located in the center console, touch-screen technology helps reduce driver distraction. Shift paddles that control the six-speed semi-automatic transmission are tucked behind the steering wheel.
The back seat offers the ultimate in small car flexibility. A second-row "love seat" can accommodate two children or one adult. With a push of a button, a divider bar raises through the seat bottom, transforming one seat into two.
The Reflex takes safety innovation a major step forward. Advanced safety technologies include inflatable safety belts and BeltMinder for backseat passengers. The inflatable safety belt helps reduce injury risk to second-row occupants. Ford’s patented BeltMinder technology alerts the driver when second-row occupants are not buckled up.
Understanding that the responsibilities of a parent don’t end once the car starts, Reflex designers added a strategically placed "baby cam" in the headliner. From this vantage point, the driver can see streaming video images of the rear-seat occupants.
The Reflex features an advanced diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system that harnesses diesel, electric and solar power. This combination of power can deliver maximum fuel economy of up to 65 miles per gallon – without compromising performance.
The concept features an electric motor on the rear axle in addition to the hybrid propulsion system on the front axle. The rear motor provides all-wheel-drive capability, improved driving dynamics and the fuel economy benefits of a full hybrid vehicle.
The Reflex’s energy is stored in a new-generation lithium-ion battery pack, using the same technology found in cellphones. Ford was the first manufacturer to produce an electric vehicle using this type of battery system when it introduced the electric Ford Ka research vehicle in 2000.
Also contributing to Reflex’s power and performance are unique headlamps and tail lamps that integrate solar panels. The Ford-patented battery-charging lighting system improves fuel economy by using the sun’s power to charge the on-board batteries, while capturing and reusing the daylight at night.
Reflex also uses ground rubber from scrap athletic shoes, called Nike Grind, as insulation to reduce noise and vibration in the car’s interior.
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