2013 Ford Escape and Explorer SUVs

The first Escape is a front-wheel drive model motivated by the firm's 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost unit. It’s called the "VACCAR Urban Escape Adventurer project" and it's finished in grey shade riding on black alloy wheels.

Ford says that it "represents the ideal balance of rugged off-road attitude, upscale comfort and potent EcoBoost engine", but leaves it at that, with more details to be released closer to SEMA's grand opening.

The other Escape model also uses a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbo engine, but this time, it combines a 6-speed auto with all-wheel drive. Created by Heide Performance Products (HPP), this tune is supposed to be all about looks and speed.

As for the 2013 Explorer, it is based on the recently launched 3,5L V5 EcoBoost Sport model and was built by Forgiato. The exterior tune entails the use of a new Pearl White paint scheme along with a wide body kit and three-piece forged 26- by 10-inch wheels, shod in Pirelli 295/30R26 tires. Forgiato says it has also made changes to the interior.

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Ford Explorer Sport Edition

The new addition to the Explorer's range justifies its Sport tag by employing the use of Ford's 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine, which the company says makes "at least 350-horsepower" in this application. Ford has not released any other performance numbers.

“Adding an EcoBoost drivetrain to Explorer Sport delivers even more fuel efficiency and performance to the lineup,” said Bill Gubing, Explorer chief engineer. “This is our highest- performance, most capable Ford Explorer ever.”

The force-fed six-cylinder is matched to a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission with a unique 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio and four-wheel drive with a Terrain Management System.

Ford anticipates that the Explorer Sport will return a fuel economy of up to 16 mpg (14.7lt/100km) in city driving and 22 mpg (10.7lt/100km) on the highway, with the company comparing these numbers to some rivaling SUVs.

"That's 3 mpg better in the city and 2 mpg on the highway than the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango R/T 5.7-liter Hemi engines," said Ford in a statement adding, "It scores 3 mpg higher in the city and 4 mpg higher on the highway than the Land Rover Range Rover Sport."

Along with the new powertrain, Ford says it has reinforced the chassis making the Explorer Sport stiffer and improving its handling, while the SUV also gets a faster, solid-mounted electric power-assisted steering and larger brakes.

The Sport is identified on the outside by some subtle design cues such as the unique 20-inch painted and machined wheels, blacked out grille, lights, roof rails and mirror housings. It also gets bespoke front and rear lower fascias.

Buyers will be able to choose from four exterior colors, including Ruby Red Metallic Clearcoat, White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat, Tuxedo Black Metallic and Ingot Silver Metallic.

Inside, the 2013 Explorer Sport has been dressed in Charcoal Black leather, which is available with and without contrasting Sienna inserts, unique steering wheel stitching and dashboard trim, plus Sport-logo floor mats and illuminated scuff plates.

Pricing has not yet been announced.

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