1998 Ford Teksport Windstar - AllCarIndex

Teksport Windstar

Ford’s new TekSport Windstar concept challenges notions of what minivans are all about — transforming today’s family hauler into a sporty shuttle for tomorrow. The TekSport concept is based on a 1999 Ford Windstar. Redesigned to roll into the 21st century, the new Windstar features a sleek aerodynamic profile and wide road-hugging stance. This aggressive look is augmented with the new front and rear fascias, a modified Windstar SEL grille and unique body-side cladding. The bolder front fascia incorporates brake duct openings and recessed PIAA driving lamps. In the rear, the lower body treatment has openings to allow the exit of the dual DynoMax exhaust tips.

The most striking body modification is the addition of a SkyView bubble roof section with wrap-over windows. TekSport’s many body modifications are highlighted by a gold metallic clearcoat paint over silver lower body accents.

Offsetting the taller roof line, TekSport’s suspension is lowered 1-1/2 inches. To fine tune handling and fill the wheel openings, TekSport is fitted with a plus-2 wheel and tire conversion. P235/50R18 Michelin MXX3 Pilot performance radials are mounted on 18- by 7-inch Enkei Zoku alloy wheels.

Interior enhancements are what really put the technology in the TekSport. Ford teamed up with Visteon to push this Windstar beyond the concept phase into a fully functioning test bed for the next generation of interior ideas.

If TekSport is any indication, people movers of the future will incorporate more elaborate electronics packages and entertainment systems. Thanks to Visteon, TekSport has a reference level premium audio system with dual sound personal audio outputs driving infrared headphones. The entertainment system incorporates a removable portable DVD player that docks into the rear of the center console. It features auxiliary input channels for both games and a camcorder or VHS VCR. The video output can be viewed on any of several 6.4-inch LCD active matrix displays, all mounted according to reference military standards to allow optimum viewing angles without head movement.

Overhead, you’ll find an innovative modular headliner console that features a digital memo recorder, mobile cell phone storage, power points and paper holder with integrated picture frame. Another neat idea is a flip-down Garmin GPS III portable global positioning system with remote antenna built into the driver’s side sunvisor, complementing the dash-mounted navigation system.

Naturally, Visteon’s involvement provided TekSport with state-of-the-art interior and exterior lighting. Entry and exit lighting comes with a soft glow from contoured neon tubes, while an illuminated "Windstar" logo lights up the front- door scuff plates. Those who travel with kids will appreciate the rechargeable hand vacuum cleaner built into the right rear trim panel. The interior is set off with metallic trim panels from Summit Polymers, Avery Dennison and DPI Automotive.

A close inspection of TekSport Windstar provides a glimpse of the sporty family shuttle of tomorrow.

SOURCE: Ford