The four-passenger Ford Start Concept a fuel-efficient three-cylinder EcoBoost engine with 1.0 liter of displacement and the power of a larger I-4 engine, while delivering a CO2 rating under 100 g/km.
Designed at Ford’s California studio in Irvine, the Start Concept was created under the direction of Freeman Thomas, responsible for the recent Lincolns that have clearly influenced the new concept.
The Start Concept features lightweight composite body panels, flush-mounted glass and underbody pan to improve efficiency and aerodynamics. The cars minimalistic approach extends through all of the design details around the car.
The interior compliments the direction of the exterior. It has been designed to be pure, tactile analog experience. The Start Concept interior was designed to evoke passion and driving excitement with the feeling one would expect from a more premium segment.
An additional feature of the interior is “MyFord Mobile Concept,” a conceptual look into how to leverage smart phone interface with the popularity of personalized “apps”.
1.0l three-cylinder EcoBoost I3
The new 1.0-liter Ford EcoBoost engine is designed to use a cast iron block, cast aluminum cylinder head and cast aluminum sump. Its compression ratio will be 10:1. Its compact architecture makes it ideal for packaging in smaller vehicles – as the Start Concept demonstrates.
Extensive development shows power and torque levels comparable to a normally aspirated, 1.6-liter I4 powerplant and carbon dioxide emissions are expected to be under the 100 g/km threshold.
Further technical and timing details of the new 1.0-liter engine and the vehicles it will power will be provided closer to its production launch.