|  Ford is introducing today a modern, all-American sedan concept at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. The new concept combines "Built Ford Tough" attitude with the sporty elegance of its iconic 1960s sedans.
The Ford Interceptor concept comes equipped with a manual six-speed gearbox mated to a Ford Racing 5.0-liter V-8 Cammer engine that delivers 400 horsepower and runs on E-85 ethanol.
The concept has a very aggressive look from the outside and sports a 400-hp, 5.0-liter V-8 under the hood capable of running on E-85 ethanol. Overall length is 201.6 inches, while wheelbase is 120.8 inches and rides on 22-inch wheels and a solid rear axle. Such power and aggression calls for some safety features and for this the car comes with four-point seat-belts and inflatable rear belts.
Inside the Ford Interceptor concept low-back seats, finished in thick black leather with exposed-edge seams and contrasting stitching, modernize muscle car seats through their design – along with clever touches, including headrests that deploy from the roof. The Interceptor concept's minimalist interior is sleek, focusing the driver's attention on the speedometer and tachometer, whose needles start at center and move opposite each other.
The audio control panel and climate controls are hidden – but deployable. And the gated six-speed shifter is left exposed.
For safety, the Ford Interceptor concept incorporates Ford's patented four-point "belt and suspenders" safety belt design in all four seats. This showcases a possible next-generation safety belt that is more comfortable and easier to use than traditional three-point belts. Additionally, inflatable belts have been included in the rear seat of the Interceptor concept.
For safety, the Interceptor concept incorporates Ford’s patented four-point “belt and suspenders” safety belt design in all four seats and inflatable seat belts in the rear.
While current three-point safety belts are extremely effective in reducing the risk of injury in a crash, Ford Motor Company is researching these two potential safety belt technologies as possible ways to further reduce injury risk in vehicle crashes.
A number of technical challenges still need to be overcome before such restraint systems could ever be used, but these technologies might one day further enhance safety belt effectiveness.
The four-point belt showcases a possible next-generation safety belt that is more comfortable and easier to use than traditional three-point belts, according to consumer research. Additionally, inflatable belts have been included in the rear seat of the concept to help better protect occupants in a variety of crashes.
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