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Ford Desert Excursion: 'Go Anywhere' Capability

7 January 2000

Ford Desert Excursion: 'Go Anywhere' Capability

    LOS ANGELES, Jan. 6 -- Ready to take on any challenge -- from
the remote desert to the wild jungle -- the Ford Desert Excursion concept is
the ultimate go-anywhere, do-anything truck.  Based on the new Ford Excursion,
the Desert Excursion has been customized to take on the most extreme weather
conditions and terrain.
    The Excursion provides this desert-themed concept with a no-compromise
foundation for the heavy-duty utility customer.  Based on the Super Duty F-
Series platform with the broadest range of product offerings in the class, the
Excursion combines power and flexibility for the commercial-use customer
combined with refinement and comfort for those looking for the ultimate
personal-use, heavy-duty utility vehicle.
    "Desert Excursion obliterates boundaries like no other vehicle," says J
Mays, Ford Motor Company vice president of Design.  "This ultimate 'can do
vehicle' takes you where life is tough and the spoils of the city are left
behind."
    The Desert Excursion concept features a unique grille, front fascia and
headlamps that are made of stronger, more durable materials.
    The steel bumper features integrated PIAA Ion Crystal navigator and fog
lamps to light any treacherous path ahead.
    Integrated side steps with rugged texture provide increased traction and
improved entry and exit of the vehicle.  Oversized wheels and tires give the
Desert Excursion a commanding road presence, while providing the necessary
ground clearance and ability to take on the most challenging turf.
    Desert Excursion is powered by Ford's powerful Triton(TM) 6.8-liter SOHC
V-10 engine, offering 310 horsepower and 425 foot-pounds of torque -- the
necessary muscle to plow through any obstacle.
    The concept's extreme-duty, weatherproof interior features four leather
bucket seats with seating space for six people.  The unique, functional
instrument panel houses larger, easier-to-read gauges and an integrated
navigation.
    Aluminum tubing mounted in the headliner features leather grab handles to
hang onto when traversing over bumpy terrain.  Mesh door pockets and heavy-
duty rubber floor mats add to the interior's rugged characteristics.
    The rear window and rear passenger seats fold down for improved loading
capability, while the tailgate can be extended to increase the cargo capacity
of the box.  In addition, there is a securely mounted, removable cooler in the
box.