Paris , September 28, 2006 – Ford of Europe’s Design team has interpreted the Company’s distinctive new ‘kinetic design’ form language in the iosis X which makes its debut at the 2006 Paris Motor Show.

Ford iosis X is very clearly a concept and is not intended to be representative of this future production model. Instead, it sets out to explore the ways in which Ford’s kinetic design form language and detailing can be applied to a niche vehicle in a rugged and exciting way.

In a stunning concept at Frankfurt 2005, Martin Smith and his team revealed the new form language that ultimately will be applied in varying levels across Ford’s future European vehicle portfolio. The original iosis presented all of the key elements of what Ford identified as ‘kinetic design’ in their purest form.

Part of the task since iosis has been to widen the audience for this new look, and to generate a heightened expectation for what Ford is going to do next and demonstrate how ‘kinetic design’ could translate into other market segments.

The signal for that future direction is now revealed in iosis X. This dramatic concept car sends a clear message that the look of Ford’s European products is changing. Already, elements of kinetic design are appearing in Ford’s latest new production models.

Key elements of kinetic design are trapezoidal shapes and three-dimensional forms and the interplay between them. Whilst the inverted grille at the front is the most obvious trapezoidal graphic it appears in many other interpretations throughout the exterior: the intakes at the front, the chamfers at the base of the windscreen and rear window, within the wheels, in the C post kink and the ridges running down the bonnet are all elements of this basic shape.

The interior is dominated by a new ‘interlocking bridge’ centre console structure inspired by modern helicopter cockpit design. The large console dives down from the instrument panel dividing the front and rear pairs of seats and dominating the interior before dramatically sweeping upwards at the rear and into the roof.

Twin glass roof panels flank the central overhead console, and these are complemented by a totally unique new feature – a solid glass floor beneath the drivers and passenger seats which offers a most unusual view of the terrain below.

Although iosis X is not intended to be a mechanical prototype, it is fitted with an electronic sequential gear change control in the centre console.

Story by Ford, edited bu Supercars.net