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Ford previews next-gen Focus with new Iosis Max concept

 
5 1,566 views Mar 2, 2009

ford iosis max concept 023

ford iosis max concept 015

ford iosis max concept 015

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Going global with its products is the new theme at Ford, and the Focus is no exception, so American hatch fans can feel free to get excited: the new Iosis Max concept previews the next-gen car to be built right here in the U.S.

The Wayne plant in suburban Detroit and the Louisville plant in Kentucky are pegged for the honor of building the next-gen compact, which shares much in common with the styling of the current Focus, the oft-maligned Ka and Ford's other European-styled 'kinetic' designs.

Some elements are just exploring the future of small-car design, however, such as the sliding rear doors or the split tailgate that can be opened in three different ways. "The iosis MAX marks the next stage in the evolution of kinetic design, and showcases a number of affordable petrol engine technologies that will make a difference to the environment and our customers' pockets," says Martin Smith, Ford of Europe's Executive Design Director.

The production version may have some of the more aggressive elements buttoned down or tidied up, such as the massive front grille, the concept-only interior or the huge panoramic windscreen, but expect the final vehicle to look a good deal like this.

Ford's Kuga SUV, previewed by the Iosis X concept, and the European Mondeo are predecessors in the Iosis line of vehicles, and both of those cars adhered closely to their conceptual design, with some production-necessary rationalization, so the same can be expected of the Iosis Max/Focus, which is actually fairly tame for a concept.

Powerplants expected for the next-gen car will rely on turbocharging for a combination of power and efficiency, with a 1.6L EcoBoost four slated to crank out 180hp (134kW). Despite the potent output, the car is targeting 20% better efficiency than a naturally aspirated equivalent. Enhancing efficiency even further is stop-start technology.

While we wait for Ford to finish brewing up the next-gen car, however, we can whet our appetites for the current Euro-spec car, headed Stateside next year.
Ford Iosis Max Concept

Ford Iosis Max Concept design video


HI-RES GALLERY: ford iosis max concept 023




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Comments (5)

  1. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 3/2/2009 3:36pm PST

    That lower grille is way to big
     
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  2. ma_Chris avatar Chris Posted: 3/2/2009 5:26pm PST

    no it isnt... take it back NND... this is one sexy car.

    i'll gladly turn over the keys to my current lease if they translate this into the next focus as well as they made the verve into the fiesta.
     
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  3. ma_Jeremy Clarkson's twin avatar Jeremy Clarkson's twin Posted: 3/3/2009 12:31am PST

    Youre right Chris, this thing is INCREDIBLY sexy. It reminds me of those cars you see in movies about the future but this one actually looks production viable
     
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  4. ma_Chris avatar Chris Posted: 3/8/2009 9:01am PDT

    as far as hatchbacks are concerned.. this is probably one of the sexiest in years..

    ...no i take that back... this is the sexiest hatch back ever. you may not like the styling.. you may prefer golfs, but golfs arent sexy. i admire them, but sexy is one thing they arent. attractive because its a golf? yes. sexy.. no.

    hatchbacks are small MPVs, and to get styling on them that makes them SEXY.. well.. thats impressive. making a golf which is handsome.. fine.. even the astra pulled that off. but sexy?

    realizing the focus will sit more squat than this car, i think the next focus will surely be sexier than the original was when it came out 10+ years before.
     
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  5. ma_Chris avatar Chris Posted: 3/8/2009 9:01am PDT

    as far as hatchbacks are concerned.. this is probably one of the sexiest in years..

    ...no i take that back... this is the sexiest hatch back ever. you may not like the styling.. you may prefer golfs, but golfs arent sexy. i admire them, but sexy is one thing they arent. attractive because its a golf? yes. sexy.. no.

    hatchbacks are small MPVs, and to get styling on them that makes them SEXY.. well.. thats impressive. making a golf which is handsome.. fine.. even the astra pulled that off. but sexy?

    realizing the focus will sit more squat than this car, i think the next focus will surely be sexier than the original was when it came out 10+ years before.
     
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