Ford Grand C-Max – Informaţii oficiale

For the first time, Ford’s MAV customers will have the choice of
a 5-seat Ford C-MAX or the new 7-seat Ford Grand C-MAX, which
features twin sliding doors and innovative seat design to provide
outstanding space and flexibility.

The all-new Ford C-MAX range introduces a number of advanced new
technologies to the compact MAV class focused on enhanced comfort,
safety and sustainability, including the availability of new and
powerful yet highly fuel-efficient low-CO2 Ford EcoBoost petrol
engines.

The new Ford C-MAX models are also the first products to be
launched from Ford’s new, global C-segment vehicle platform, and
are previewed at Frankfurt in pre-production form prior to their
European sales launch in late 2010.

Additionally, Ford is confirming that the Ford Grand C-MAX model
will also be introduced in North America in late 2011, joining the
new Ford Fiesta, the Transit Connect commercial van and the
next-generation Ford Focus as one of six European-designed models
promised by the company under its ‘One Ford’ strategy.

„Following the tremendous popularity of the Ford S-MAX and
Galaxy duo, we plan to extend that opportunity to compact MAV
customers with our new expanded C-MAX line-up,” said John Fleming,
Chairman & CEO, Ford of Europe. „The spacious seven-seat Ford
Grand C-MAX is a brand new entry for us, and combined with the
sporty, five-seat model allows us to deliver a class-leading choice
of two dynamic and highly-capable family vehicles.

„The significance of the new Ford C-MAX models cannot be
overstated as they signal the impending arrival of up to two
million vehicles a year in a variety of bodystyles, all based on
our new global C-segment platform,” Fleming added.

Expressive, Dynamic Design

The new Ford C-MAX range demonstrates that compact MAVs can be
stylish and desirable while still delivering outstanding space and
functionality.

„Like the 2009 Ford iosis MAX concept car, the two Ford C-MAX
models bring more emotive, dynamic design to the MAV segment,”
explains Martin Smith, Ford of Europe’s Executive Design Director.
„We believe we have created two distinctive vehicles which
customers will choose for the way they look and drive, and not just
because they are practical and versatile.”

Bold exterior and interior designs have been created using the
latest evolution of Ford’s ‘kinetic design’ form language, building
on the themes established in recent product introductions like the
hugely successful Fiesta, Kuga and Mondeo ranges.

Striking ‘kinetic design’ elements applied to the new models
include the dynamic rising belt-line, full sculptured surfaces,
bold wheel lips, strong athletic shoulders supported by a prominent
undercut line, and the distinctive kick-up of the window graphic at
the C-pillar.

The front end design features Ford’s signature trapezoidal lower
grille – with a special ‘piano black’ finish on the Frankfurt Show
vehicles – together with the eye-catching new headlamp treatment
previewed by the iosis MAX concept.

Two Distinct Characters

The Ford C-MAX and Ford Grand C-MAX have been deliberately
designed with two distinct characters, reflecting the differing
priorities of the typical customers for each model.

The 5-seat Ford C-MAX departs from usual MAV thinking by
adopting a sportier feel with a stylish passenger-car look. It
features a coupé-like, sweeping roofline which falls off to the
rear, yet still retains the traditional Ford C-MAX virtues of
roominess and practicality.

Its window graphic follows the bold form of the Fiesta and Kuga,
with a strong kick-up after the C-pillar. At the rear, the tailgate
design has echoes of the larger S-MAX, with its sportier treatment
of the rear window.

Equally dynamic in character, the 7-seat Ford Grand C-MAX
presents a more functional appearance which highlights the extra
space and versatility provided by the car. With a longer wheelbase,
the 7-seat model features a higher roofline and thinner pillars
which emphasise the generous room and visibility on offer within
the cabin.

The twin sliding doors are neatly integrated, with the rail
cleverly concealed by the undercut line on the shoulder of the
vehicle. The large tailgate design ensures a low loading height,
while the stylish intersection between the tail lamps and rear
glass gives a family resemblance to the Galaxy, Ford’s largest
people mover.

Stylish and Modern Interior

The new Ford C-MAX interior applies the same ‘kinetic design’
philosophy used to shape the body, ensuring that the dynamic and
modern character of the exterior is reflected in the style of the
cabin.

The main design themes are an evolution of those developed for
the latest Fiesta, with muscular, expressive shapes and very bold
graphics which are inspired by the stunning forms seen on the iosis
MAX concept car.

Key design features include the taut, wing-like section of the
upper instrument panel (IP), which reaches out to the sides of the
interior. A dramatic ‘bull horn’ shape sweeps down from the lower
IP, emphasising the smooth flow from the IP into the centre
console.

The cockpit – which is common to both Ford C-MAX models –
provides a commanding, raised driving position with high mounted
gearshift and centre console.

The central control area builds on the much acclaimed layout in
the new Fiesta, with lower series models using the same ergonomic
control design, while high series vehicles use next generation Sony
head units with a gloss black finish.

Carefully designed storage areas are located throughout the
cabin, including generous door pockets, a large glove box, and
additional compartments and cupholders in the centre console.

Ingenious 7-seat Layout

The new 7-seat Ford Grand C-MAX provides spacious accommodation
for up to seven passengers within compact exterior dimensions, with
the extra convenience offered by sliding rear doors on both sides
of the car – ideal for parents helping young children in child
seats, or for easy access in narrow parking bays.

To maximise the versatility of the 7-seat layout, Ford engineers
have developed an ingenious new seat folding mechanism for the
three second-row seats. This mechanism allows the centre seat to
fold quickly and easily under one of the two outboard seats,
creating a handy walk-through space between them.

This allows passengers to access the third row without having to
disturb the two outer seats, which is particularly helpful when
those positions are occupied by child seats or booster cushions.
Owners thus have the option of using the convenient 2+2+2 seating
layout, or switching to a full seven-seater when required.

The second- and third-row seats have been cleverly engineered so
that they can be folded to create a flat load floor, irrespective
of how many seats remain in use. All of the folding mechanisms are
designed so that they require just one hand to operate.

The 5-seat Ford C-MAX retains the popular seating arrangement
from the current model with three individual 40/20/40 folding
seats, and the option of the Comfort system which allows the outer
seats to slide diagonally backwards and inwards to create a
luxurious 2+2 layout.

Sustainable Performance

The Ford C-MAX range introduces a number of advanced new vehicle
and powertrain technologies to the compact MAV class to enhance
comfort, safety and sustainability.

In addition to upgraded versions of Ford’s highly acclaimed TDCi
diesel engines, the new Ford C-MAX line-up will also feature a
choice of petrol engines, including the first application of Ford’s
all-new 1.6-litre 4-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine, to be built at
the company’s Bridgend plant in Wales.

Ford’s new global family of EcoBoost 4-cylinder engines have
been developed by Ford powertrain engineers based in Europe and are
being progressively introduced to the European product range
starting in 2010. EcoBoost combines turbocharging and direct
injection technology to deliver fuel consumption and CO2 emissions
reduced by up to 20 per cent compared to conventional larger
displacement petrol engines with a similar power output.

Ford EcoBoost technology will be more affordable than equivalent
hybrid or diesel engine designs, and builds on existing petrol
engine knowledge to provide customers with a way to improve fuel
economy and emissions significantly without compromising driving
performance.

The combination of direct fuel injection, advanced
turbocharging, and variable valve timing creates a much more
efficient combustion process. This enables Ford EcoBoost technology
to deliver the strong low-end torque and responsive performance of
a large capacity engine, but with the size, weight and fuel economy
of a much smaller unit.

The new Ford C-MAX will also feature the option of Ford’s latest
high efficiency PowerShift six-speed dual-clutch automatic
transmission, which is proving an increasingly popular choice on
the current model.

C-MAX Technologies

Among the new technologies being introduced to Ford of Europe in
the Ford C-MAX range are a host of features which will improve
practicality and safety for family users. These innovations include
semi-automatic parallel parking, blind spot detection, seat belt
warning lights for rear seat passengers, power activated child
locks and power operation for the rear tailgate.

Further details of these features and the full technical story
for the new Ford C-MAX will be revealed closer to launch in
2010.

New Generation of Global Ford C Cars

The Ford C-MAX is the first of a new generation of global C cars
scheduled for introduction by Ford over the next several years.
This series of exciting new models will include the launch globally
of the all-new, next generation model of the best-selling Ford
Focus from the end of 2010.

The new C car family is the result of an unprecedented global
development programme, and is loaded with an impressive array of
advanced vehicle technologies which will enhance safety,
convenience, comfort, and driver satisfaction. Up to 2 million
vehicles per year based on this platform will be sold by Ford
around the world when all of the different individual models are
launched.

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