1980 Ford Probe II - AllCarIndex

A prototype concept model for a totally new generation of more compact and more fuel efficient North American Ford cars which could be in production within 5 years will make its public debut a: this year's Geneva Show.    

Code-named Probe II, this smooth, aerodynamic prototype design exercise for a possible North American front wheel drive family car for the mid-1980s has been designed and built at Ford's Dearborn, Michigan Design Centre.

Probe II is a logical 5-door development of the futuristic Probe I design which was first shown in Frankfurt last September. But unike the ’science fiction' Probe I which had an automatically retracting instrument panel, a computerised entertainment centre and semi-reclining seating, this latest concept car from Ford's North American Design Centre is a practical, compact front-wheel drive, 5-door family sedan which is aimed at the more immediate future.    

The use of lightweight materials allied to a smooth, aerodynamic, low-drag coefficient body shape, together with the application of scientific air flow management techniques have all been combined to improve the vehicle's performance, high speed stability and fuel efficiency.        

Power would be provided by a front wheel drive, transverse-mounted, 4-cylinder petrol or diesel engine which could be turbo-charged Probe II is a 5-door, hatchback sedan with a low frontal area, large areas of glass for good all-round visibility and smooth, aerodynamic flowing lines. It has a wheelbase of 2550 mm (100.4 in), an overall length of 4549 mm (179.1 in), a height of 1334 mm (52.5 in), and an overall width of 1788 mm (70.4 in).

The radiator air intake is positioned below the front bumper, the headlamps are recessed behind clear plastic shields, the door handles are recessed into the bodywork and the windscreen wipers retract below the line of the hood when not in operation.

An aerodynamic spoiler is fitted to the rear tailgate to smooth out the air flow while the shapes of the door mirrors and the underside of Probe II have been designed to create the minimum of disturbance to the airflow.    

Both the front and rear ends of Probe II incorporate impact absorbent plastic sections while further weight is saved by the use of alloy road wheels and lightweight body panels.

The interior is spacious and conventional electronic instrumentation is used. There is ready access to both the front and rear passenger compartments through the wide opening doors.