Jan 16

2000 Ford 24.7 Coupe Concept

The 2000 Ford 24.7 Coupe, part of the 24.7 series concepts showcased at NAIAS 2000 in Detroit, faced mixed reactions. While some criticized its primitive design, others viewed it as an attempt to redefine automotive design for the new millennium. The name "24.7" reflects the idea of constant availability, mirroring the contemporary perception of cars as essential as computers.

Designed by Ford's J. Mays, the 24.7 Coupe embodied simplicity and advanced technologies. It featured a unique transparent plastic exterior with a minimalist, angular design. Notable elements included 'lipstick cameras' replacing door mirrors, a dark green convertible-like roof, and a distinctive lighting system with white and red LED lamps.

The 24.7 series comprised three variants: a wagon, a pick-up, and a coupe. Despite distinct lifestyles, all shared cutting-edge features. Technological highlights included Visteon's Voice Technology, enabling hands-free controls and multilingual voice commands. The Reconfigurable Projected Image Display allowed customization of the dashboard layout through voice commands.

Visteon's Advanced Lighting System incorporated white and red LED lamps, offering instant illumination, longevity, and energy efficiency. The coupe featured a one-spoke steering wheel with auto/manual shift controls and a hands-free videophone with a mounted camera.

Built on the Ford Focus platform, the 24.7 Coupe boasted a 2.0-liter Zetec I-4 engine. The concept aimed to redefine user interaction, providing 24/7 access to information, communication, and personalized features. While opinions on its design varied, the 24.7 Coupe showcased innovative technologies that hinted at the future of automotive connectivity and functionality.