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Global Concepts (Part 2)
Ford Equator
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Ford's F-Series pickup is the basis for the Equator concept, which borrows the F-150's 3250-mm (128-in) wheelbase and the Super Duty F-350's width for more interior room. Its off-road racing-inspired independent suspension features aluminum upper control arms, steel lower arms with geometry for maximum travel, and adjustable 810-mm (32-in) coils over gas shocks. The bumper, fender, wheel wells, and lower trim panels are made of Kevlar. The truck's door bottoms are cut high, and when a door is opened, a lower panel hydraulically deploys to create a step. Aluminum wheels with a central tire-inflation system and bead locks are wrapped in specially cut off-road tires. Inside are four leather bucket seats. The rear seats and bulkhead fold down, creating a cargo space that is 1.8 m (6 ft) long and 1.7 m (5.5 ft) wide. The instrument panel has "clamp-on" gauges that allow users to select the components they want, as well as their position. Other features include visor-mounted GPS technology, dual-zone climate controls, two high-volume console-mounted storage compartments, and removable flooring.
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