If there was a way to properly put into the words the feeling of seeing something like the Ford Atlas Concept in your rear view mirror, it'll probably go something like this..."holy @%@!"

See, intimidating doesn't even begin to describe the looks of this concept truck, one that Ford is pegging as the future of its F-150 series. In its attempt to showcase the design, capabilities and smart technologies that will eventually come to be known as future F-150 models, Ford has already succeeded in turning to a new design chapter in the F-150's history.

Add that to new technologies that the existing pickup will have moving forward, and it's easy to see why we think the Atlas Concept is one of the brightest concept debuts to hit the stage at the 2013 North American International Auto Show->ke222.

Check out all the new digs the Ford Atlas Concept has after the jump!

2013 Ford Atlas Concept

Specifications
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  • Model: 2013 Ford Atlas Concept
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Pros
Cons

Exterior

We've already established that the Atlas Concept looks the part of the world-carrying machine. But there's a lot of substance to the pickup's exterior that's worth more than just aesthetics.

For one, the active grille shutters, arguably one of the most eye-catching design details of the concept, are there for more than just good looks. These automatic shutters behind the grille actually stay open when extra engine cooling is needed or when the pickup is trail blazing in hot weather. However, when it needs to improve its aerodynamic qualities, the shutters automatically close. Pretty cool, huh?

Joining the grille as the highlight of the Atlas Concept's front end are the advanced LED headlamps that offers improved road lighting while lasting longer and illuminating faster than conventional halogen lights. Best of all, though, these lights make the concept pickup such an imposing sight in anybody's rearview mirror.

Active wheel shutters, which are powered by self-charging batteries, are also part of the package, hidden from plain sight to improve the pickup's style at low speeds and then automatically close when the pickup enters the highway to improve its aerodynamics.

When it comes to serving its purpose as a functional machine that's capable of doing a variety of things, the Atlas Concept can easily adapt to any situation, thanks to features that include multiple tie-down points that have been integrated within the cargo box walls and load floor.

There are also 110-volt electrical outlets in the cargo box to charge power tools, an integrated roof-carrying system, hidden extendable ramps that gives the Atlas Concept plenty of versatility, power running boards that helps passengers get into the truck when its idle and stow away when its moving, and an LED cargo box and side mirror lighting illuminates the cargo box whenever work hits after the sun goes down.

All in all, the Atlas Concept's purpose-driven design, wide stance, fancy lights, and chiseled grille, to go with all that functionality, have turned this concept pickup into a vehicle that's worth more than just a concept designation.

Interior

The cabin of the Atlas Concept is definitely a picture that doesn't usually translate to the kind you'd find in a pickup truck. Ford installed what it describes as "innovative, thin, and lightweight" seating. That's a fancy way of putting it. These thin seats also allow for more space for the rear passengers while small storage spaces allow the same passengers to stow their trinkets and little items away without the threat of losing them.

The concept pickup’s instrument panel of the is also a fresh surprise, particularly the “floating” instrument pods and the glove-friendly buttons that makes for a cabin that's both stylish and functional all at the same time.

Performance

While Ford didn't go into specifics on what kind of output the Atlas Concept is capable of, the automaker did say that the concept pickup comes with a next-generation EcoBoost powertrain that comes with a bevy of features.

The truck-enhanced Auto Start-Stop engine shutoff technology allows the pickup to shut off its engine when in traffic, which not only saves fuel, but also keeps money in your wallet. It may be hard to come to grips with a pickup that highlights fuel efficiency more than torque, but in the world we're living in right now, the former is all the more important.

That's why the Atlas Concept's EcoBoost engine uses gasoline direct injection and turbocharging to deliver fuel-economy gains of up to 20 percent and reduction of CO2 emissions of up to 15 percent, compared with larger-displacement engines. Features like the Dual-Purpose Tailgate Step and Cargo Cradle, the Dynamic Hitch Assist, and those power running boards all play a part in the efficiency puzzle, improving aerodynamic elements that, in turn, reduce wind resistance.

Yes, the Atlas Concept cares about Mother Nature, too.

Prominent Features

Speaking of showcasing an improved functionality, durability and overall productivity, the Atlas Concept boasts plenty of features that meet the diverse needs of drivers.

The aforementioned Dual-Purpose Tailgate Step and Cargo Cradle is a step further from the acclaimed Ford Tailgate Step, providing the added ability to also act as a cargo cradle – lifting and holding extra-long cargo items above the truck and freeing valuable bed space. A Trailer Backup Assist was also put in, giving drivers an easier way to back a trailer without having to worry about having to do it by themselves.

Then, there's the Dynamic Hitch Assist, which helps line up the truck's hitch with the trailer coupling, and giving the driver a visual assist via the truck's center display screen. Imagine the time you save when you don't have to worry about guessing and asking for other people's help when you're trying to hitch the truck to the trailer.

And then there's the 360-Degree Point-of-View Camera, which is a first for a Ford truck. Providing a bird’s-eye view of the truck not only helps position the vehicle in tight places but it also gives you a good look at any wandering debris that you can now safely avoid thanks to this technology.

Conclusion

The day may come when a production version of the Atlas Concept arrives in dealerships. But if you ask us, this concept version is mighty fine for us already. All Ford needs to do is tack on a sticker price and the model will sell like a popsicle on a hot summer day.