GRANADA ALTAIR

A NEW EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN FROM GHIA

A new, super-aerodynamic concept car based on the luxury Ford Granada will be unveiled at this year's Geneva Motor Show (March 6-16). Developed by Ghia of Turin- Ford's international design think-tank - the experimental design uses scientific air flow management techniques to improve fuel economy without reducing performance.

Known as the Granada Altair, this experimental five-seat, four-door silver and bronze sedan is just 5.1 centimetres (2 inches) longer, 7. 6 centimetres (3 inches) lower and 10. 2 centimetres (4 inches) wider than the normal Ford Granada production model but it has a reduced frontal area and a lower aerodynamic drag coefficient.

To further increase the feeling of luxury and interior spaciousness, bronze-tinted see-through plexi-glass panels are built into all four doors as an integral part of the car's contrasting body side stripe scheme.

"Although our Megastar series of concept vehicles have all featured futuristic fast-back estate car designs with folddown rear seats for increased luggage accommodation, we are convinced that in the foreseeable future the luxury prestige market will continue to demand the three-module four-door notch-back sedan with separate compartments for the power unit, the passengers and the luggage" says Filipo Sapino; Ghia'is Managing Director and Chief Designer.

'In addition, the three-module concept does allow us to readily design and engineer within the range, estate cars which fully satisfy the specialist requirements of that market."

The Granada Altair

The Granada Altair which uses the regular production model's mechanical components is powered by a 2.8 litre fuel injected V6 engine. It has air conditioning, independent front and rear suspension, low profile steel braced radial ply tyres on alloy wheels, a stereo sound system and leather upholstery.

The silver and bronze aerodynamic four-door body with a predicted drag coefricient of .35 (.44 for the current production model) is built directly on to the regular production Granada's floor pan.

Ahead of the front axle, the bodywork has been extended by 6. 3 centimetres (2. 5 inches) to incorporate the impact absorbent front bumper and the deep aerodynamic front spoiler while reducing the overall height of the front end and decreasing the frontal area.

The four headlamps and two auxiliary driving lamps are all recessed behind a clear plastic shield to further improve air flow while the entry of cooling air for the engine is channelled through three separate ducts beneath the front bumper.

A single wiper keeps the curved tinted windscreen clean in all weathers and there are remotely controlled exterior rear view mirrors mounted on each of the front doors.

See-Through Door Panels

Both the front and rear door windows are controlled electrically while there are additional see-through bronze-tinted plexi-glass panels built into each door to increase visibility and the feeling of spaciousness.

These four panels are all contained within a broad bronze coachline which runs from front to rear along each side of the silver Granada Altair and around the lid of the luggage compartment.

This contrasting bronze line is also used to mask the recessed door handles and the air extraction vents for the air conditioning and fresh air ventilation systems.

The overall height of the Granada Altair has been reduced by 7.6 centimetres (3 inches) compared with the production Granada while the overall width has been increased by 10.2 centimetres (4 inches). At the rear the Altair has an impact absorbent bumper system while the release of the luggage compartment lid is controlled from within the car.

Luxurious Interior

The luxurious front and rear seating is finished in light tan hide upholstery with contrasting bronze strips incorporated in the design. A deep pile carpet covers the floor of both the passenger compartment and luggage space and is extended to include the lower sections of the doors and side panels.

Air conditioning is included as standard equipment for the Granada Altair while the production Granada Ghia's instruments and four spoke sports steering wheel are retained for this experimental model. However, the parking brake is moved from the centre of the car to become foot-operated on the left hand side.

A deep storage compartment with a heavily padded lid is built into the facia panel in front of the front seat passenger and there is additional storage space in the centre console unit.

Needs of the Future

"Predicting future trends is always difficult" says Filipo Sapino "and none more so than at the present time. However we feel that as designers we have much to contribute towards meeting the ever increasing need to improve the fuel economy of all cars of the future,"