Some of our favorite Ford truck and SUV concepts coming to SEMA
Ford's booth at SEMA is going to be a packed one this year. The company already revealed four custom Focus hatches and six modded Mustangs that will be on display. Now the company has announced another 11 trucks and SUVs that will sit alongside the cars. Among them are Expeditions, F-150s, F-250s, and a lone EcoSport. The F-150 is by far the most popular platform, with six custom shops modding the truck for the show. You can see all eleven of them above, and you can check out our favorites of each model down below, listed from smallest to largest.
2018 Ford EcoSport by Vaccar
What is it?
Ford's new-to-the-U.S. EcoSport gets the custom treatment from Vaccar. The modifications are fairly limited. Under the hood is a standard 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder that's livened up with a cold-air intake and axle-back exhaust. It should also be more responsive with the recalibrated throttle-by-wire gas pedal. The little crossover also is better suited to dirt roads with large fender flares and bigger all-terrain tires. Ford roof rail bars and some aftermarket amber LED light bars complete the exterior. Occupants of the EcoSport will be treated to better sound courtesy of the upgraded sound system and 10-inch subwoofer.
Why we like it.
Well it's the only EcoSport here, so besides being our favorite by default, we also like that at least one company is taking a stab at making the little trucklet interesting. It probably doesn't go much faster with the limited performance upgrades and bigger heavier tires, but it does look better than a stock model, and should sound better, too. Maybe in the future we'll see more ambitious custom EcoSports. It is based on the outgoing Fiesta, so it would be really cool to see someone fit the Fiesta ST powertrain in one. Maybe add back the hatch-mounted spare available overseas. Or if Ford would like to do one (or both) of those things, we wouldn't object.
2018 Ford Expedition by LGE-CTS Motorsports
What is it?
This Expedition is another off-road oriented vehicle. It features a lifted suspension with coilovers and big fender flares to fit 35-inch mud-terrain tires. Those big tires are stopped by larger brakes, and the EcoBoost V6 engine benefits from a cat-back exhaust. Custom off-road bumpers and roof rack from LGE CTS Motorsports are also attached to the truck. It's ready for camping trips, too, with a roof-top tent above, and a refrigerator and safe inside.
Why we like it.
It's an Expedition that's actually ready for some expeditions. It now has a place to sleep and a place to keep food. With all the storage space, this would be perfect for the outdoorsman with room for toys or more supplies. It's also a nice example of how you don't need to go crazy to have a solid off-roader. Add some suspension lift and some bigger tires and you're good to go. We also appreciate the addition of upgraded brakes, something that isn't a bad idea when dealing with heavy vehicles and bigger, heavier wheels and tires.
2017 Ford F-150 RTR Muscle Truck by RTR Vehicles
What is it?
RTR Vehicles took a V8 F-150 and prepped it for high-speed off-road duty. The engine simply has a custom exhaust, but the suspension is upgraded with long-travel shocks all around, and extended control arms up front. It's also supported by heavy duty springs for additional load capacity. Visually, it features RTR's custom tailgate, fender flares, and grille. The grille has the same style of accent lights as the version available for the 2015-and-up Ford Mustang. Under the flares are off-road tires, and a skid plate protects the under side of the truck.
Why we like it.
We don't have anything against the EcoBoost V6 in the current Ford F-150 Raptor. But as good as it is, it still doesn't make those sweet burbly noises the old V8 did. As such, we're happy to see RTR build what is basically a new generation V8 Raptor. It's also cool to see a company turn a regular F-150 into a real Raptor competitor.
2017 Ford F-250 Project SD126 by BDS
What is it?
This F-250 is both the smallest and biggest F-250 you may see running around. It's among the smallest because BDS took a stock regular cab F-250, and shortened it to accommodate a short bed (not available on Super Duty Fords) and thus be more capable off road with a greater breakover angle and less truck to have to maneuver. The shorter length also supplied the truck with its name, as it now has a 126-inch wheelbase. It's also one of the biggest Super Duty trucks because it's been lifted to fit gargantuan 42-inch off-road tires. Supporting the body, which has wide fiberglass fenders to fit over the tires, are Fox coilovers that have 14 inches of travel. Additional upgrades include F-450 axles, a cold-air intake, upgraded exhaust, engine tune, winch, and 40-inch LED light bar.
Why we like it
Come on, this thing is basically a Tonka truck brought to life. It's huge. It's orange. It has a big powerful diesel. It's even tastefully done, for a giant orange truck. It doesn't have gaudy graphics, overwrought wheels, or too many lights. Plus it has some legitimate off-road parts under it. It hits every note just right.
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Some of our favorite Ford truck and SUV concepts coming to SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Oct 2017 17:30:00 EDT.
