Ford Vertrek Concept
According to Ford’s design chief, J Mays, the Vertrek concept is “a not-so-subtle look at where we’re going” concerning the replacement for the Ford Escape and Ford Kuga. The two small SUVs—one sold in North America and the other in Europe—will soon unite as one product based on the company’s C platform, which underpins the 2012 Focus and C-Max.
Vertrek: Not a Made-Up Word
Some hidden meaning in the Detroit concept’s name provides insight into what the new vehicle will mean for Ford. Vertrek is Afrikaans for “departure,” a more-relaxed synonym for “escape.” The styling is certainly a departure from that of the current Escape, and that’s a welcome change; the company’s small SUV has not been completely redone since its introduction way back in 2001. We took a liking to the Escape when it initially bowed, but—particularly in a category that has undergone such explosive growth in the last decade—it feels extremely old today. In its last comparison test, the little guy only managed a seventh-place finish out of nine. Clearly, a departure of some sort is needed.
Ford’s Kinetic design language translates nicely to this German-born concept, with taut lines making it appear more athletic and tidy than even the current Kuga, a handsome vehicle in its own right. The concept is about the same size overall as the current Escape and Kuga, and cargo volume should match that of the current Escape’s, while bettering the Kuga’s. As usual, expect some of the concept-car flourishes, such as the big wheels, velour-leather interior—with “the robust quality of lederhosen”!— and glass-roof Mohawk to disappear once the car rolls into showrooms here, in Europe, and in China.
EcoBoost: a Made-Up Word, but a Familiar One
Power comes from a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, which makes up to 180 hp and 173 lb-ft of torque in other Ford products. The Vertrek features Ford’s engine-stop/start system, something the company has promised to apply to North American four-cylinder engines. “Smart Regenerative Charging,” basically allowing the alternator to capture energy that would normally be wasted during braking and deceleration, ensures the battery can keep up with the demands of the start/stop system. A 2.0-liter Duratorq turbo-diesel engine, already offered on the Kuga, also is mentioned as a possibility for markets outside the U.S.
The only question mark? What to call it in its respective markets. Since 2008, Kuga has gained a following overseas, while Escape is a well-established nameplate here, fitting nicely into Ford’s F-for-cars, E-for-SUVs naming structure. It wouldn’t surprise us if both names remain in use.
While it’s not yet clear if One Ford will lead to One Naming Scheme, we do know that this Kuga/Escape replacement will be the same vehicle the world over. Ford has already announced that it will build the next Escape in its renovated Louisville plant starting late this year, so expect the little SUV to arrive as a 2012 model.
According to Ford’s design chief, J Mays, the Vertrek concept is “a not-so-subtle look at where we’re going” concerning the replacement for the Ford Escape and Ford Kuga. The two small SUVs—one sold in North America and the other in Europe—will soon unite as one product based on the company’s C platform, which underpins the 2012 Focus and C-Max.
Vertrek: Not a Made-Up Word
Some hidden meaning in the Detroit concept’s name provides insight into what the new vehicle will mean for Ford. Vertrek is Afrikaans for “departure,” a more-relaxed synonym for “escape.” The styling is certainly a departure from that of the current Escape, and that’s a welcome change; the company’s small SUV has not been completely redone since its introduction way back in 2001. We took a liking to the Escape when it initially bowed, but—particularly in a category that has undergone such explosive growth in the last decade—it feels extremely old today. In its last comparison test, the little guy only managed a seventh-place finish out of nine. Clearly, a departure of some sort is needed.
Ford’s Kinetic design language translates nicely to this German-born concept, with taut lines making it appear more athletic and tidy than even the current Kuga, a handsome vehicle in its own right. The concept is about the same size overall as the current Escape and Kuga, and cargo volume should match that of the current Escape’s, while bettering the Kuga’s. As usual, expect some of the concept-car flourishes, such as the big wheels, velour-leather interior—with “the robust quality of lederhosen”!— and glass-roof Mohawk to disappear once the car rolls into showrooms here, in Europe, and in China.
EcoBoost: a Made-Up Word, but a Familiar One
Power comes from a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, which makes up to 180 hp and 173 lb-ft of torque in other Ford products. The Vertrek features Ford’s engine-stop/start system, something the company has promised to apply to North American four-cylinder engines. “Smart Regenerative Charging,” basically allowing the alternator to capture energy that would normally be wasted during braking and deceleration, ensures the battery can keep up with the demands of the start/stop system. A 2.0-liter Duratorq turbo-diesel engine, already offered on the Kuga, also is mentioned as a possibility for markets outside the U.S.
The only question mark? What to call it in its respective markets. Since 2008, Kuga has gained a following overseas, while Escape is a well-established nameplate here, fitting nicely into Ford’s F-for-cars, E-for-SUVs naming structure. It wouldn’t surprise us if both names remain in use.
While it’s not yet clear if One Ford will lead to One Naming Scheme, we do know that this Kuga/Escape replacement will be the same vehicle the world over. Ford has already announced that it will build the next Escape in its renovated Louisville plant starting late this year, so expect the little SUV to arrive as a 2012 model.
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