Detroit Motor Show

By Sam Hardy

12th January 2007

	Adding to the visual fun are asymmetric doors - an electric clamshell on the passenger side and a tailgate with three openings to aid access at the rear

 This startling MPV is Ford's Airstream - a crossover which is inspired by the silver trailer caravansof the same name, made famous by Hollywood road movies.

Unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show, it has been designed in partnership with Airstream - but although the fuselage-style looks are retro, the technology isn't. Underneath the chrome body lies a new hydrogen hybrid fuel cell system which operates under electric power at all times, and costs and weighs half as much as current units.

The Airstream gives an idea of how a future Ford people carrier could look - and with orange-trimmed windows, it would certainly stand out. Adding to the visual fun are asymmetric doors - an electric clamshell on the passenger side and a tailgate with three openings to aid access at the rear.

Inside, it's just as wacky, with a floating instrument panel featuring touch-sensitive controls. There are also swivelling pod-shaped chairs, plus a wrap-around red leather bench, allowing passengers to lie back and watch a 360-degree DVD screen.

Development of the fuel cell is progressing rapidly. Currently, the plug-in system is being tested on the road in a prototype Ford Edge - a US-only SUV.

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