Ford Unveils Atlas Pickup Truck Concept

Ford has unveiled a new pick-up truck concept at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show. The American automaker is showcasing a concept with a new design language and the future of pick-up trucks that will return improved fuel efficiency. The Ford Atlas hints at the next generation F-150 series with the truck’s enormous size and rugged stance. Ford says that the innovations and the new technology used in the concept will transform the image of a pick-up truck. The exterior of the concept follows the new styling treatment being used by the automaker currently.

Ford has also showcased the use of active aerodynamic elements including Active Grille and Wheel Shutters that stay open at low speeds and close on the highway to reduce wind resistance and to improve fuel efficiency. The concept uses self charging batteries that use energy from the wheels’ motion to power the shutters. The concept also features a drop-down front wind spoiler that lowers at high speeds to improve underbody airflow and detracts at low speeds for better ground clearance with auto-deploying running boards.

In order to achieve good fuel economy figures, the Atlas Concept uses a next-generation EcoBoost engine with Auto Start-Stop engine technology. The automaker hasn’t disclosed much about the engine details yet. The Atlas concept is fully equipped with features including 360 Degree Point-of-View Camera, LED headlamps and tail lamps, cargo box and side mirror lighting, tail-gate that acts as a cargo cradle lifting and holding long cargo items above the truck. The interiors feature slim and lightweight seating layout to add extra legroom for all the passengers. Ford looks promising to offer most of the features on the production version.