Ford calls the V10 engine that hides under the hood of the Super Chief Concept a representation of the “triplex system” of hydrogen, E85 (a mixture of gas and ethanol), and gasoline. It’s also known as Present (ethanol), Past (gasoline) and Future (hydrogen). Or – depending on what you like -- fact (gasoline), fiction (ethanol), and pure fantasy (hydrogen).

Pardon the cynicism. It’s a nice thought, and as a concept the Super Chief does indeed represent the best options to-date for new energy sources. According to Ford, if they did mass produce an engine such as the supercharged, 6.8-liter V10 in the Super Chief, if would generate 280 horsepower running on hydrogen, and 310 horsepower with gasoline or E85, all at 4,250 rpm. In case you’re interested, that’s about 10 more horsepower than the 5.4-liter V8 currently offered in the Ford F-250.