Focus Flexus Conept

While it’s difficult to find information about these early concepts, Ford did create a press release for this one from SEMA 2000. This was apparently supposed to make it into production, but was never released. This car included some very futuristic features, including an internet-connected head unit. While we could not find any photos of this, Clarion did release a Windows CE-based head unit: the Clarion 310C.

Also, how nice would it be to have that split-fold rear tailgate?

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 30, 2000 - With new levels of versatility, connectivity, and personalized space, the Focus Flexus showcases possibilities for Ford cars of the future and the types of technology and features customers will demand. Aimed at Echo Boomers, the Flexus debuted today at the Specialty Equipment Market Association Show (SEMA).

In addition to the vehicle's sporty exterior styling, and a newly designed bicycle lift and foldable ramp, the interior features increased storage areas, more leg room, more cargo hauling area, an instrument panel with e-connectivity and a CD/CD-Rom player, and a DVD screen that is integrated into an overhead console.

"Today's youth are looking for a vehicle that reflects and expands their image, portraying the freedom of the open road. The Flexus has the capability to embrace and enhance these personalized images," said Chris Theodore, Ford Motor Company vice president, North American Car. "We took the ground-breaking Ford Focus and gave it even more innovative features so everyone will feel at home in this vehicle."

Based on the 5-door European body style, the Flexus builds on the distinctive features of the popular Ford Focus. Its "New Edge" design theme combines smooth aerodynamic surfaces with crisply intersecting lines for very distinctive styling.

The Flexus exterior body panels are finished in metallic red, trimmed in black, giving the vehicle a sleek, hot look.

A modular roof rack designed to hold bikes, skis, and snowboards can easily be transformed into extra storage space. A newly designed bicycle lift allows the user to attach a bike to the roof rack by the turn of a simple crank. In addition, a compact, foldable ramp is integrated into the tailgate for the ease of loading large objects.

The interior features specially designed seats trimmed in red and gray ultra suede combined with mesh fabric. The fabric found on the seat bolsters and seat hoods is easily removable and can be changed to reflect the personal taste of the vehicle's occupants. The front seats are designed so the back panel can be removed to increase comfort for rear passengers. The rear seats, and front passenger seat, fold down to the floor to allow for more cargo hauling area.

A foldout tray, which flips out from the center console, provides the front-seat passenger a perfect surface for eating, reading or writing.

Several storage areas can be found throughout the Flexus; adding to the versatility of this vehicle. Compartments can be found behind the driver seat as well as behind and under the passenger seat. Interchangeable overhead compartments can be found on the headliner and a lockable storage area is located in the rear of the vehicle. A rear cargo system that folds flat when not in use, deploys into several storage compartments behind the back seats.

The instrument panel features a speaker independent voice recognition system that keeps passengers connected to the outside world. It is a Visteon Information Communication Entertainment Safety (ICES) WinCE based computing platform. It offers the ability to access turn-by-turn navigation and wireless information such as news, stock updates, weather, and traffic reports.

The ICES system folds down to reveal a premium audio system with a CD/CD Rom. A DVD player screen is integrated into an overhead console and wireless headphones are available for rear passengers.

"Your world doesn't stop when you enter your car," said Theodore. "This car is like a comfortable, mini entertainment center. Passengers can put their feet up, watch TV, listen to the radio, or get the latest weather report."

The Flexus is powered by a 1.8-liter Zetec I-4 engine with a five-speed manual transmission.