Hydrogen Power and NASA styling for Fords Airstream concept
Concept cars can look a little wacky and off the wall, and Fords radical new Airstream concept is no exception. Designed in partnership with Airstream Trailers, the concept features futuristic styling and power, alongside some very out of this world features.
Airstream, like Ford, was started by one man's dream of a machine which could be used to enjoy the journey and take in the world around you. In 1931, they started using construction methods borrowed from the aircraft industry to create trailers for the masses of every day people who were beginning to travel more and more often.
Full of styling cues from aviation and space travel, the Airstream concept is intended to convey a sense of optimism and adventure. Ford says that the fuselage-inspired body and organic design language pays tribute to the iconic construction of early Airstream products.
The oddly shaped window portholes, for instance, are surrounded by a thick, orange stripe for a look that reminds travelers that it's the journey- not the destination- which is important.
Helping occupants to enjoy the journey are a set of swiveling pod-shaped captains chairs in front, and sculptural, lounge shaped seats in back. All are trimmed in red B&B Italia leather. Also fitted to the rear of the car is a 360 degree screen for gaming and entertainment which doubles as a modern day lava lamp when not in use.
In front, a single gauge display exudes simplicity, while controls are flush mounted and touch sensitive. All in all, the interior of the Airstream wouldn't look at all out of place in 2001: A Space Odyssey- the film by Stanley Kubrick which inspired some of its design.
Safery will be important in the realm of futuristic cars as well, and Ford has been experimenting with several new seatbelt designs- one of which is featured in the Airstream. Instead of the traditional three-point system, a "belt and suspenders" setup is favored, with the goal of reducing injuries and fatalities in crashes.
Of course, a future car requires a futuristic powerplant. Ford engineers have fitted an advanced hydrogen fuel cell to power the Airstream, featuring steady state operation to recharge battery packs as opposed to comprising the primary form of propulsion as in other fuel-cell powered cars.
The Airstream might be a little far fetched to look at, though the technologies it showcases are almost certain to find their way into our driveways in the near future.
Concept cars can look a little wacky and off the wall, and Fords radical new Airstream concept is no exception. Designed in partnership with Airstream Trailers, the concept features futuristic styling and power, alongside some very out of this world features.
Airstream, like Ford, was started by one man's dream of a machine which could be used to enjoy the journey and take in the world around you. In 1931, they started using construction methods borrowed from the aircraft industry to create trailers for the masses of every day people who were beginning to travel more and more often.
Full of styling cues from aviation and space travel, the Airstream concept is intended to convey a sense of optimism and adventure. Ford says that the fuselage-inspired body and organic design language pays tribute to the iconic construction of early Airstream products.
The oddly shaped window portholes, for instance, are surrounded by a thick, orange stripe for a look that reminds travelers that it's the journey- not the destination- which is important.
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Helping occupants to enjoy the journey are a set of swiveling pod-shaped captains chairs in front, and sculptural, lounge shaped seats in back. All are trimmed in red B&B Italia leather. Also fitted to the rear of the car is a 360 degree screen for gaming and entertainment which doubles as a modern day lava lamp when not in use.
In front, a single gauge display exudes simplicity, while controls are flush mounted and touch sensitive. All in all, the interior of the Airstream wouldn't look at all out of place in 2001: A Space Odyssey- the film by Stanley Kubrick which inspired some of its design.
Safery will be important in the realm of futuristic cars as well, and Ford has been experimenting with several new seatbelt designs- one of which is featured in the Airstream. Instead of the traditional three-point system, a "belt and suspenders" setup is favored, with the goal of reducing injuries and fatalities in crashes.
Of course, a future car requires a futuristic powerplant. Ford engineers have fitted an advanced hydrogen fuel cell to power the Airstream, featuring steady state operation to recharge battery packs as opposed to comprising the primary form of propulsion as in other fuel-cell powered cars.
The Airstream might be a little far fetched to look at, though the technologies it showcases are almost certain to find their way into our driveways in the near future.