Ford spills SEMA all over its Expeditions

Sat, 01 Nov 2014

If you're going to this year's SEMA Show in Las Vegas, it's going to be tough to miss the Ford booth, simply for its size. The Blue Oval is bringing over a dozen customized examples of the 2015 Mustang and a quintet of modded Transits. The latest announced addition is a trio of upgraded 2015 Expeditions showing different takes on the recently refreshed SUV.

Any vehicle tuned by Dub Magazine needs to ride on massive wheels, and the Expedition (pictured above) that it has for SEMA is no exception. The SUV has 26-inch Dropstars wheels wrapped in Pirelli tires, and, making them look even larger, the suspension is also lowered. The rest of the custom has some mild upgrades like mesh grilles in front, tinted windows, an integrated radar detector and new upholstery inside.

Tijn wants to boost the performance of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 for its take on the Expedition. The company claims to add 40 horsepower to bring total output to a claimed 405 by upgrading the engine with a charge cooler from Vortech Engineering, a custom side exhaust and a custom tune. To match the extra grunt, the SUV also gets bigger brakes, an Air Lift suspension and 24-inch, copper-colored wheels with custom fender flares.

Finally, Vaccar is prepping an Expedition for winter driving with the goal of turning the interior into a "rolling lodge," according to lead designer Aaron Vaccar. Inside, the upholstery is redone in silver Ultra-Suede. In preparation for when the snow starts falling, the SUV also gets a brush bar up front, swiveling hooks and roof rack basket from Yakima. Scroll down to read all of the details about this trio, and check out the gallery to check out the other customs.

Ford Unleashes Three New EcoBoost Expeditions at SEMA, Taking the Full-Size Utility to Awesome and Beyond
Oct 30, 2014 | DEARBORN, Mich.

• New 2015 Ford Expedition reaches the next level of comfort and capability with three customized versions set to be on display at the annual SEMA show in Las Vegas

• From a 405-horsepower beast to a sophisticated ride with custom amenities and a winter warrior, the industry's hottest builders took their inspiration from a variety of subjects to transform Ford Expedition into a standout at SEMA

• EcoBoost®-powered Ford Expedition is a full-size utility vehicle for consumers seeking capability, the latest in advanced technologies, and class-leading cargo space from the extended-length version

From a high-horsepower application to sophisticated style and aggressive snow warrior, three Ford Expeditions – new for 2015 – have been given makeovers just in time for the 2014 Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas.

A trio of top industry builders – Tjin Edition, DUB Magazine and Vaccar – took charge with the 2015 Ford Expedition to create versions of the full-size utility vehicle like no other. Look for the custom Expeditions to be on display Nov. 4-7 at Las Vegas Convention Center.

"The builders really outdid themselves with these one-of-a-kind versions of Ford's full-size utility," said Mike Nicopolis, of Ford's SEMA aftermarket support group. "The 2015 Ford Expedition offers great space, performance and capability in an impressive package that is the perfect platform for creativity and customization."

2015 Ford Expedition by Tjin Edition

The Tjin Edition Ford Expedition stays true to the sophistication of its premium roots, but with added individuality via custom metal fender flares, a custom dark gray paint job and a whole new liftgate.

"The Tjin Edition Ford Expedition is intended to showcase a Ford vehicle featuring capability for towing, one that can serve as a daily driver and is a standout as a promotional show car," said Tjin Edition's Neil Tjin.

This custom Expedition starts with the 365-horsepower 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 and six-speed automatic transmission. Then, via a charge cooler kit from Vortech Engineering, custom tuneup, custom side exhaust from MagnaFlow, and high-performance oils and lubricants from Royal Purple, the Tjin Edition Expedition roars with another 40 ponies underhood for a total of 405 horsepower.

The chassis was customized by Unique Fabrication and features Air Lift struts and an Accuair air management system, as well as a big brake system from Baer Brakes, 24-inch custom Rotiform wheels and Falken tires.

The exterior features custom metal fenders, an Axalta Coating Systems custom paint job executed by L&R Autobody, twin Webasto sunroofs, and custom headlights and taillights from LightWurkz.

2015 Ford Expedition by DUB Magazine

The 2015 Ford Expedition by DUB Magazine has amenities that bring an added level of style and sophistication.

The exterior has custom mesh accents, front grille and lighting with 26-inch DS644 concave wheels from Dropstars Wheels, and Pirelli tires. Custom DUB Edition badging, tinted windows and an integrated radar detection system are featured as well.

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 was given an exhaust system from Borla Performance, and the team installed a suspension kit from McGaughy's Suspension Lift Kits to lower the vehicle, as well as high-performance brakes.

There is an upgraded multimedia and sound system, upgraded seats and upholstery, and custom adjustable LED lighting that can be controlled by remote installed inside on the front row. The center console extends throughout the vehicle, with places for headphones and tablets. Motorized hidden boxes can hold valuables like watches.

The rear seating area has multiple monitors that can be viewed from different locations and from angles both in and outside of the vehicle. There is a video gaming system and wireless headphones, along with internet accessibility.

"Expedition already has a great look and design," said Myles Kovacs, president and cofounder of DUB Media. "We wanted to take that foundation and create something that takes upscale travel to another level, taking cues from airline travel."

2015 Ford Expedition XLT by Vaccar

The 2015 Ford Expedition XLT by Vaccar is meant for winter driving in style, showcasing the vehicle's capability on the exterior and comfort on the inside.

"I was excited to do something that showcases the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, and express aggressiveness on the outside while adding to the great comfort that is on the inside," said Aaron Vaccar, creator and lead designer for Vaccar. "I wanted to create a rolling lodge."

The exterior is finished in custom Vaccar two-tone matte mountain gray, with paint and accents from BASF, Vaccar Grill Guardian brush guard bull bar, swivel hooks by Monster Hooks, spring steps and a hitch stop from Go Rhino!, and MegaWarrior cargo basket from Yakima Products.

The team also gave the Expedition 20-inch M15 wheels from Mamba Off-Road Wheels and General Tire Grabber AT2 tires.

Occupants enjoy added comfort with Vaccar Lux Ultra-Suede silver upholstery on the seats.

Road-ready

The 2015 Ford Expedition, in showrooms now, is the full-size utility for consumers who want capability, class-leading maximum cargo space in the extended-length version, and the latest advanced technologies.

With a refreshed look and its 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, the new Expedition has more technology than previous-generation vehicles. It is the latest Ford nameplate to offer a high-end Platinum series.

The 2015 Ford Expedition is available with SYNC® with MyFord Touch® and driver-assist features like radar-based Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert. The updated center stack can accommodate the available 8-inch touch screen for SYNC with MyFord Touch, which features driver information in the gauge cluster shown on two full-color 4.2-inch screens.

Other available new technologies on the 2015 Expedition include a Sony® Audio System; passive entry with push-button start; rearview camera; front and rear parking sensors; seven-color, ambient interior LED lighting; and Ford truck apps to help make trailer towing and off-road driving easier.

By Chris Bruce