Ford->ke31 is getting ready to turn a new chapter in the design of their vehicles. And the car that will bear inspiration for the brand's next-generation model is the Frankfurt-bound Evos Concept. Ford is using the Evos Concept as the guinea pig for their new "global design language." That's right, folks. Any and all next generation Ford models, including crossovers, hatchbacks, and SUVs, will be based on the Evos Concept.

According to Ford, the very first model to feature the new styling cues from the Evos will be produced before the year ends. Ford Group Vice President, Design and Chief Creative Officer, J Mays said: “The first fruit of this vision will be ready sooner than you might think – you'll see it in around four months rather than four years.

More details about the Ford Evos Concept are scheduled to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show. In the meantime, there are plenty of photos in the gallery to check out.

2011 Ford Evos Concept

Specifications
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  • Model: 2011 Ford Evos Concept
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Pros
Cons

Exterior

When Ford said that the Evos Concept would signal a new chapter in the company's design evolution, the sure as heck weren't kidding. The Evos Concept looks nothing like any of the other prototype vehicles the American automaker has released in the past couple of years.

In terms of its design, the Evos Concept takes the shape of a fastback that features the new 'face of Ford,' highlighted by a new inverted trapezoid grille first seen in the new Ford Focus ST. The dynamic design of the Evos Concept is expected to cater to a new generation of buyers.

The Evos Concept's overall premium look suggests boldness and daring-do from Ford to switch things up a little on their auto designs, particularly the extremely slim ‘laser cut’ front lamps and the dramatic graphic created by the front and rear screens connected by the thin glazed section of the roof, add a distinctive character to the design.

Sculptured flanks highlight attention to detail on the surfacing, which lends a refined quality and a tauter, more muscular character.

But of the many unique characteristics of the Evos Concept, one aspect that's unlikely to translate into production is the four gullwing-style doors. It looks great on the concept, but it's doubtful that we'll see it on any one of the production models based off this car.

Interior

The interior architecture of the Evos Concept was built around the premise of designing a cockpit that promises increased driving pleasure and heightened interaction between the car and the driver.

Reflecting the fun-to-drive spirit of its exterior design, the interior of the Ford Evos Concept is built around the driver. A stylish and innovative cockpit promises new levels of driving pleasure and driver interaction, complete with an advanced driver interface, an athletic and toned instrument panel and the same bold trapezoidal cut-outs found on the exterior. This design plays in perfect contrast to the muscular and curvaceous cockpit display surfaces that sweeps down on either side of the driver, providing a visual that speaks the language of new-age modernity encased inside a confined space.

The red driver's seat on the front is the picture of bold aggression, whereas the pair of rear seats at the back comes with technological goodies of their own courtesy of dedicated touch-screen displays that directly interacts with the vehicle.

Performance

The Ford Evos Concept is powered by an all-new lithium-ion plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, one that exacts the same kind of technology as the next-generation performance and fuel economy of the Ford C-MAX Energi. Despite not shouting performance, the Evos takes advantage of Ford's ‘powersplit’ hybrid architecture, a technology that allows the electric motor and petrol engine to work together or separately to maximize efficiency, resulting in a driving range of close to 500 miles (800 kilometres) using the battery and engine – more than any other plug-in or extended-range electric vehicle.

Pricing

It's a concept vehicle so Ford has yet to announce pricing details for the Evos - if at all they do.

Will We See It Hit Production?

It's unlikely because Ford has made it be known that the Evos Concept's role in the bigger scheme of things will be to influence Ford's future line-up of vehicles.

Marchettino spots the Evos Concept on the road