SPY PICS: Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator on final approach
Maxi 4x4 SUVs snapped on test prior to early-2017 launch in the USAThe oversize 4x4 SUV test mules captured here testing in Dearborn, Michigan are Ford's next-generation Expedition and Lincoln Navigator models.
Based on the latest Ford F 150 trucks and making heavy use of aluminium to bring weight into line with large European SUVs, the two new Fords, though closely connected and featuring three rows of seating, will compete for different US-market buyer demographics.
Where the Expedition will face off against medium-price rivals such as the Chevrolet Tahoe in the maxi-size SUV segment, the Navigator will go head to head with the likes of Cadillac's Escalade.
Expected to be available in the USA in (relatively) short and long-wheelbase form, the Ford Expedition and Navigator both ride on fully-independent suspension systems and are said to shave further weight via extended use of aluminium, including in the sheet metal.
Powerplants are open to speculation, although the spy photographers speculate the Expedition will lean towards EcoBoost petrol and diesel V6 engines. However given its high-falutin' competition, it would be hard to imagine the premium-class Lincoln Navigator with anything less than a V8. A hybrid is said to be in the pipeline too.
Although it is anticipated the two monster wagons will launch in the US around the beginning of 2017, it seems reasonable to suggest their chances of being sold in Australia are pretty slim.
So far, local converters of American heavy metal such as Performax International and Harrison F-Trucks Australia have concentrated their efforts on pickups such as Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550.
Where the locally-converted pickups essentially own the supersize market in Australia, heavyweight SUVs such as the Expedition and Navigator – notwithstanding their enormous proportions – would, if put on sale here, face established competition from Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol.
But there may be a small but lucrative market for these big family wagons in Australia.
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