• The all-new Ford Explorer is bringing its reinvented style to this year’s SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show, which will be held Nov. 2-5 in Las Vegas
• The all-new, capable, fuel-efficient Ford Explorer provides a perfect base for customizers to create ultimate versions of the modern SUV, including an ultra-luxury Bond Explorer with iPad, an Explorer for outdoor adventurers, and the Funkmaster Flex urban SUV
• Customized versions of Ford Taurus SHO, Edge and Fusion Sport also will be showcased, along with the all-new 2011 Lincoln MKX

Dearborn, Mich., Oct. 14, 2010 – The all-new Ford Explorer has been turning heads with its eye-catching, modern design, and things will be no different when it hits the floor of the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show this year, which will be held Nov. 2-5 in Las Vegas.

“It’s so new and reinvented, and the styling is standout from the inside out,” said Craig Patterson, Ford Explorer marketing manager. “Explorer is the perfect choice for people to accessorize. Those who want to customize it are starting from a great base that is extremely well received, and that’s where the attraction lies.”

For the 2010 SEMA show, Explorer will take to the Ford stand along with customized versions of Ford Taurus SHO, Edge and Fusion Sport, as well as the all-new Lincoln MKX. The Explorers on the show floor will open up customers’ minds as to the possibilities that can be created with the all-new SUV.

“We designed three different images for the Explorers at SEMA,” said Melvin Betancourt, Ford specialty design manager. “The new Explorer resonates as a modern SUV, so the modifications play off all the great technology and features that the vehicle is equipped with.”

An Explorer customized by Funkmaster Flex and Team Baurtwell shows off the urban appeal of the new SUV, and comes standard with street cred inside and out. The look is highlighted by three-piece forged billet wheels, which are complemented by 24-inch Cooper tires. Baer brakes provide the stopping power.

The design that sets this Explorer apart starts with the exterior, with custom touches from Team Baurtwell and Funkmaster Flex including custom logos. The interior offers Katzkin two-tone leather seats with custom interior accents and Funkmaster Flex logos. A Sony Xplod audio system ensures customers have the ultimate listening experience.

Another Explorer concept, designed by Galpin Auto Sports, takes a vehicle with luxury appointments and makes it into an ultra-luxurious ride that even James Bond would enjoy. Using the character as their inspiration, the Galpin team used 24-inch wheels, custom silver paint on the exterior and modified exterior light treatments to convey that image.

The custom interior shows off its luxury side with a leather-trimmed headliner that has suede running down the center, a look that’s replicated on the seat inserts. An iPad pops up from the second-row console, and is viewable in either landscape or portrait mode.

“This is a luxury, high-end vehicle that serves multiple purposes,” said Tedros Mengiste of Galpin Auto Sports. “The Galpin Auto Sports Explorer is at home going off-road or transporting you to exclusive events. It meets your discerning expectations, and does it with style and substance.”

CGS Performance Products’ take on Explorer shows off what a luxury vehicle for an active customer looks like. The look runs throughout the monochromatic silver Explorer, and is completed by two carbon fiber mountain bikes on the roof rack.

“This SUV is all about outdoor adventure and doing it in comfort,” said Casey Scranton, president, CGS Performance Products. “This customer can use the vehicle every day and will have no problem taking it camping or kayaking on the weekends.”

The luxury details are evident in the built-in video screens in the headrests, 22-inch silver wheels and the complete custom leather interior that’s designed to resemble the links on a watch band. A CGS cat-back exhaust provides more power, a throatier sound, and even improved fuel economy.

Other project vehicles showcased at this year’s SEMA show include:

2011 Lincoln MKX by ID Agency
Fashion meets function with this unique Lincoln MKX by ID Agency, where brands such as Falken Tire, HRE Wheels, Brembo and Alpine electronics come together. Designed with the modern man in mind, the Urban Assault Vehicle is built to fit his active lifestyle.

2011 Ford Taurus SHO by Rick Bottom Designs
The Taurus SHOx by Rick Bottom Designs gives striking looks a new meaning with a blue paint scheme with contrasting graphics, ground effects kit and custom hood, grille and spoiler. The interior offers a custom rear console with interchangeable inserts and a 10.4-inch flip-down monitor, along with an audio system with 16,000 watts of power.

2011 Ford Taurus SHO by H&R Springs
Tuned by H&R Springs, this Taurus SHO offers a Borla cat-back exhaust and K&N air filter to liven up engine performance. H&R Sport Springs have been installed, and three-piece 22-inch wheels painted in a white gold color complement the white platinum SHO. The exterior is set apart with color-matched lower body panels, custom European hood vents and subtle gray mist graphics.

2011 Ford Edge by K-Daddyz Kustomz
With a touch of urban luxury, this K-Daddyz Kustomz Edge boasts 22-inch wheels with radically lowered suspension. This Edge is ready to cruise the coast, with a custom paint scheme featuring airbrushing and pin striping, along with a custom surfboard rack and panoramic sunroof. The leather and suede interior comes with Dual Head restraint DVD by INVISION™, and puts the finishing details on the crossover.

2011 Ford Fusion Sport by Steeda Autosports
With increased power and more aggressive handling, this Fusion Sport by Steeda Autosports offers what performance enthusiasts are looking for. The car comes with specially tuned front and rear lowering sport springs, performance-tuned dampers and antiroll bars for increased roll stiffness. The look is rounded out with Steeda’s clearcoat bar code graphics package with orange accents.

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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 159,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.