| Ford Atlas | |
| Aka: | Ford F-150 Atlas |
| Manufacturer: | Ford |
| Successor: | Ford F-Series (thirteenth generation) |
| Class: | Concept pickup truck |
| Layout: | Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive |
| Engine: | 3.5 L EcoBoost V6 |
| Transmission: | 6-speed 6R80 automatic |
| Model Years: | 2013 |
The Ford Atlas is a concept pickup truck 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).[1]
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.[2] Sized similarly to the existing F-150 SuperCrew, the aluminum construction of the Atlas saves approximately 700 pounds over its steel-bodied counterpart (no official curb weight for the Atlas was given).[3]
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.[4] [5]
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 is primarily distinguished by the introduction of start-stop capability to reduce idling.[6]
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.
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.[7] 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.