Ford's Ethanol-Powered Interceptor

Vehicles that are capable of running on E85 - a mix of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline - make a lot of sense. These vehicles give buyers the option of relying less on foreign oil imports and more on domestic farmers, while also reducing overall carbon dioxide emissions. Plus, ethanol is renewable, which means we won't run out. However, in order to do the most good, automakers tend to make flexible fuel vehicles out of their most mainstream models: Sedans, pickup trucks, and SUVs. Which is fine, except that these vehicles don't do much to stir the soul of the automotive enthusiast.

The Ford Interceptor looks to change that. Sure, as a four-door sedan, the Interceptor concept isn't entirely irrational. Its blunt front end and the single character line that runs the length of the body even pay homage to last year's Ford Super Chief pickup concept - bold, if not exotic. But this concept is more compelling than any mainstream sedan or pickup. The low cabin and high beltline add a sinister attitude - and not a small sense of mystery. The short front overhang and long rear overhang of the Mustang-based rear-wheel-drive platform suggest power is at play. The hint is backed up with a 400 horsepower, 5.0-liter Cammer engine straight out of the Mustang FR500C race car that won the 2005 Grand-Am Cup Championship in its first outing, except here it runs on E85 fuel. A six-speed manual transmission routes that clean-burning power to a solid axle at the rear.

Ford will debut this concept car at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Strictly a concept for now, the Interceptor could inspire the look of future Ford sedans. Certainly, we'll be seeing more emphasis on the rounded-off squares - Ford is calling them "squircles" - that permeate the Interceptor's design inside and out. Plus, we like what the Interceptor stands for: Neither practicality nor flexible fuel capability need be confined to the mundane.