Ford Granada Altair

Vehicle Overview

The Ford Granada Altair prototype, developed by Carrozzeria Ghia in Turin, Italy, was an ambitious vision of the future of family cars, unveiled at the 1980 Geneva Motor Show. Built on the standard Ford Granada chassis, the Altair was modified for enhanced proportions, with an extension of two inches in length, three inches in height, and four inches in width, giving it a more spacious and dynamic appearance. This concept car was designed to be a stylish, aerodynamic, and advanced family vehicle capable of seating five passengers comfortably. One of the key features of the Granada Altair was its sharp, futuristic front end, which, along with its smooth lines, contributed to an impressive low drag coefficient of just 0.35. This level of aerodynamic efficiency was a significant consideration for the Altair, particularly in terms of reducing fuel consumption and improving performance. The car’s bold, modern design was further enhanced by its unique lighting setup: four main headlights and two auxiliary lights, all placed behind a transparent bronze-tinted plastic shield, adding to its sleek, cutting-edge appearance. Another distinctive design element was the continuous bronze-tinted plexiglass line running along the length of the vehicle, which not only improved visibility but also provided a recess for the door handles and air extraction vents for the air conditioning system, creating a clean and uncluttered profile. Additionally, the car featured impact-absorbent bumpers at both the front and rear, a feature that contributed to enhanced safety. The Ford Granada Altair also showcased advanced technological features for its time. Its side mirrors and single windshield wiper were electrically controlled, offering added convenience and functionality. The car was powered by the Ford Granada’s 2.8-liter fuel-injected V6 engine, providing sufficient performance for its size and family-oriented design. Furthermore, the Altair was equipped with independent front and rear suspension, low-profile tires for improved handling, and a stereo sound system, emphasizing its blend of comfort and modernity. Although the Ford Granada Altair never made it to production, its design elements and technological innovations influenced the direction of future family cars. It remains an iconic concept car that showcased Ford’s vision of blending style, aerodynamics, and practicality in a family vehicle.