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2018 Ford Expedition Drops 300 Pounds Thanks To Aluminum: Comments


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The current-generation Ford Expedition has been with since 2003 and despite the refreshes and engine changes that have in the past few years, it was time for a new model. Today, Ford unveiled the next-generation Expedition.

The big news is the Expedition's body switches from steel to aluminum, dropping curb weight by 300 pounds. In terms of design, the Expedition's lines have been smoothed out along with a new front end that is similar to the Explorer. There will be two versions of the Expedition - the standard wheelbase (adds four inches to overall length, three inches in wheelbase) and Expedition Max (renamed version of the EL).

The interior becomes a bit smarter thanks to a new dash that is borrowed from the F-150. The Expedition can seat up to eight and features a sliding second row that offers tip-and-slide functionality - allows you to enter the third row without removing a child's seat. On the tech front, the Expedition gets Sync 3, Sync connect with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility; wireless device charging in the center console, six USB ports, and the option of 4G LTE wireless internet access.

The Expedition is sticking with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 as its only engine. Ford isn't talking power figures, but we wouldn't be shocked if it matches the F-150's 375 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. A ten-speed automatic routes power to either the rear or all four wheels. 

The 2018 Ford Expedition will go on sale this fall in XLT, Limited, and Platinum. A base XL model will only be offered to fleets. Expect pricing and power figures sometime before then.

Source: Ford
Press Release is on Page 2


ALL-NEW FORD EXPEDITION REDEFINES FULL-SIZE SUVS WITH ADAPTABLE INTERIOR, SMART TECHNOLOGY FOR EVERY OCCUPANT

  • All-new Ford Expedition – the smartest, most capable and most adaptable Expedition ever – provides families generous space, connectivity and smart new technology for their next adventures
  • Flexible seating and storage solutions include second-row tip-and-slide seating that provides easy access to the third row even when child seats are installed; new, more powerful 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine and class-exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission are expected to deliver the best towing capability of any full-size SUV
  • Ford introduces the all-new Expedition today with an assist from the Dallas Cowboys in Texas – America’s best-selling full-size SUV market; Dallas firefighters join Ford to surprise a local first responder with an all-new Expedition

DALLAS, Feb. 7, 2017 – For today’s active families, Ford introduces the all-new Expedition – the smartest, most capable and most adaptable Expedition ever – with technology to keep every passenger connected, more power for drivers, and more expected towing capability than any other full-size SUV.

The all-new Expedition makes its debut today with an assist from the Dallas Cowboys in Texas – America’s best-selling full-size SUV market.

“When Expedition was introduced 20 years ago, it set the standard for active families who simply needed a big and strong SUV to take them places,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “Today’s families want even more smart technology to help them cover more ground safely, more efficiently and more comfortably – all while staying connected to friends and family.”

Smartest Expedition ever

The all-new Expedition offers more driver-assist technology than any other full-size SUV.

In addition, an all-new high-strength, aluminum-alloy body and redesigned high-strength steel frame form the foundation for Expedition’s rugged off-road and strong towing capabilities. Thanks to the use of advanced materials, the all-new Expedition saves up to 300 pounds, and the team reinvested that weight savings everywhere it counts to give customers more technology and convenience features than ever before.

More than 40 features and driver-assist technologies new to Expedition help make the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

These include class-exclusive enhanced active park assist to easily pull in and out of parking spots, as well as available 360-degree camera technology to help customers see more around their Expedition for easier parking.

On the road, Expedition’s lane-keeping aid is designed to reduce unintentional drifting of the vehicle outside its intended lane, while adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go allows drivers to set a cruising speed, using radar and camera technology to monitor traffic to maintain a set distance between vehicles.

Its collision avoidance detection system helps drivers avoid other vehicles or pedestrians, while available Blind Spot Information System helps monitor blind spots outside the driver’s immediate view.

In addition, Expedition offers available new connectivity technologies and convenience features, including:

  • Wireless charging; Expedition is Ford’s first vehicle to feature this system, which allows customers to place compatible mobile devices on an integrated charging pad conveniently located in the front center console
  • Wi-Fi hotspot supports as many as 10 devices at once, up to 50 feet away from the vehicle
  • Dual-headrest rear seat entertainment system provides a next-generation video experience that allows passengers to view their home cable programming on either of two video screens or hand-held devices
  • SYNC® 3, with both Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ capability, allows drivers to stay connected on the move
  • SYNC Connect lets owners connect with the vehicle remotely using FordPass® to start, lock, unlock and locate their vehicle from anywhere, while also allowing access to important vehicle diagnostic information
  • Power for passengers in every row, with four 12-volt power points, six USB chargers and a 110-volt power outlet that lets passengers stay charged and connected
  • 12-speaker B&O PLAY premium audio system perfected by acoustic engineers for a sound experience even audiophiles will appreciate
  • Advanced cargo manager with an adjustable shelf behind the third row lets owners create a storage space customized to whatever they’re hauling; even when parked on a hill, cargo won’t roll out the back of Expedition when the liftgate is opened
  • Panoramic Vista Roof spans two rows, a feature not offered by any competitor

Most capable Expedition ever

Powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine with standard Auto Start-Stop plus a class-exclusive new 10-speed automatic transmission, the all-new Expedition is the most powerful Expedition ever. A newly available electronic limited-slip differential on models with Intelligent 4WD enables improved off-road capability by sending power where it’s needed.

More than 50 percent of Expedition customers value towing, and 15 percent tow weekly or monthly. That’s why the all-new Expedition offers Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which makes backing up a trailer as easy as turning a knob.

Plus, an available hands-free liftgate makes loading cargo easy.

Most adaptable Expedition ever

The all-new Expedition has a roomy, flexible interior. With seating for up to eight people and their gear, this full-size SUV makes modern family adventures more comfortable during short and long trips alike.

The all-new Expedition is the first full-size utility to feature a sliding second-row seat with tip-and-slide functionality, providing easy access to the third row without the need to first remove a child safety seat. Once in the third row, even adults will appreciate more legroom and reclining seats.

Expedition’s second- and third-row seats can be quickly folded flat with the push of a button to open up a cargo area wide enough to handle 4x8-foot sheets of plywood and other gear, depending on cargo weight and load distribution, even with the liftgate closed.

Even the drive is more adaptable, with Expedition’s all-new Terrain Management System™ that lets customers choose between drive modes for optimal vehicle handling in different conditions. This includes normal for around-town driving, sport for more spirited trips, tow/haul for improved towing and hauling performance, eco for enhanced fuel economy, grass/gravel/snow for loose terrain, sand for low traction situations, and mud/rut for uneven surfaces.

Revealed today

The all-new Ford Expedition is being unveiled at Ford Center at The Star with Stephen Jones, Dallas Cowboys chief operating officer and executive vice president.

Last fall, Ford and the Dallas Cowboys surprised Dallas firefighters of Station 43 by refurbishing their station. Ford is now working with both the Cowboys and the fire station to surprise a local first responder with an all-new Expedition to continue his unstoppable level of service and enable new family adventures.

The all-new Expedition is available in XLT, Limited and Platinum series. In addition, an XL version is available for fleet customers, from law enforcement to emergency services. To help customers choose the right amount of interior room for their families, all series are available on the extended-length Expedition MAX.

The all-new Expedition is part of Ford’s plan to grow its SUV leadership with five new vehicles for North America in the next four years.

The all-new Expedition arrives this fall. It is built at Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky. 

 


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Surreal I was thinking the same thing. It looks like it could be the 4th iteration of the K2xx triplets, but the boring and older one. That  375 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque possibility is a signal to GM that its time to bump it up on the 5.3L or make the 6.2L an Option across the board, with the Escalade and Denali getting themselves some more power

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I think it looks good.  I am not a big SUV fan, but I like the looks of this more than a Tahoe or Armada or whatever else is out there.   The 10 speed and ecoboost is a nice combo, I am surprised the base model doesn't have a 2.7 ecoboost V6, but I guess they figured the model mix would be low.  I still remember when the original Expedition had a 4.6 liter V8 with 210 hp, they have come a long way in 20 years.  The interior looks pretty sharp too for a truck and the class they are in.  I think this will do pretty well with market share in the segment.

 

As far as the GM 5.3 and 6.2 V8s, GM needs to start looking at turbo engines.  Even the 6.2 V8 makes less torque than Ford's 3.5 V6.  Just like time caught up to the 3800 V6 in family sedans, time is catching up to the pushrod V8, it may have passed the 5.3 V8 by already.

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Certainly an improvement over the last, but i am less than impressed.  the stling is very derivative of the Current GM fullsize SUVs and even the Durango.  Also, while 300 pounds of weightloss sounds great it STILL leaves the Espedition a good 200+ pounds heavie than the GM SUVs, which would not be a big deal except that there was heavy use of expensive Aluminum just for weight-loss. 

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21 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

IRS vs Solid rear axle alone has to be a hundred pounds plus the features the Expedition has that the Tahoe/Suburban don't have.. @FordCosworth you posted info on this, didn't you? Where was that at?

Three features the GM twins don't have

 

10 speed auto

3.5L Ecoboost V6

aluminum. 

 

Thats all I could find (although there may be more that I'm missing) making it's extra weight even more of a mystery. 

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25 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

IRS vs Solid rear axle alone has to be a hundred pounds plus the features the Expedition has that the Tahoe/Suburban don't have.. @FordCosworth you posted info on this, didn't you? Where was that at?

He posted it in the Random thread:

We have this...

" Ford claims the 2018 Expedition has 40 new-to-the-model features and optional driver-assist technologies. Maneuvering is made easier with a 360-degree camera, parking sensors, and trailer backup assist. It also will offer lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision warning with automatic braking, and blind-spot monitoring. " 

C&D

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3 minutes ago, surreal1272 said:

Three features the GM twins don't have

 

10 speed auto

3.5L Ecoboost V6

aluminum. 

 

Thats all I could find (although there may be more that I'm missing) making it's extra weight even more of a mystery. 

I reviewed the C&D Story and did not find anything else. I looked on the Ford corporate web site and did not find anything else either. Solid competitor and as stated already IRS versus Solid axle and the 3 you mention is the only differences I can find.

So not sure if the full 200+ lbs is in the IRS and Motor as I am not sure that the tranny would have changed in weight much just because the gears changed.

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2 minutes ago, dfelt said:

I reviewed the C&D Story and did not find anything else. I looked on the Ford corporate web site and did not find anything else either. Solid competitor and as stated already IRS versus Solid axle and the 3 you mention is the only differences I can find.

So not sure if the full 200+ lbs is in the IRS and Motor as I am not sure that the tranny would have changed in weight much just because the gears changed.

It is dimensionally bigger than the outgoing model too so that could be a small factor there. 

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1 minute ago, surreal1272 said:

It is dimensionally bigger than the outgoing model too so that could be a small factor there. 

Yes, that could make a difference and their Vista Roof that Suburban does not have.

2018Expeditionsunroof.jpg

This is a big negative for me as the existing GM line has fold flat 3rd row into the floor and based on this picture the Ford does not.

2018Expedition.jpg

This will give interior room to the GM's for cargo plus if this picture off Fords web site about this auto is accurate, then you would have to remove the seats to get full cargo space.

Very Interesting, Love the Vista Sun Roof.

Interesting but the more and more I look at all the pictures on the web site:

http://www.ford.com/suvs/expedition/2018/

The more this reminds me of the 90's for the GM lineup of their full Size SUVs.

I like it in many ways, not in a few. But this is truly the best I have seen Ford do on the full size SUV.

My hat is off to them. :)

:thumbsup:

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I do not get this trend, Flat Stone looking seats, I see very little side to side support on any of the seats and the 3rd row looks like a slab of granite, hard uncomfortable and would not be a road trip auto for me.

2018Expedition3rdSeat.jpg

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20 minutes ago, surreal1272 said:

Three features the GM twins don't have

 

10 speed auto

3.5L Ecoboost V6

aluminum. 

 

Thats all I could find (although there may be more that I'm missing) making it's extra weight even more of a mystery. 

I'd assume they will have the 10spd within a year.. I can't see that being something that take multiple years to implement unless it's a contract thing with Ford and vise versa for the 9spd.

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8 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Yes, that could make a difference and their Vista Roof that Suburban does not have.

2018Expeditionsunroof.jpg

This is a big negative for me as the existing GM line has fold flat 3rd row into the floor and based on this picture the Ford does not.

2018Expedition.jpg

This will give interior room to the GM's for cargo plus if this picture off Fords web site about this auto is accurate, then you would have to remove the seats to get full cargo space.

Very Interesting, Love the Vista Sun Roof.

Interesting but the more and more I look at all the pictures on the web site:

http://www.ford.com/suvs/expedition/2018/

The more this reminds me of the 90's for the GM lineup of their full Size SUVs.

I like it in many ways, not in a few. But this is truly the best I have seen Ford do on the full size SUV.

My hat is off to them. :)

:thumbsup:

True on the sunroof but we don't know that their weight claim includes that. 

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16 minutes ago, dfelt said:

I reviewed the C&D Story and did not find anything else. I looked on the Ford corporate web site and did not find anything else either. Solid competitor and as stated already IRS versus Solid axle and the 3 you mention is the only differences I can find.

So not sure if the full 200+ lbs is in the IRS and Motor as I am not sure that the tranny would have changed in weight much just because the gears changed.

It could be anything from sound deadening, weight of components throughout the vehicle, to the body panels. Isn't there already some aluminum implemented in the GMs? I know their trucks already use some.

Some of that weight could be beneficial, some of it could be lack of technological advances.. It's so tough to really compare and say one vehicle is heavier and one is lighter and better when there are millions of variables that factor into the overall weight. One might make a stronger, heavier differential and transfer case while the other added additional sound deadening.

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16 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Yes, that could make a difference and their Vista Roof that Suburban does not have.

2018Expeditionsunroof.jpg

This is a big negative for me as the existing GM line has fold flat 3rd row into the floor and based on this picture the Ford does not.

2018Expedition.jpg

This will give interior room to the GM's for cargo plus if this picture off Fords web site about this auto is accurate, then you would have to remove the seats to get full cargo space.

Very Interesting, Love the Vista Sun Roof.

Interesting but the more and more I look at all the pictures on the web site:

http://www.ford.com/suvs/expedition/2018/

The more this reminds me of the 90's for the GM lineup of their full Size SUVs.

I like it in many ways, not in a few. But this is truly the best I have seen Ford do on the full size SUV.

My hat is off to them. :)

:thumbsup:

Seats not folding flat is pretty ridiculous to me.. and I tried to look up pictures of the current or older gen and it looks like they used to have the 3rd row fold flat but not the captain chairs, which would be okay with me. Hopefully, the 3rd row will fold flat in this next gen as well because not folding flat seems like a decent negative, personally.

When looking up if the current Expy folded flat I figured I'd look up the Suburban as well. They appear about the same as the Expy with the 3rd row folding flat and it can be removed as well(suburban - not sure about the Expy).

Maybe I'm wrong.. but here's a quote from Edmunds,

  • "Another downside to the third-row seat is that it has to be removed entirely in order to make full use of the cavernous cargo hold. You don't have to worry about this herculean task in the Expedition EL or Toyota Sequoia, which feature fold-flat third rows. Yet when all the Suburban's seats are removed, however, the resulting 137 cubic feet of maximum cargo space is greater than both those rivals." -- Edmunds (2013)
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9 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

It could be anything from sound deadening, weight of components throughout the vehicle, to the body panels. Isn't there already some aluminum implemented in the GMs? I know their trucks already use some.

Some of that weight could be beneficial, some of it could be lack of technological advances.. It's so tough to really compare and say one vehicle is heavier and one is lighter and better when there are millions of variables that factor into the overall weight. One might make a stronger, heavier differential and transfer case while the other added additional sound deadening.

A voice of reason!

 

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3 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

The only thing that looks like the GMs is the flat, boring, and un-styled sides which neither put effort into. Everything up front screams "Explorer".

I disagree. Everything from the angle of the pillars, to the door handles, to the body lines looks like the Chevy. Put a Chevy grille on it (hell, just the bow tie), and you wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

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28 minutes ago, Frisky Dingo said:

I disagree. Everything from the angle of the pillars, to the door handles, to the body lines looks like the Chevy. Put a Chevy grille on it (hell, just the bow tie), and you wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

Agreed. That was the first thing I noticed. Save for the wheel well (btw who cares what they're shaped like) that profile is Tahoe/Suburban all the way. Sorry but it is that obvious. It is still light years better looking than the current Expy though. 

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1 hour ago, Frisky Dingo said:

This thing looks like a shameless ripoff of the Tahoe/Suburban's styling. 

I don't like this thing having a TT V6, but the GM full-sizers feel like they're held together with rubber bands and paper clips, so this HAS to be better. 

My ruling is Ford by default.

Being an Owner of a GMC Suburban and Escalade ESV I am having to disagree with you. Rubber bands and paper clips or are you just being sarcastic? Cause since you say the Expedition is a ripoff then that would mean they are equal to the GM products.

Sometimes I just do not get Forum jokes or sarcasm.

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"Ford has given the Expedition a panorama roof above the first two rows and a flat load floor below, which can accommodate a 4-by-8-foot piece of plywood with the push of a button to fold both rows flat." - MT

@dfelt This sounds like it answers our questions. Odd that they would picture it like this then.

Edited by ccap41
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20 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Being an Owner of a GMC Suburban and Escalade ESV I am having to disagree with you. Rubber bands and paper clips or are you just being sarcastic? Cause since you say the Expedition is a ripoff then that would mean they are equal to the GM products.

Sometimes I just do not get Forum jokes or sarcasm.

I've driven a couple of current generation Tahoes and a previous generation Yukon, they seemed pretty solid and tight to me, and the Tahoes drove very nicely, even on winding Az mountain roads..very comfortable and civilized...

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3 hours ago, ccap41 said:

"Ford has given the Expedition a panorama roof above the first two rows and a flat load floor below, which can accommodate a 4-by-8-foot piece of plywood with the push of a button to fold both rows flat." - MT

@dfelt This sounds like it answers our questions. Odd that they would picture it like this then.

That is very odd as the picture shows it is much higher than the flat floor. Be interesting to see a wider angle picture of how the chairs sit. Yes you can put a 4x8 sheet on top of them folded down like the picture shows but would you want to?

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POWER UPGRADE.

 

The 3.5L EcoBoost® engine in the Expedition Platinum is tuned to give you more refined power – upping the output to 400 horsepower and 480 lbs.-ft. of torque. Which means more responsive performance as you pass others on the highway

 

 

So it's tuned a bit more aggressively in Platinum model 

https://m.ford.ca/suvs/expedition/2018/

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The Platinum interior looks very nice. Almost too nice. 

I hope that means the Navigator gets Black Label interior quality standard, with the real Black Label versions getting leather EVERYWHERE, sheeps wool carpets, thick Alcantara mircosuede on ALL pillars, padded 3rd row pamper's diapers....

Yeah, the side profile reminds me of GM, but, honestly, if it can be considered as a 4th GM 2XXX, but with an engine that is more in line with the 6.2 in terms of capability, with a price that is between the Tahoe and the GMC Denali..., with some Explorer and F150 DNA mashup... I dunno, it seems like a pretty nice utility.

And you do get the independant rear suspension folks, and a lower cargo load floor.

I think, people buying this kind of vehicle...like really needing that kind of capability and capacity for people, with the ruggedness, now styling isn't much of choice. You get Ford variant of big land train, or GM variant. The choice is simply what kind of powertrain, and what kind of suspension setup you like. Capability will be pretty close still, and from there, I dunno about FE, maybe this will be better than the Tahoe, but by only like 1 mpg combined I think. 

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18 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Yep, the first Ford to get it, right?

I also read that this is the " first Ford " to come equipped with them. 

But...

Both GT350 models have them stock ( originally only on the GT350 if one ticked the Track Package option) 

Then there is the Fusion Sport tricky shocks.

http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/2017-ford-fusion-v6-sport-computer-controlled-shock-absorbers/

Maybe being the " first Ford " was a misprint. 

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5 minutes ago, FordCosworth said:

I also read that this is the " first Ford " to come equipped with them. 

But...

Both GT350 models have them stock ( originally only on the GT350 if one ticked the Track Package option) 

Then there is the Fusion Sport tricky shocks.

http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/2017-ford-fusion-v6-sport-computer-controlled-shock-absorbers/

Maybe being the " first Ford " was a misprint. 

First Ford SUV is what it means, I assume.

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22 minutes ago, dfelt said:

True but they do use an adjustable suspension on the GC.

Correct.  GC and Ram both have 2 versions of their airride suspension (Ram/off-road for Rebel and GC/even more offroad orientedTrailhawk).  Also, all of the SRT cars and SUVs have Bilstien adjustable suspensions that work VERY well. 

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