Ford's "Atlas" pickup concept, featuring active aero wheels

[shovel]

Nothing's ever been so simple that someone couldn't complicate it... Ford Atlas Concept Photo Gallery - Autoblog

Note that in one of the pictures, the vehicle information display reads "activating aero features"

To me, the wheels look like an unnecessarily complex way to address wheel aero vs. brake cooling. I trust that the engineers at Ford are not idiots, not by a long shot - and it's neat to see them experimenting with new ideas, even when they seem stupid. That's how progress occurs. I don't see active magic wheels in the future for real cars though.. I suspect a more elegant/simple approach will become apparent.

[MTXA]

As a professional mechanic, I've spent way to much time cleaning up messes that the engineers foist upon us. All I can see with this system is stuck parts from brake dust, gravel roads, mud, winter road salt, etc.. Of course it is potential for me to keep earning a paycheck.

Way too many times I've wanted to do cruel, unspeakable things to automotive engineers....

[botsapper]

Looks like any pro who uses a real hardworking and trudging 'worker' in the field, won't be bothered or own this truck.

[raylit20]

Consider this as a proof of concept and engineering prowess rather than foretelling of what's to come for vehicles. Remember, cars are made as cheaply as possible while still meeting governmental requirements. These active-aero wheels do not appear cost effective enough for Ford to include them on production vehicles.

[Miller88]

What an ugly truck.

[freebeard]

I trust that the engineers at Ford are not idiots

Bzzzt! Thanks for playing.

From Atlas Concept PDF: "Automatic shutters in the
wheels are hidden to improve style at rest and low
speeds, but automatically close at highway speeds
to help improve aerodynamics."

[rbrowning]

I agree that these are a major problem waiting to happen and they will never go into production. My thought was that the Atlas reveal was timed to steal the thunder from GM's new truck reveal. My guess was that they packed every gee-whiz feature that could be thought up into this truck just to steal the lime light.

[plasticuser]

I'm not so down on the wheel shutters. This signals something completely different to me:

Ford recognizes that wheel drag is an issue, and is looking at solutions.

[RiderofBikes]

looks like a lit up keyboard, and an uber LED gaming tower. Blue, is very distracting, and useless. While i address the wheels are a concept worth a thought, i think "spinner" rims have more going for them technologically. Otherwise, those Wide aggressive tires would negate any positive effects smoothies might provide.

[Diesel_Dave]

Brake cooling? Who needs brake cooling? Oh, that's right--non-hypermilers actually use their brakes.