1994 Ford Vivace - AllCarIndex
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1994
Official press release:
FORD CONCEPT VEHICLES AT THE BRITISH MOTOR SHOW
There are five concept vehicles on display on the Ford stand at the British International Motor Show, including two Mondeo-based coupes which are making their world debut — the Ghia Vivace and Arioso,
The Ghia Arioso and Vivace are exciting two-door coupe concepts which use the running gear of the latest 2.5-litre V6-powered Mondeo 24V. Styled by the Ghia studio in Turin, the Arioso and Vivace demonstrate two possibilities for speciality products with different and distinctive personalities.
Director of Ford's European Design Centre, Fritz Mayhew, said: "Ford is serious about selling exciting products with a strong character, and the Ghia Arioso and Vivace show cars are bold designs which reflect that commitment. Ford's new global structure offers some great new opportunities for speciality vehicles of all kinds, and these two concept studies give our customers a flavour of the type of vehicle that could be possible."
Ghia Vivace
In contrast, the Vivace is a 2+2 design intended to appeal to the emotions. Dynamic and assertive in design, yet with a simple elegant form, it has a completely different personality to the Arioso,
The Vivace's sports car appeal is emphasised by large wheels and tyres, and by its aggressive stance. This coupe is also based around an aluminium spaceframe although in this design the frame is concealed under the composite body panels.
Novel styling cues are provided by the fresh use of graphics and the contrast between the sloping lines of the tail and the high-mounted tail-lights.
The Ghia Vivace is one of a pair of concepts created to explore aluminum space frame construction techniques. Its twin, the Ghia Arioso concept, is also offered today. Like its twin, the Ghia Vivace concept is an example of the continuing search for creative designs that will adapt to new and evolving materials and construction techniques.
The most exciting automobile layout, process or manufacturing technique is of no value if it cannot accommodate attractive and functional bodies. Designers are essential contributors to even the most esoteric engineering projects and are often called upon to render their contributions as physical manifestations. The Ghia Vivace concept is such an exercise, built to explore ways of reconciling aluminum space frame construction with practical packaging and aesthetic considerations.
The Ghia Vivace concept is a 2+2 coupe with intense emotional appeal in its rounded, tightly-wrapped, high-haunched appearance. Created around the Ford Mondeo platform and 24-valve 2.5-liter V-6 engine, the Ghia Vivace concept is intended to be dynamic and assertive. Its curved profile is accented by concave rocker panels and a concave stroke on its flanks that originates in the corners of the front bumper. At the rear the body side curves so quickly to the tail that it barely contains the rear tires, then terminates in a rounded tail and decklid that recalls classic coupes from Jean Bugatti with the modern touch of oval taillights mounted high at the corners of the backlight. A generous wheel/tire package carries on the Ghia Vivace concept's aggressive nature.
The Ghia Vivace concept is a platform concept without an interior. It is constructed in fiberglass and is non-steering. The wheel covers are plastic. Doors and windows do not open. The paint is applied over quick preparation showing the fiberglass weave on its surface and there are some nicks, scratches and cracking evident.
A styling exercise with engineering purpose, the Ghia Vivace concept demonstrates the successful blending of form and function, employing engineering and styling to create "design".
SOURCE: Christie’s
