Pininfarina Reveals Production Version Of Ford Streetka Convertible
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Frankfurt September 15, 2003; Pininfarina presents the Ford Streetka roadster at the 2003 Frankfurt International Motor Show in a standard version of the prototype that had made its debut at the Turin Show in 2000. Then after the Geneva Motor Show in 2001 Ford of Europe confirmed that public reaction to its concept car had been so enthusiastic that it would go into production.
This decision also marked the beginning of a new form of cooperation between Ford of Europe and Pininfarina. In fact, Pininfarina worked in close contact with Ford's Product Development engineers and took full responsibility for the product's engineering and bodywork process. This entailed using complex CAD, CAE and CAM tools, building prototypes, wind tunnel testing and providing support to obtain homologation for the car. In its turn Ford was responsible for the chassis, engine and development work as regards the car's performance and road handling. All of this was achieved in an extremely short time, about 24 months. As far as production is concerned, Pininfarina has full responsibility, as it currently has in its agreements with Alfa Romeo, Mitsubishi and Peugeot.
While remaining as faithful as possible to the original concept car, Pininfarina's commitment was to prepare for production of the new compact, two-seater roadster for the beginning of 2003, timing that coincides with the centenary of the Ford Motor Company and Ford Italy's 80th anniversary. The car's world debut was at the 2002 Paris International Motor Show where both critics and general public, above all younger visitors, acclaimed it as a great success. This Streetka version is targeted at major European markets, mainly Germany, the UK, Italy, France and Spain, although annual production volumes will be strictly limited. Cars are all equipped with 1.6, 95 bhp engines, with either left or right-hand drive, and will feature many attractive options, such as leather trim and a hardtop.
The Streetka is emblematic of the trend towards producing more and more niche models based on common platforms, with a very tight time-to-market. A "special" that complements and broadens the Ford range and, even though the design and standard production process is quite complex, is increasingly similar to a fashion item, inasmuch as it was created rapidly and will be produced in a limited run for a short period of time, with sophisticated, trend-setting styling and technological content that stirs up emotions and desires.
Ford's decision to assign the car's design and production to Pininfarina confirms a trend pursued by many manufacturers, who have chosen to qualify and diversify their range by exploiting the added value represented by niche cars produced in outsourcing agreements. But such a strategy requires qualified partners with specific know-how and experience: in this case, Pininfarina, that in 2002 reached an important milestone - the production of its one millionth car.