Ford Reflex Concept

The most significant concept car that Ford rolled out was the Reflex. A new take on the “American Small Car” that “Small is Big”, the Reflex is a sporty gull winged cutie that is out to prove that small can be cool. It is powered by a diesel-electric hybrid power plant. The interior of the show car is a safety cocoon with inflatable seatbelts and a built-in child seat. Interior sound deadening is made of recycled materials such as shredded Nike shoes. Headlights are powered by solar panels. With the hybrid power plant getting up to 65 mpg, this car is perfect for small families of the future who are environmentally conscious yet want to look sporty and bold.

He Says: It is a good looking car that somehow had to also be an environmental statement. I say put the Yamaha V8 in it and call it a pocket rocket. She is not a fan of silver cars so I will take a guess at what is coming.

She Says: I completely believe the interior is made from recycled products like Nike shoes. I mean I don’t doubt it at all. Not one bit. But, the car was silver.

Ford F-250 Super Chief Concept

Taking a stab at what the next Super Duty Ford truck might look like, the Super Chief goes a few steps into the future. Using a styling theme of trains from the 1950’s the streamlined exterior comes across as sleek while the interior takes on a “club car" appeal. Large lounge chairs and ottomans offer rear seat luxury accented with architectural skylights and fold down flat screen TV’s. A polished wood plank floor and interior trims add to the masculine “club car” theme. Under the hood is an innovative V-10 Tri-Flex Fuel engine that can run on gasoline, ethanol, or hydrogen. A supercharger adds boost while in hydrogen mode and shuts off when burning gasoline or ethanol. Offering between 250 and 310 horsepower depending on the fuel used, this truck offers a serious look into the technology that Ford is actually applying to future vehicles.

He Says: I was somewhat surprised to see such a gigantic concept vehicle as the Super Chief in these days of high gas prices and anti-SUV sentiment. I like the looks of it and the interior ideas are quite lofty, especially the wood plank flooring. Though most of this glitz hardly headed for production anytime soon. I think the engine technology is the most significant part of this concept.

She Says: Let me get the “it was silver” bit out of the way up front. As for the rest, it satisfies the “Ford cares about the environment” stuff with the engine. Lincoln Blackwood x 10 with a tree-hugger flair,….and a silver paint job.

The Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX

The most important 2006 production debut for Ford was the new Edge CUV (crossover utility vehicle). This boldly styled and handsome new family hauler fits neatly in-between the current Ford Escape and the Ford Freestyle size wise. The Edge is loosely based on the Mazda 6 architecture and has an all new 3.5 liter 250hp V-6 mated to a smooth shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. A new Lincoln version of the Edge was also unveiled called the MKX. Both will be available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive and arrive at showrooms very soon. With full sized SUV sales shrinking, this new segment Ford believes is the new "bread and butter" arena where the bills get paid.

He Says: The Edge is far better executed than the Ford Freestyle in that it cant be called boring and old hat. The new Ford face is prominent on the Edge as is the new Lincoln face on the MXK. In both cases the side view is still a bit vanilla and the two vehicles could have been a little less similar looking. Inside, buyers will find a business as usual Ford interior that is not too bad and not too good - perfect for the average buyer it would seem. The new 250 hp engine will be well received, especially when the Ford 500 gets it later next year!

She Says: It’ll do. I might even seek one out next time I rent a car,….in copper. It does remind me of a Ford of the past thought and I cant quite put my finger on it, keep ya posted on that.