Ford Equator (2005 concept car)

The Equator concept debuted at the 2005 Tokyo Auto Show and was based on the then-current generation of the Ford Escape.^[1] It was designed under Paul Gibson, Ford's chief head of design for Ford's Asia Pacific and Africa region. It was co-developed in Australia and Taiwan, with Paul Gibson and William Lee (who Gibson worked with) being from those countries respectively.^[2] It previewed the Asia-Pacific region's version of the first-generation Escape.^[3] The exterior dimensions are shared with the North American Escape's dimensions.^[1]

The exterior uses a new front bumper, lower side skirts, and large 19-inch wheels which were used to make it look more modern.^[4] It was painted in a shade of orange that Ford said was to "evoke the image of the rising sun over the equatorial horizon."^[5] A larger air intake is used in the front, new headlights are also used, and a new grille was also installed.^[2]

The Equator concept received new seats made by Ming Fong Industries that are embossed in vinyl. A DVD player and navigational system are included on the dashboard, with a digital compass mounted below. GSK supplies the three-spoke steering wheel. Blue ambient lighting is used to compliment the cobalt blue accents.^[6]

The Equator Concept used a 3.0 L Duratec V6 engine paired with a full-time all-wheel-drive system.^[7] The engine's power output is tuned to 194 horsepower (145 kW; 197 PS) and 265 pound-feet (359 N⋅m), and is paired to a six-speed automatic that is controlled using a gear selection system controlled by buttons. The 4WD system can engage the rear wheels using an electronically controlled clutch.^[2] The Equator's Duratec engine also received an aluminum block, aluminum heads, and dual-overhead camshafts.^[6]

The front suspension uses MacPherson struts with an anti-roll bar and ther rear suspension uses a multi-link setup. It also uses four-wheel disc brakes all measuring 11.9 inches (302 mm) in diameter paired with an anti-lock braking system.^[6]