The Ford Atlas was a
concept
A concept is an abstract idea that serves as a foundation for more concrete principles, thoughts, and beliefs.
Concepts play an important role in all aspects of cognition. As such, concepts are studied within such disciplines as linguistics, ...
pickup truck
A pickup truck or pickup is a Truck_classification#Table_of_US_GVWR_classifications, light or medium duty truck that has an enclosed cabin (truck), cabin, and a back end made up of a cargo bed that is enclosed by three low walls with no roof (th ...
designed by
Ford. Debuted at the
2013 North American International Auto Show, the Atlas was developed as a close preview of the
2015 F-150 (particularly a mix between the Platinum and Limited (the latter's 2016 return) trims).
Along with showcasing the transition of the model line to aluminum-intensive construction, the concept vehicle also included additional features to further enhance fuel economy.
Sized similarly to the existing F-150 SuperCrew, the aluminum construction of the Atlas saved approximately 700 pounds over its steel-bodied counterpart (no official curb weight for the Atlas was given).
In addition to design elements developed to enhance fuel economy (including unprecedented active wheel shutters
), the Atlas was also designed with enhanced capability and ease of use.
Overview
Chassis
Alongside the introduction of aluminum-intensive construction for the production F-Series, the Atlas debuted the second generation of the Ford 3.5L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine. While unchanged in displacement or in the use of turbocharging, the updated engine was primarily distinguished by the introduction of start-stop capability to reduce idling.
Exterior
Styled as a sharper-edged evolution of the
twelfth-generation F-150, the Atlas was fitted with quad LED headlamps and taillamps.
Alongside active grille and bumper air dam aerodynamics, the tailgate was fitted with a decklid spoiler. Introducing a redesign of a rear tailgate step, the cargo bed of the Atlas also included a set of hidden cargo ramps for wheeling items into the bed.
Interior
Configured with a 5-passenger interior, the Atlas was fitted with leather seats.
To improve driving in small spaces, the Atlas was fitted with a 360-degree camera, giving a "birds' eye view" of the vehicle.
As a truck version of its Active Park Assist parking feature, the Atlas debuted Trailer Backup Assist, allowing drivers to back up a trailer with the turn of a knob;
Dynamic Hitch Assist uses the backup camera to line up the trailer hitch to a trailer.
References
{{Ford Concept
Atlas
An atlas is a collection of maps; it is typically a bundle of world map, maps of Earth or of a continent or region of Earth. Advances in astronomy have also resulted in atlases of the celestial sphere or of other planets.
Atlases have traditio ...
Atlas
An atlas is a collection of maps; it is typically a bundle of world map, maps of Earth or of a continent or region of Earth. Advances in astronomy have also resulted in atlases of the celestial sphere or of other planets.
Atlases have traditio ...
Ford F-Series