Ford slims down its biggest SUV as new 2018 Expedition goes aluminum
by The Associated Press
An aluminum body and high-strength steel frame will make the 2018 model 300 pounds lighter than Ford's previous eight-seater
The Expedition is the second Ford to get the aluminum treatment. The F-150 went lighter in 2015. PHOTO: Ford
DETROIT—Ford Motor Co.’s biggest SUV is dropping some weight.
Ford says the 2018 Expedition is 300 pounds lighter than the previous model thanks to a new aluminum body and a high-strength steel frame.
It’s the second Ford vehicle to get the aluminum treatment, after the F-Series pickup went lighter in 2015.
But it’s not the first aluminum SUV on the market. Land Rover debuted one in 2012.
The new eight-seat Expedition is slightly longer, with a new mesh grille and a sleeker design. Ford says its new 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine and 10-speed transmission will improve towing capacity.
New options include automatic parallel parking, a 360-degree camera and adaptive cruise control that works in stop-and-go traffic.
The Expedition goes on sale this fall. Pricing hasn’t been released. It will be built in Kentucky.
