Ford Equator (2005 concept car)
| Ford Equator | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Also called | Ford Escape (ZC, production model) |
| Designer | William Lee under the lead of Paul Gibson |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Concept car |
| Body style | 5-door SUV |
| Layout | Front-engine, all-wheel-drive |
| Platform | Ford CD2 platform |
| Related | Ford Escape (first generation) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Power output | 194 hp (145 kW; 197 PS) |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,620 mm (103.1 in) |
| Length | 4,424 mm (174.2 in) |
| Width | 1,780 mm (70.1 in) |
| Height | 1,790 mm (70.5 in) |
The Ford Equator is a concept car by the Ford Motor Company first presented in 2005 to preview the future styling that Ford would use for models in the Asia-Pacific market.
Overview
The Equator concept debuted at the 2005 Tokyo Auto Show and was based on the then-current generation of the Ford Escape.[1] It was designed under Paul Gibson, Ford's chief head of design for Ford's Asia Pacific and Africa region. It was co-developed in Australia and Taiwan, with Paul Gibson and William Lee (who Gibson worked with) being from those countries respectively.[2] It previewed the Asia-Pacific region's version of the first-generation Escape.[3] The exterior dimensions are shared with the North American Escape's dimensions.[1]
Design
The exterior uses a new front bumper, lower side skirts, and large 19-inch wheels which were used to make it look more modern.[4] It was painted in a shade of orange that Ford said was to "evoke the image of the rising sun over the equatorial horizon."[5] A larger air intake is used in the front, new headlights are also used, and a new grille was also installed.[2]
Features
The Equator concept received new seats made by Ming Fong Industries that are embossed in vinyl. A DVD player and navigational system are included on the dashboard, with a digital compass mounted below. GSK supplies the three-spoke steering wheel. Blue ambient lighting is used to compliment the cobalt blue accents.[6]
Powertrain
The Equator Concept used a 3.0 L Duratec V6 engine paired with a full-time all-wheel-drive system.[7] The engine's power output is tuned to 194 horsepower (145 kW; 197 PS) and 265 pound-feet (359 N⋅m), and is paired to a six-speed automatic that is controlled using a gear selection system controlled by buttons. The 4WD system can engage the rear wheels using an electronically controlled clutch.[2] The Equator's Duratec engine also received an aluminum block, aluminum heads, and dual-overhead camshafts.[6]
Suspension and braking
The front suspension uses MacPherson struts with an anti-roll bar and ther rear suspension uses a multi-link setup. It also uses four-wheel disc brakes all measuring 11.9 inches (302 mm) in diameter paired with an anti-lock braking system.[6]
References
- ^ a b Soltani, Khatir (October 22, 2005). "2005 Ford Equator Concept". Auto123.
- ^ a b c McDonald, Neil (October 21, 2005). "First look: Ford Equator a little on the wild side". GoAuto.
- ^ "Ford Equator". Car and Driver. October 21, 2005.
- ^ "2005 Ford Equator Concept". Story Cars. April 25, 2025.
- ^ "2005 Ford Equator Concept". CarStyling.ru.
- ^ a b c "Ford Equator Concept (2005)". NetCarShow.
- ^ MotorTrend Staff (August 8, 2012). "A Look Back at Ford's Truck and SUV Concepts". Motor Trend.