The HEX Ghia Aerostar concept vehicle uses 26 on-board computers to control a vast array of electronic safety, performance and comfort features.

Jack J. Telnack, Vice President - Design, said the Ghia Aerostar took 27 months to complete and is the "most advanced fully-engineered concept vehicle ever built by Ford Motor Company." The electronic features include front seat safety belt sensors that measure braking effort and lock the restraints when appropriate.

"The Ghia Aerostar is a prime example of the 'teamwork and technology' philosophy in action at Ford," Mr. Telnack said. "The project involved six separate organizations within the Company, plus 17 outside suppliers. The suppliers were full partners in the enterprise, starting with the concept stage and continuing through all phases of design, engineering and construction."

Mr. Telnack's Design Staff formed the broad-based supplier team jointly with Truck Operations when the two Ford components decided the concept vehicle should stretch the creativity and technical skills of product planners and engineers, particularly in the area of electronics.

"Design Staff used the full resources of our supplier team during the development of the Probe series of aerodynamic concept cars and we were convinced this was the right process for making the Ghia Aerostar a true 'pathfinder' product," Mr. Telnack said. "In our judgement, the results confirm how innovative and productive a motivated group effort can be."

Two production Aerostars were the foundation for the concept vehicle. One Aerostar was sent to Ghia Studio in Turin, Italy, where a sleek new steel exterior with flush glass was designed and fabricated and a luxury-interior installed. The second production Aerostar became a "test bed" for development of Ford and supplier components that were evaluated by engineers from Light Truck Engineering and Design Staff. When the Ghia-developed vehicle was completed, it was shipped to Michigan and retrofitted with the hardware from the test bed Aerostar.

Engine & performance:

Type: V6

Capacity: 2979 cc

Power: 162 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque: 237 Nm @ 4000 rpm

Drive: RWD

Dimensions:

Length: 4450 mm

Width: 1820 mm

Height: 1850 mm

Wheelbase: 3020 mm