What is it?
Ford president J Mays says of the Vertrek that it "unites stylish design, world-class craftsmanship and outstanding capability to present a fresh vision we believe will resonate globally." Thus, you're looking at Ford's next global car, a crossover SUV. Look familiar?
Why's it here?
Take away the motor show specification wing mirrors, massive wheels and carbon fibre rear diffuser, and this is the new Ford Kuga. In the US the Vertrek previews the replacement for the Escape SUV, which is all boxy and Yank Tank-like, so this is quite a radical departure; for us in Europe, used to the excesses of Kinetic Design, it's no real surprise.
It's built on the new Focus platform, is slightly bigger than the current Kuga and power is from a 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. Of course, there'll be a 2.0-litre diesel for Europe, but in America diesel is about as popular as nationalising stuff.
Show stopper or floor filler?
Ford is claiming "European kinetic design and driving quality" for the car, once more promoting the motoring dreamscape we enjoy over here to a US audience traditionally equating 'big' with 'good', and asking it to come along for the ride. For us it's not a huge departure, though it does bode well for a sportier Kuga come 2012.