Jan 16

2000 Ford 24.7 Pickup Concept

The 2000 Ford 24.7 Pickup, a member of the 24.7 series concepts, took center stage at NAIAS 2000 in Detroit, triggering a spectrum of reactions. Criticism ensued, labeling its design as defiantly primitive, yet others saw it as Ford's audacious endeavor to reshape automotive norms for the new millennium. The nomenclature "24.7" echoed the contemporary ethos, symbolizing perpetual availability akin to the indispensability of computers in our daily lives.

Crafted under the guidance of Ford's visionary J. Mays, the 24.7 Pickup stood out with its blend of simplicity and cutting-edge technologies. The exterior, characterized by translucent plastic, embraced a minimalist and angular design philosophy. Unique features included the substitution of traditional door mirrors with 'lipstick cameras,' a convertible-like dark green roof, and a distinctive lighting ensemble incorporating white and red LED lamps.

As a part of the broader 24.7 series, which encompassed a wagon and a coupe, the 24.7 Pickup retained a common thread of pioneering attributes. Technological marvels abounded, featuring Visteon's Voice Technology for hands-free controls and multilingual voice interaction. The Reconfigurable Projected Image Display offered a customizable dashboard layout achievable through simple voice commands.

Noteworthy was Visteon's Advanced Lighting System, incorporating white and red LED lamps that not only provided instantaneous illumination but also boasted longevity and energy efficiency. The pickup variant embraced a utilitarian approach with its robust one-spoke steering wheel, accommodating auto/manual shift controls, and a hands-free videophone equipped with a mounted camera.

Sitting atop the Ford Focus platform, the 24.7 Pickup housed a formidable 2.0-liter Zetec I-4 engine. Beyond its divisive design, the concept aimed at revolutionizing user interaction by granting 24/7 access to information, seamless communication, and personalized features. While opinions on its aesthetic might have been polarized, the 24.7 Pickup undeniably served as a canvas for innovative technologies, offering a glimpse into the potential future of automotive connectivity and functionality.