This is how the next generation C-Max will look! Yes its the Losis Max! The new concept car that will give us, especially ‘familys’ an idea of whats to come, if you live in a C-Max or a Focus, this is the future!!!….

As it makes its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, the model shows off a new front with a six-bar lower grille and long stretched back headlights. It has a split tail-gate much like the Skoda Superb, and a full length glass roof with spoiler! Other ailments include sliding rear doors, no B-pillars! and floating seats!

Well we sure want to see them!!!

The concept car, being smaller than the current C-Max, is purposed just to give a glance at what is in production. In actual fact, the full 5 seat specification will be available similar to the sporty concept version and for the first time ever – will be available in a seven seater trim too! ooohhhh!!!!

With just 7,145 vehicles produced, the first 2,500 were “homologation Specials” for entry to The World Rally Championship. The second generation starting from late ‘94, were a much better model for usablity and everyday driving, boasting Garrett T25 turbochargers fitted to help reduce turbo lag, and given the option of a ‘whale tail’ spoiler, for airo-dynamics and added visual attraction. Upgrades were also made to the engine management system and it was given a permenant 4 wheel drive split, courtesy of an uprated 5 speed gear box.

The Ford Escort Cosworth has been a insight into the future of motorsport and the possibilities yet to come. Its accomplishments have been a well received worldwide success, and nothing beats the feeling of actually being behind the wheel!

The Escort Cosworth is a much loved car by all, and resides now in the history of all time Greats, a true collectors item!

The news comes as Ford looks to be the strongest of the beleaguered US car makers, who have suffered a torrid 2008. As a company, Ford still made a $10billion loss during 2008, but unlike rivals General Motors, Ford did not rely on US government assistance. Instead, the company delivered a blueprint for future growth to the US government, including plans to commit to electric and hybrid technology by 2012, to which they were provided a bridging loan by the US government, which Ford aim not to use.

It is hoped that Ford’s turnaround in Europe will be the spur for the company’s recovery, having made losses for several years and with some within the industry fearing the company would at one stage collapse.

Ford’s growth in Europe may be in some aspects down to it disbanding the ‘Premier Automotive Group’ with prestigious, but loss making brands such as Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover being sold.

Ford Europe have launched successful new models during 2008, with new versions of the Ka and Fiesta proving popular, whilst the updated Ford Mondeo is one of the class leaders in the family car market.

The Sierra was launched following positive reviews of the Ford Probe III concept car, featuring a futuristic bold, streamlined design. The Sierra was closely modelled on the Probe, and had the daunting task of replacing the Cortina, which had been produced for nearly 20 years and was a firm favourite of the British public.

Reaction to the Sierra was poor, most found the radical new design very difficult to accept. Other design flaws included a tendency for the car to drift in crosswinds, and the car’s ‘blob’ like appearance led to exaggerated claims in the press that the car could hide major crash damage. However, as other manufacturers copied Ford’s aerodynamic design, the Sierra began to look more ‘normal’ and sales began to rise. So futuristic was Ford’s 1982 design that the car remained relatively unchanged until its end in 1993, bar a mid-life facelift in 1987 that also saw saloon and estate models of the car launched.

Some of the most desirable Sierras to be produced were the high-performance Cosworth models. Sierra Cosworths were successful both on the race and rally circuits, with the 3-door Sierra Cosworth instantly recognisable by its large ‘whale tail’ spoiler. A saloon version, the Sapphire Cosworth, later followed. Whilst many examples were abused, pristine examples of these cars are very desirable and fetch high prices when sold.

Whilst the Sierra did not look dated by the early-90s, in 1993 Ford opted to replace it by a radically different, all-new car, the Mondeo. With the Sierra being an everyday family car, most models were not cherished in later life, with more and more cars on the scrapheap. However, the Sierra is becoming a rare sight on the roads, with prices likely to pick up, even for mundane versions of the car, in years to come.