The SUV revolution is sweeping America\u00a0\u2014\u00a0even the tuner crowd.<\/p>\n
In addition to its usual barn-full of smoking hot Mustangs and pickups, Ford Motor Co.\u00a0also will\u00a0introduce a herd of SUV hotties at this year\u2019s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas.<\/p>\n
Every year, manufacturers like Ford (which will boast SEMA\u2019s largest display) team up with SEMA members to present the\u00a0cutting edge of aftermarket vehicle upgrades. Specialty shops submit their proposals and Ford picks their favorites to promote.\u00a0SEMA’s floor is changing with the market.<\/p>\n
Leading the way at this year\u2019s November 5-8 show in the Las Vegas Convention Center will be Ford\u2019s all-new Escape compact SUV. The Blue Oval is leaning heavily on its fourth-gen cute ute as it exits the sedan market \u2014\u00a0traditionally a hotbed of enthusiasts\u2019 sales. Buyers nostalgic for slammed Focus STs or drag-strip-ready Focus RSs will get an eyeful of Escapes tarted up with black hoods, 21-inch wheels, and rugged fender flares.<\/p>\n
The ute lookers are the first compact Escapes to grace the SEMA floor in years \u2014 and they highlight the 2020 vehicle\u2019s transformation from boxy ute to coupe-like crossover.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe old boxy Escape would get a more off-roady look at SEMA\u00a0with lift kits,\u201d said the Ford spokesman. \u201cThis\u00a0generation is more of a sexy, street cruiser.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Escape is not alone on the Vegas stage. The all-new Ford Explorer \u2014\u00a0for the first time carrying the brand’s performance ST badge \u2014\u00a0also gets a complete makeover. Even the truck-based\u00a0Expedition SUV gets in on the fun.<\/p>\n
Here are the highlights.<\/p>\n