Ford led into the Frankfurt Auto Show with a radical take on a car where Internet access and cloud storage is vital. The Evos Concept plug-in hybrid uses the cloud to store preferences about most aspects of the car. It can recognize driver behavior and optimize the powertrain to reflect driver habits, while it could could pick up an Internet radio stream from where the driver left off at home, shut off house lights when leaving, and pre-heat or cool the car based on the driver’s schedule, not just the temperature.
The fastback coupe’s instrument cluster and center stack could also display just the information the driver needs in a particularly active session, even going so far as to deny even hands-free smartphone calls. The steering, suspension, and other performance elements can adapt to Internet-based map and weather information. Basic health could be helped, too, as the car would suggest routes to avoid allergen-heavy areas or check the heart rate through the seat.
As a car, the Evos uses the same foundation as for the upcoming C-MAX Energi due in North America in 2012 and can get up to 500 miles on a combination of electric and gas power. Gullwing doors, besides adding to the exoticism, also help by making it easier to enter or leave the car in a tight parking spot.
The Evos itself isn’t likely to reach production given the cost of the doors and other experimental elements. However, Ford designer J Mays has promised that the results of designing the car will reach a production car to be shown about four months from Tuesday, making it a candidate for the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. It may show clues as to an upcoming Fusion in North America or a Mondeo in Europe.
