The Ford Equator is a concept car by the Ford Motor Company first presented in 2005 to preview the future styling that Ford would use for models in the Asia-Pacific market.
Overview
The Equator concept debuted at the 2005 Tokyo Auto Show and was based on the then-current generation of the Ford Escape.[1] It was designed under Paul Gibson, Ford's chief head of design for Ford's Asia Pacific and Africa region. It was co-developed in Australia and Taiwan, with Paul Gibson and William Lee (who Gibson worked with) being from those countries respectively.[2] It previewed the Asia-Pacific region's version of the first-generation Escape.[3] The exterior dimensions are shared with the North American Escape's dimensions.[1]
Design
The exterior uses a new front bumper, lower side skirts, and large 19-inch wheels which were used to make it look more modern.[4] It was painted in a shade of orange that Ford said was to "evoke the image of the rising sun over the equatorial horizon."[5] A larger air intake is used in the front, new headlights are also used, and a new grille was also installed.[2]
Features
The Equator concept received new seats made by Ming Fong Industries that are embossed in vinyl. A DVD player and navigational system are included on the dashboard, with a digital compass mounted below. GSK supplies the three-spoke steering wheel. Blue ambient lighting is used to compliment the cobalt blue accents.[6]
Powertrain
The Equator Concept used a 3.0 L Duratec V6 engine paired with a full-time all-wheel-drive system.[7] The engine's power output is tuned to 194 hp and 265 lbft, and is paired to a six-speed automatic that is controlled using a gear selection system controlled by buttons. The 4WD system can engage the rear wheels using an electronically controlled clutch.[2] The Equator's Duratec engine also received an aluminum block, aluminum heads, and dual-overhead camshafts.[6]
Suspension and braking
The front suspension uses MacPherson struts with an anti-roll bar and ther rear suspension uses a multi-link setup. It also uses four-wheel disc brakes all measuring 11.9 in in diameter paired with an anti-lock braking system.[6]
References
- Khatir Soltani. 2005 Ford Equator Concept Auto123, October 22, 2005^
- Neil McDonald. First look: Ford Equator a little on the wild side GoAuto, October 21, 2005^
- Ford Equator Car and Driver, October 21, 2005^
- 2005 Ford Equator Concept Story Cars, April 25, 2025^
- 2005 Ford Equator Concept CarStyling.ru^
- Ford Equator Concept (2005) NetCarShow^
- MotorTrend Staff. A Look Back at Ford's Truck and SUV Concepts Motor Trend, August 8, 2012^