Ford was rather quiet at this year’s Detroit Motor Show, and if it wasn’t for this awesome thing you see here, they would have been lost in the bowels of NAIAS! This is Ford Atlas, a concept pickup truck that previews the next generation F-150. And is it just cool?
The design appears to be inspired heavily by the current F250 and F350 models, with Ford’s large signature grille up front, LED lights and big wheels. Obviously, such design has aerodynamic properties of a four-story building. So to try and make things better, Ford is evaluating new technologies in this concept.
The Atlas features Active Grille Shutters that only open when the engine need more air. It also has Active Wheel Shutters which are hidden to improve style at rest and low speeds, but automatically close at highway speeds to improve aerodynamics. Another new feature is Drop-Down Front Air Dam which optimizes airflow at high speed, and auto-deploying Power Running Boards.
The Atlas is powered by a next-generation EcoBoost powertrain, optimized for use in trucks, and featuring auto start stop.
Other notable features include Dual-Purpose Tailgate Step and Cargo Cradle, Dynamic Hitch Assist, 360-Degree Point-of-View Camera, LED Cargo Box and Side Mirror Lighting, and Hidden Cargo Ramps.