Montreal Auto Show: Ford Model U Concept

The Model U Concept is a Green effort on behalf of Ford. To begin with, many of its components are based on natural elements. For example, the body-panels and the seat foam are soy-based, the tires are corn-based and the engine oil is sunflower-seed based. Most of the Model U is biodegradable or recyclable.

The interior of the small utility vehicle is reconfigurable. The exterior can also transform. The roof is power-retractable and the rear features a retracting window that slides into the deck-lid that, in turn, can fold flat into the floor.

A supercharged and intercooled 2.3L 4-cylinder engine powers the Model U Concept. The motor runs on hydrogen and it is mated to an electric transmission. This vehicle is basically a PZEV hybrid.