Ford Atlas Trucks Improve Aerodynamics In F-Series Concept
By: Ford Motor Company has introduced a new Atlas concept, which is a pickup truck that comes with retractable cargo ramps and 360-degree camera system, and it’s one vehicle that could redesign the future of its F-Series.
The Ford Atlas also has active wheel shutters that open and close at highway speeds to improve the wheel’s aerodynamics, but while the concept vehicle doesn’t quite spell the future, it is definitely the next-generation of pickup trucks for the automaker.
Ford said that most of the useful features that appear on the pickup concept are inspired by listening to customers and how they use their trucks for work and play.
“We wanted the concept to reflect how Ford trucks help customers in both their worlds — professionally and personally,” J Mays, Ford group vice president and chief creative officer, said in a statement.
What’s even more interesting is that the Atlas’ cargo box features multiple tie-down points integrated into the cargo area and load floor, as well as household 110-volt electrical outlets for charging power tools.
In fact, the cargo box itself is illuminated at night by LEDs. A hidden roof-carrying system frees up room in the cargo box by extending a support vertically from the tailgate so a kayak or ladder can stretch over the truck’s roof. Retracting rearward from the cargo area are two integrated ramps for loading dirt bikes and landscaping equipment.
Pickup trucks are synonymous with towing and a new Trailer Backup Assist gives drivers control of backing up a trailer with the twist of a knob. Plus, a Dynamic Hitch Assist uses the truck’s center display to show visual cues when lining up the truck’s hitch with the trailer coupling. A 360-degree camera provides a bird’s-eye view of obstacles surrounding the truck, similar to Infiniti’s Around View Monitor and other automakers that use multiple cameras around the vehicle to create a top-down view.
Powering the Atlas is a next-generation EcoBoost engine with auto start/stop to shut the engine off at idle; the Atlas’ execution can disable the feature automatically when it senses a trailer in tow. Few details are available, though aerodynamic enhancements abound to make the Atlas easily slip through the air for increased fuel economy.
The new Ford Atlas may be worth looking into if you drive a pickup truck.
