Andrew Dice Clay, abusive comedian and star of the movie "Ford Fairlane," did not make an appearance at Ford Motor Company's press conference in Detroit. Rather, Ford designer J Mays introduced the Ford Fairlane Concept at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, calling it "an upscale, as well as upright, people mover for the American family." Named after the successful 1960s Ford coupes and sedans that were the bread-and-butter of the company for a time, the Ford Fairlane Concept is a six-passenger crossover SUV similar in concept to the current Ford Freestyle, but with a more stylish and luxurious appearance as well as a completely different platform. Based upon Ford's new CD3 architecture, which forms the basis for the 2006 Ford Fusion, 2006 Lincoln Zephyr, and a slew of new FoMoCo products due in coming years, the Ford Fairlane is powered by a 210-horsepower, 3.0-liter Duratec V6 engine, matched to a six-speed automatic transmission and driving all four wheels for maximum all-weather traction. Key design attributes of the Ford Fairlane Concept include flush-mounted exterior glass and thin pillars for a sleek appearance. Horizontal side strakes decorate the doors, which are "French-opening" to allow unfettered access to the cabin, and the Fairlane wears Ford's new corporate tri-bar metal-finish grille. Extremely handsome multi-spoked and polished alloy wheels make the Fairlane look expensive, while at the rear is a three-way tailgate with glass that flips up and a door that swings open from the left or the right. Inside the cargo bay is a flip-down utility area with a cutting surface and a refrigerator. Three rows of seats accommodate six adults, with the leather-covered front Command Seating chairs fronting a low-slung dashboard trimmed in oak and maple bentwood laminate. Second-row "club" chairs are upholstered in closely woven canvas, recline for comfort, and offer unique storage armrests. They fold flat, along with the third-row seat, to reveal a cargo floor finished in stainless steel, gleaming from the ambient light that filters in through the Fairlane's three glass roof panels. With the Freestyle and an upcoming Mercury model already serving as Ford's mainstream crossover SUVs, the chances of something like the Fairlane reaching production are slim. However, this concept does illustrate the flexibility of the new CD3 corporate platform, while getting the show-going public used to another classic Ford "F" name that's sure to be revived for a future model. By Christian J. Wardlaw
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