Ford Interceptor

Infobox Automobile


name = Ford Interceptor
manufacturer = Ford Motor Company
parent_company =
production =
assembly =
successor =
class = Full-size sports sedan
body_style = 4-door sedan
layout = FR layout
platform = Ford D2C platform
engine = 5.0L Cammer V8
transmission = six-speed manual
wheelbase = Auto in|120.8|0
length = Auto in|201.6|0
width = Auto in|76.4|0
height = Auto in|54.8|0
ground_clearance =
front_track = Auto in|66.5|0
rear_track = Auto in|67.8|0
weight =
fuel_capacity =
related = Ford Mustang
Lincoln MKR
similar = Chrysler 300
Hyundai Genesis
Pontiac G8
designer = Peter Horbury
Andres Nillson

The Ford Interceptor is a new concept car which debuted at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The Interceptor is a retro-styled sedan that reflects a modern interpretation of the classic sporty American muscle cars from the 1960s, like the Ford Galaxie. Ford officially introduced the Interceptor Concept in a company press release dated 31 December, 2006. Ford describes the Interceptor design styling as being influenced "...much like a Marine in dress uniform. He looks smart and elegant but you can see the raw power that lies beneath." [ [http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=25108 Media.Ford.com: The Products ] ]

Powerplant

The Interceptor Concept uses a Ford Racing 5.0-liter Cammer engine producing Convert|400|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on, with the capability of running on E-85 ethanol. It includes a manual six-speed transmission. The 5.0-liter Cammer engine is an upgraded variant of the 4.6-liter modular engine currently powering the Mustang GT.

Exterior

The car includes a powered clamshell “shaker” hood, which covers the engine. The midsize sedan is based on a stretched version of the rear wheel drive Mustang's Ford D2C platform, featuring a solid rear axle. The body is proportioned with short front overhang and a long rear overhang, and features a low roofline and a high beltline, when compared to other Ford sedans like the Ford Taurus, with a wedged profile. The Interceptor Concept continues with the current Ford horizontal three-bar grille design introduced on the Ford Fusion and Ford Edge.

Interior

The Interceptor incorporates a four-point "belt and suspenders" harness seat belt design in the front and rear seats, with inflatable safety belts for rear seat passengers. The four-point belt represents a possible next-generation safety belt system that is designed to be more comfortable and easier to use than traditional three-point belts. The dash, headliner, steering wheel, and four low-back bucket seats are wrapped in leather. There are retractable headrests that deploy from the roof, adjusting fore and aft as well as up and down for each occupant. The audio control panel and climate controls are stowable, and there is a gated six-speed shifter in the center dash.

pecifications

*Powertrain: 5.0-liter Cammer V-8 / Convert|400|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on / flexible fuel
*Transmission: Manual six-speed gearbox
*Chassis Dimensions:
**Overall length: Auto in|201.6|0.
**Wheelbase: Auto in|120.8|0.
**Overall width: Auto in|76.4|0.
**Overall height at curb: Auto in|54.8|0.
**Front track width: Auto in|66.5|0.
**Rear track width: Auto in|67.8|0.

*Suspension
**Front: Double wishbone independent
**Rear: 3-Link design with Panhard rod

*Interior
**Front Headroom: Auto in|37.5|0.
**Rear Headroom: Auto in|35.9|0.
**Front Legroom: Auto in|42.3|0.
**Rear Legroom: Auto in|35.6|0.

peculation

There is much speculation among the automobile and law enforcement industry regarding this vehicle being a potential future replacement for the current aged Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor. The CVPI has filled the majority of North American law enforcement fleets since the demise of the Chevrolet Caprice in 1996, and has remained virtually identical since its last major design change in 1998. This speculation is likely due to the vehicle's very similar name, and the fact that it is a much more powerful sedan than the current Police Interceptor (CVPI). It also appears to be larger than the CVPI but it is actually smaller: shorter in overall length by 264 mm (10.4"); narrower by 45 mm (1.8"); but longer in wheelbase by 155 mm (6.1") - i.e., shorter overhangs.

ee also

*Concept car
*Ford Crown Victoria/Police Interceptor
*Ford D2C platform
*Ford Motor Company
*Squircle

References

External links

* [http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=25108 Ford Interceptor press release from Media.Ford.com - 31 Dec 2006]
* [http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=25253 Additional Interceptor PR article from Media.Ford.com - 17 Jan 2007]
* [http://autoshows.ford.com/13/2007/01/06/ford-interceptor-concept-keeping-mustang-momentum-accelerating]
* [http://www.thecarconnection.com/Car_Shows_and_Concept_Cars/Concept_Cars/2007_Ford_Interceptor_Concept.S283.A11592.html Ford Interceptor announcement at TheCarConnection.com]
* [http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/12/15/ford-says-no-to-mustang-sedan-wagon/ Ford Says No to Mustang Sedan, Wagon; Announces "Interceptor" Concept at LeftLaneNews.com]
* [http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=25109 It's a 'squircle']