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Ford stuns with muscle bakkie

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Ford Asia Pacific chief designer Paul Gibson said the concept, dubbed 4-Trac, is a dynamic package that brings together Ford's "tough truck" DNA with ideas that explore practical functionality, lifestyle and sporty uses for Ford trucks of the future.

He said Ford chose Thailand for the debut for several reasons: Thailand is the largest market for pick-ups outside the USA; its ultra-competitive pick-up market has become a trend-setter in truck design and innovation; and Thailand is the regional production hub for Ford's one-tonne pickup trucks with exports to Europe, South America, Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and ASEAN.

The 4-Trac has a large vertical face and prominent Ford oval in the middle of the signature three-bar grille.

This dominant feature forms a power bulge that runs from the hood through to the undercarriage. It is flanked by high-tech headlamps and integrated fold-out rope hooks.

Contributing to its powerful on-road stance are a boldly embossed 4-Trac brand; large, clean surfaces down the body side; pronounced wheel arches with integrated side repeater lamps; and 17-inch six-spoke "turbine" alloy wheels with all-terrain tires.

At the rear, 4-Trac features a unique double-folding, power assisted rear tray with three-step access.

This "tailgate within a tailgate" offers inner and outer sections operating together or independently: the outer body-color section folds down to the ground, acting as a ramp; the inner aluminum section, with unashamedly large 4-Trac branding, folds 90 degrees for ease of loading and unloading. It can also act as a seat.

The tailgate can be folded flat to carry longer objects; it also assists airflow when traveling at high speed.

The rear cargo area features six portable containers ? inspired by offshore rescue boats ? for carrying a variety of gear, including rescue equipment.

Another innovative feature adding to 4-Trac versatility is a rear hatch that enables access from the cargo area directly into the cabin.

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