Ford worked tirelessly to improve the current F-150 by reducing mass and adding efficient turbocharged engines all mounted on a high-strength steel frame. It’s now likely those same advancements will make their way onto the heavily, if not all-new 2018 Expedition SUV. And as our spy photographer caught, the Expedition is currently in development.
The Expedition has traditionally been based on the F-150, though the relation has grown distant over the last few years. Since the second generation, the Expedition has used an independent rear suspension system rather than the F-150’s solid axle and leaf spring setup. Exterior and interior styling also drifted apart from the F-150 for the second generation, which debuted for the 2003 model year. Nevertheless, the two vehicles have shared a close relationship since the Expedition’s introduction for the 1997 model year.
Vast improvements were made for the 2007 model year when Ford introduced the third generation Expedition. It borrowed the then-current F-150’s fully-boxed frame, updated suspension components and geometry, and Ford’s six-speed automatic transmission. A mid-cycle update for 2014 brought Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 into the picture, making it sole engine choice. The twin-turbo V-6 replaced the 5.4-liter Triton V-8, which had replaced the 4.6-liter Triton V-8 before it.
Now as the Expedition moves toward 2018, Ford is reportedly giving this three-row, body-on-frame SUV a full parts list form the F-150, including the updated 3.5-liter EcoBoost, the rumored introduction of the 2.7-liter EcoBoost, an all-aluminum body, a stronger yet lighter high-strength steel frame, and styling that mirrors that of the F-150. These improvements will be for both the Expedition and its long-wheelbase brother, the Expedition XL.
Let’s have a closer look at these spy shots of the long-awaited 2018 Ford Expedition.
Update: 11/30/2016 We have created a rendering showing what we suspect the 2018 Ford Expedition might look like. Check out the “Rendering” section for all the details. Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Continue reading for more information.
from Top Speed http://ift.tt/2g8luYc
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