Ford Futura
by Christopher A. Sawyer

Once again, Ford used the New York Auto Show to unveil a vehicle that apparently exists only on paper. This time, it was the 2006 Futura that appeared in pen-and-ink form. Last year, that honor went to the Five Hundred.

Underneath the skin, the Futura – a name originally used for a Lincoln concept car, then transferred to the “hot” Falcon of the early 1960s and Fairmont coupe of the 1980s – is a stretched and widened Mazda6, and will be almost exactly the same size as the U.S. version of the Honda Accord. Which means it will be offered with inline four-cylinder and V6 engines; the option of manual, automatic, and CVT transmissions; and a hybrid powertrain.

Though it’s hard to comment on the design of a vehicle based solely on a sketch, the Futura borrows the front end design of the 427 Concept that debuted at the 2003 North American International Auto Show . The thick 'bent bar' grille and below-bumper insert mimic the 427’s, though with a bit more sweep and curvature than shown on the earlier concept sedan. The edges are chamfered such that they flow back toward the stacked headlights, and up to the center section of the hood. This is reminiscent of the 'power bulge' seen on many 1960s American sedans, and disguises the section height of this area. As a result, the overhang can be kept relatively short without giving the nose a heavy feel.

A strong character line rises from the front bumper to the taillights, and sets the transition between the shoulder line and the indention above the rocker panel. This creates a feeling of strength and stability around the rocker section, and allows for a relatively tall side section without adding visual weight. How the Futura translates from sketch to metal will be of great interest.

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