Concept Car Of The Day: 1983 Ford Probe IV

Jul 21, 2024

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Ford Motor Company wowed audiences at the Detroit Auto Show 1983 with their unveiling of the groundbreaking new aerodynamic concept car, Probe IV. The lowest coefficient of drag (Cd) of any conventional five-door vehicle in the world was achieved in this innovative model. D. F. Kopka, vice president - Design for the company, proudly unveiled the vehicle to the public.

Named Probe IV as the fourth in a series of aerodynamic research cars created by Ford since 1979, this vehicle boasted a remarkable Cd of .15, equivalent to that of a jet fighter plane. With the potential to achieve 20 per cent better fuel economy than typical passenger cars on the road today, Probe IV made a big statement about the future of automotive design.

Featuring a conventional five-door sedan package, Probe IV was designed to accommodate four passengers and luggage, along with a full range of convenience items expected in a modern vehicle. The interior matched the futuristic exterior, with ergonomically designed controls, high-visibility instruments, and next-generation seating for maximum comfort.

Developed with the collaborative expertise of Ford aerodynamics engineers, advanced vehicle engineers, designers, and Ford's Ghia studio in Turin, Italy, Probe IV incorporated exterior and under-the-skin innovations to achieve its impressively low Cd. Notable features included fully shrouded wheels, flush glass, covered headlights, concealed windshield wipers, and a streamlined nose without cooling apertures.

Engineered for maximum aerodynamic efficiency, Probe IV included unique elements such as automatic vehicle-attitude control, flexible front-fender skirts, low-profile front suspension, and aerodynamically designed tires. These innovations worked together to minimize drag and optimize performance at varying speeds.

The turbocharged 1.6-liter, four-cylinder CVH engine was positioned at a 70-degree angle to fit under the low hood profile. The adjustable contoured seats allowed for an additional 1.5 inches of vehicle height reduction, contributing to the overall sleek design of the car.

With careful attention to detail and cutting-edge technology, Ford pushed the boundaries of automotive design with the Probe IV. Building on years of aerodynamic research and innovation, this concept car paved the way for future advancements in fuel efficiency, performance, and design in the automotive industry.