Recently, a vehicle has sparked much discussion in automotive communities and social media—the modern reinterpretation of the Ford Probe, which briefly made waves in the U.S. market during the 1980s and 90s. Designed by Alexis Poncelet, an automotive designer at GAC Milano, this concept has garnered attention for its daring attempt to blend the retro essence of the original model with a fresh, contemporary design language.
However, the result is far more radical than most people anticipated. The design pushes the boundaries of futurism, with a fully transparent roof, enormous side doors, and a spaceship-like silhouette. The big question is: Can this car be driven, or is it more of a high-tech art piece with no practical use? Opinions are sharply divided, and this concept is expected to remain a prime example of automotive design experimentation in the digital age.
Spacecraft-Like Exterior, Practicality in Question
Poncelet’s concept takes the key design elements of the original Ford Probe and exaggerates them. The classic pop-up headlights have been reimagined into a visor shape, while a sleek glass roof replaces the blackout B and C pillars. The overall silhouette features a long-tail design optimized for aerodynamic performance. The side windows are nearly nonexistent, replaced by a massive transparent roof, and the side doors stretch across nearly the entire vehicle length — a feature rarely seen in conventional car designs. The interior likely mirrors a lounge-style layout, signaling a departure from traditional automotive structures.
While the design itself is undeniably futuristic, it raises questions about practicality. Limited visibility, a complex door-opening mechanism, and uncertain ease of entry and exit make it hard to picture this concept on actual roads. As such, viewing this design as an exaggerated visualization of an idea rather than a feasible vehicle for everyday use seems more fitting.
Once a Rival to the Mustang: The Rebirth of the Probe
The 1989 Ford Probe was a front-wheel-drive sports coupe that Ford developed in collaboration with Mazda. Produced at Ford’s Flat Rock plant in Michigan, it shared the G platform with the Mazda 626 series. Borrowing elements from Mazda’s RX-7, it was designed to succeed the Ford EXP in the sports car market.
At one point, the Probe was considered a potential replacement for the Mustang, making it a significant project within Ford. However, the absence of a V8 engine and resistance to integrating Japanese technology ultimately led to the Probe standing apart from the Mustang line. In Europe, the Probe also served as a successor to the Ford Capri, functioning as part of Ford’s global strategy for a coupe.
Given its storied history, this new concept isn’t just a nostalgic tribute — it’s a futuristic reimagining of a sports car that once defined an era. While it’s not an official project, this Ford Probe concept significantly expands car design beyond mere transportation, positioning it as mobile art in the digital age.
