In short
The Ford Model U was a concept car created by the Ford Motor Company. This vehicle was first introduced at the 2003 Washington D.C. Auto Show. This concept is one of a kind with its automatic features and recyclability. Ford wanted this vehicle to be a modern 21st Century interpretation to the original Ford Model T.
Ford U features
Model U basically offers SUV driving system, but can include many other options as the car is built on a modular basis. The on-demand system ease the mount/dismount processes required by frequent feature updates of consumers. Its key features are:
Reconfigurable interior and exterior. The vehicle has a series of slots in the floor, door panels and instrument panel in which different components can be mounted, moved around or added later. The slots are designed to provide power and access to the vehicle's electronic network. The exterior is highlighted by a power retractable roof, rear window, tailgate and trunk, allowing the vehicle to go from closed to open.
Hydrogen ICE plus hybrid electric powertrain. A 2.3-liter, four-cylinder supercharged, intercooled hydrogen internal combustion engine, coupled with a hybrid electric transmission, propels the Model U. It offers enhanced fuel economy (45 miles per gallon) plus near-zero regulated emissions and a 99-percent reduction in carbon dioxide.
The powertrain also features Ford's Modular Hybrid Transmission System, a way to simplify hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) technology in manufacturing, while contributing to significant fuel economy improvements. This power system contributes to make the car compliant with PZEV emissions.
Green materials and processes. McDonough tries to make the car biodegradable. Eco-effective polyester is the fabric used as a technical nutrient. The material goes on its seats, dash, steering wheel, headrests, door trim and armrests. It can be recycled into base elements and reprocessed into material fiber again and again without losing any performance qualities, and it is made from healthy substances.
Polylactide or PLA, a biopolymer derived from corn, is also employed to make the canvas roof and carpet mats. There are also several soy-based components in Model U, including polyurethane seating foam and polyester resin that is reinforced with fiberglass and used to make the tailgate.
Conversational speech interface. Model U comes with wireless capability. The steering wheel is located in the first slot and is equipped with two controls. One operates voice controls and the other is a scroll wheel that lets the driver control fan speed and volume of the entertainment system. These buttons are repeated on the armrests in both the front and rear rows. The basic dash has analog dials, but they can be upgraded to digital.
External links
- Ford press release on the Model U(approve sites)
- Model U profiled during the Detroit Auto Show 2003(approve sites)