The Debut of Ford’s U553, aka Expedition
On February 7th, Ford announced the fourth generation 2018 Ford Expedition in Frisco, TX at the Ford Center, home of the Dallas Cowboy’s training camp. Choosing to unveil an all-new vehicle days before the Chicago Auto show means Ford got our attention before the competition; you know, like being first at the buffet. That day was all about the blue oval as we gathered at the Ford Center to see Ford’s secret vehicle “U553” in the sheet metal.
The 2018 Ford Expedition is part of a royal flush of five new Ford vehicles that will be in showrooms by 2020. The 2018 Ford Expedition is a full-size 8-passenger SUV that focuses on members of Generation X. People with large families with older children that need to haul everything from camping gear to football equipment and everything in between. A full-size hauler that can idle at the grocery store, glide across the country on vacation, and be able to get dirty…with a trailer, if required. In order to achieve this Ford spent three years developing the new features on the Expedition.
A Tech Savvy SUV
These features include wireless charging in the center console that allows you to simply place your smartphone onto the charging pad and wait for a full battery. The Expedition’s Wifi will allow you to connect up to 10 different devices at once and have an extended range of 50 feet, which is great for uploading selfies at a tailgate party or a campground. Although wireless charging is only available upfront the Expedition also has four 12 volt outlets to make sure everyone on board stays connected.
Once everyone is set with their electronic entertainment your passengers will have a choice of what to be distracted by first. The HD display headsets that can allow you to connect to your TV service provider via WiFi so they can watch their favorite shows. The panoramic sunroof that makes it feel like you can touch the Texas sky. Or, enjoy the ride in dreamland as both 2nd and 3rd-row seats recline into perfect nap positions.
Brains and Brawn
Ford expects the Expedition to deliver best-in-class towing and will come equipped with Ford’s Pro Trailer Back Up Assist, which debuted on the new Ford Super Duty in late 2016. The Expedition will have an independent rear suspension to improve stability and handling. A 3.5 liter EcoBoost engine is what will be powering the Expedition, controlled through Ford’s new 10-speed automatic transmission. The structure is a body-on-frame construction; the body is made of high-strength aluminum to save weight while staying Ford tough. Selective 4-wheel drive with electronic limited slip and locking differential will be available as well.
Beast of Burden
Cargo was a word often repeated during Ford’s presentation and that’s because they built the 2018 Ford Expedition with space in mind. Seats fold down with the push of a button allowing for panel van levels of space for whatever life needs you to carry. Included are a flat level trunk area for easy loading, and storage space underneath. New for 2018 is a built-in shelf that can hold up to 50 pounds; it can be used as easy-to-reach storage or organization, making the trunk feel like a closet. A tailgate blocker was also added to prevent stuff from rolling or falling off when you lift open the tailgate – a “why haven’t we thought of this sooner?” idea. Altogether, the Ford Expedition has the room to accommodate multiple schedules – or priorities – at once.
Rolling into Showrooms Fall 2017
The 2018 Ford Expedition plans on arriving at dealerships in the fall of this year as a 2018. Three trim levels were announced, but no comment on pricing. We expect to see a new Lincoln Navigator to be announced for production soon that will be based off Expedition’s platform. Excited to see how that turns out, and to get behind the wheel of the 2018 Ford Expedition this year. With a name like that you know the fun will be in both the journey and the destination.
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Jesus Behind the Wheel 