The Ford Expedition puts on a fresh face for 1999 and makes functional changes, including higher horsepower ratings, to retain its reputation as the full-size SUV for those who want to ride in comfort and style without trading off utility.

Go anywhere, do anything "Expedition offers the optimum combination of car-like comfort and go-anywhere, do-anything versatility," said J.C. Collins, Ford multipurpose vehicle brand manager. "Expedition's rugged good looks, power and size make it the vehicle of choice for city driving or off road adventure". A new front fascia, grille and bumper system and fog lamps incorporated into the lower valance lend Expedition a freshened, aggressive look.

On the inside, Expedition sports a new seating fabric for improved comfort and durability. The available third-row fold-flat seat incorporates a wheel system for easy seat removal and installation.

PEDAL SYSTEM FITS ALL
Power-adjustable pedals: a first for an SUV. Optional power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, a first for the sport utility segment, are offered on the l999 Expedition.
More comfortable arm positions, better access to console features and more headroom.

MORE POWER UNDER THE HOOD
For l999, Expedition's Triton engines deliver increased horsepower and torque.

"The changes to these engines contribute to improved trailer towing and overall performance at city and highway speeds - all very important to truck customers," said Dan Kapp, manager, 5.4-liter Engine Programs.

The standard 4.6-liter V-8 makes 240 horsepower at 3,500 rpm, an increase of 25 hp. Torque improves to 296 foot-pounds, from 290, at 3,500 rpm. The optional 5.4-liter V-8 jumps to 260 hp, from 230, at 4,500 rpm, and torque rises to 245 foot-pounds, from 325, at 2,300 rpm.

Members of the Triton'"' family of modular engines, both have chain-driven single overhead cams (SOHC) with a reinforced block and tuned intake. They feature a deep-skirt cylinder block, cross-bolted main bearing caps and aluminum cylinder heads.

Pistons with friction coating and low tension piston rings contribute to fuel economy and precise oil control. The direct-mount accessory drive includes a long-life, non-neoprene belt for durability and reliability. Both engines also have a large, six-quart capacity oil pan, which helps the engine to run cleaner and cooler between oil changes.

The fail-safe cooling system helps protect the engines against damage due to loss of coolant, while allowing drivers additional time to obtain servicing.

The 5.4-liter Triton'"' engine, also available in the F-Series, Econoline and Lincoln Navigator, captured Ward's Auto World's "10 Best Engines" award for the second consecutive year in 1998. It was the only truck engine honored.

Both Expedition engines are teamed with a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive top gear. The 4R70W automatic is mated to the 4.6-liter engine, and the electronically controlled 4R 100 automatic is linked with the optional 5.4-liter V-8.

CONTROL TRAC MODIFIED
Automatic Expedition's Control Trac system allows automatic four-wheel drive four-wheel drive function when required without driver assistance and offers three positions for four-wheel-drive:

· A4WD, in which Control Trac automatically selects between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive as needed. The transfer case monitors drive-shaft speed and reports the onset of rear slippage. Should rear slippage occur, a computer-controlled electromagnetic clutch engages to add torque to the front wheel. If the rear wheels regain grip, the clutch automatically disengages. When slippery conditions persist at speeds below 35 mph, Control Trac keeps front drive engaged for five minutes or until vehicle speed exceeds 45 mph. This mode can be engaged at any time with the vehicle in motion.

Engage 4 high 4H, which is suggested for snow, ice, shallow mud or sand at normal on the fly driving speeds. Drive to the front wheels is engaged permanently. Like AWD,4H can be engaged on the fly. Deep Snow, 4L, which is used under the most adverse conditions. For this mode, the drive in 4 low vehicle must be stopped, the shift lever placed in neutral and the brake pedal depressed. Engine torque is multiplied by a factor of 2.64, which is ideal for climbing or descending steep grades or driving in deep snow, mud or sand.

In other changes on XLT and Eddie Bauer models, Expedition offers a keyless entry new keypad for keyless entry, speed control and adjustable speed-compensated volume control for the audio system. Seventeen-inch styled steel chromed wheels replace aluminum wheels.

For Eddie Bauer, several features have been added as standard equipment. They include:· Six-disc CD player.
· Electronic automatic temperature control system.
· Reduced rolling resistance tires.
· Seventeen-inch wheels.
· Speed-controlled radio and electronic temperature control.
· Fog lamps.
· Illuminated running board.
· Tow hooks and the 5.4-liter engine on 4x4s.

Power signal mirrors also are standard on Eddie Bauer models. The mirrors allow trailing vehicles to be alerted of the Expedition driver's intention to turn or change lanes by signals that appear in the side mirrors.

Eddie Bauer's standard comfort and convenience package features captain's chairs,1eather seating surfaces, auxiliary temperature controls, dual mirrors, aluminum wheels and a fold-flat third-row bench seat.

Even with the powertrain improvements, the 1999-model Expedition will be sold nationally as a low-emission vehicle.(LEV). Under Ford's sweeping low-emission program, all Ford Motor Company SUVs - including Expedition and Explorer and the Ford Windstar mini-van - will be (LEVs) for 1999. The 1999-model Expedition will not only beat emission standards for trucks, it will be cleaner than most passenger cars on the road today.

AMERICA'S BEST SELLING FULL-SIZE SUV
Expedition has been a runaway sales success since its introduction in showrooms in 1996. It has been the best-selling full-size SUV in the U.S. ever since capturing nearly 50 percent of the full-size SUV market in 1997.