While this sporty crossover was introduced as the
Vertrek concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, it’s assumed that the production version will have the more recognizable (and easier to pronounce) Escape nameplate.
Ford Vertrek Concept at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show
The Vertrek styling influences represent a major change in crossover design at Ford. While the new Explorer has a tough truck look, the new Escape, taking its cues from the concept, promises to be sleeker and more wagon/carlike, something along the lines of a Honda CR-V.
Now our spies have captured an early development mule of the Vertrek/Escape, which is based on Ford’s Global C-platform that underpins the new Focus and Transit Connect as well as related crossovers sold in Europe as the C-Max and Kuga. Speaking of the Kuga, Ford uses some of that vehicle’s bodywork on the mule, since it is much sleeker than the current boxy Escape sheetmetal.
While this vehicle does not represent the final design of the 2013 Ford Escape, it does show us that testing well under way. We can see a large piece has been tacked onto the front clip, likely to make room for components related to turbocharging. At the rear, the fascia has been modified to make room for a new exhaust system.
The Escape will follow the industry trend of doing away with V-6 engines, instead sporting a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder for the base model and an Ecoboost 4-cylinder for the upmarket model. Also a possibility is a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine as a fuel-economy leader, plus a 2.0-liter turbodiesel currently being developed primarily for Europe.
There will also be a hybrid model available, with Ford's next-gen hybrid powertrain providing the motivation. We hear it should be available shortly after launch.
The 2013 Escape will also look to boost its fuel-economy numbers by offering a start-stop system that will idle the engine when the vehicle is at rest. That system will feature an electric motor/starter backed by a larger-capacity battery. Regenerative braking will make sure the battery has plenty of juice for multiple starts.
Much like the Fiesta and Focus, this new Ford Escape will be a global vehicle. Europe will also get a version to replace the Kuga. While there will be subtle design changes between the Escape and Kuga, expect these two to look fairly similar once the curtain drops. Also planned on the same platform is an entry-level crossover for the Lincoln brand.
