Ford Equator (2005 concept car)

The Equator concept debuted at the 2005 Tokyo Auto Show and was based on the then-current generation of the Ford Escape. It was designed under Paul Gibson, Ford's chief head of design for Ford's Asia Pacific and Africa region. It was co-developed in Australia and Taiwan, with Paul Gibson and William Lee (who Gibson worked with) being from those countries respectively. It previewed the Asia-Pacific region's version of the first-generation Escape. The exterior dimensions are shared with the North American Escape's dimensions. It was painted in a shade of orange that Ford said was to "evoke the image of the rising sun over the equatorial horizon." A larger air intake is used in the front, new headlights are also used, and a new grille was also installed. == Powertrain ==

The Equator Concept used a 3.0 L Duratec V6 engine paired with a full-time all-wheel-drive system. The engine's power output is tuned to and , and is paired to a six-speed automatic that is controlled using a gear selection system controlled by buttons. The 4WD system can engage the rear wheels using an electronically controlled clutch. The Equator's Duratec engine also received an aluminum block, aluminum heads, and dual-overhead camshafts. Suspension and braking The front suspension uses MacPherson struts with an anti-roll bar and ther rear suspension uses a multi-link setup. It also uses four-wheel disc brakes all measuring in diameter paired with an anti-lock braking system. == References ==