This is the ’20 Ford Explorer, caught testing in light camo just outside of Dearborn, Michigan.

The Explorer will get its first comprehensive redesign in nearly a decade for the ’20 model year. It will ride on the D6 platform that is flexible enough for front-, rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations. There is the possibility the Explorer could even go rear-wheel drive.

What is more likely, however, is a more powerful Explorer ST. Just as the Edge gained an ST model for ’19, the Explorer should do the same with a 2.7L high-output Ecoboost V6, putting out at least as much power as the 335hp variant in the Edge—although a more powerful 3.5L Ecoboost may be likely. The Explorer ST will also add more aggressive styling and tuning.

Expect to see the new Explorer in the coming months.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the ’20 Ford Explorer, caught testing in light camo just outside of Dearborn, Michigan.

The Explorer will get its first comprehensive redesign in nearly a decade for the ’20 model year. It will ride on the D6 platform that is flexible enough for front-, rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations. There is the possibility the Explorer could even go rear-wheel drive.

What is more likely, however, is a more powerful Explorer ST. Just as the Edge gained an ST model for ’19, the Explorer should do the same with a 2.7L high-output Ecoboost V6, putting out at least as much power as the 335hp variant in the Edge—although a more powerful 3.5L Ecoboost may be likely. The Explorer ST will also add more aggressive styling and tuning.

Expect to see the new Explorer in the coming months.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the ’20 Ford Explorer, caught testing in light camo just outside of Dearborn, Michigan.

The Explorer will get its first comprehensive redesign in nearly a decade for the ’20 model year. It will ride on the D6 platform that is flexible enough for front-, rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations. There is the possibility the Explorer could even go rear-wheel drive.

What is more likely, however, is a more powerful Explorer ST. Just as the Edge gained an ST model for ’19, the Explorer should do the same with a 2.7L high-output Ecoboost V6, putting out at least as much power as the 335hp variant in the Edge—although a more powerful 3.5L Ecoboost may be likely. The Explorer ST will also add more aggressive styling and tuning.

Expect to see the new Explorer in the coming months.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the ’20 Ford Explorer, caught testing in light camo just outside of Dearborn, Michigan.

The Explorer will get its first comprehensive redesign in nearly a decade for the ’20 model year. It will ride on the D6 platform that is flexible enough for front-, rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations. There is the possibility the Explorer could even go rear-wheel drive.

What is more likely, however, is a more powerful Explorer ST. Just as the Edge gained an ST model for ’19, the Explorer should do the same with a 2.7L high-output Ecoboost V6, putting out at least as much power as the 335hp variant in the Edge—although a more powerful 3.5L Ecoboost may be likely. The Explorer ST will also add more aggressive styling and tuning.

Expect to see the new Explorer in the coming months.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

• SEMA Cares Cars & Coffee Inaugural Fundraiser, December 1, 2018, SEMA Headquarters, Diamond Bar, California
• Advanced Engineering Technology Conference, December 4, 2018, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis
• MPMC General Membership Meeting, December 5, 2018, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis
• 2018 MPMC Manufacturers Forum, December 5, 2018, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis
• PRI Trade Show, December 6–8, 2018, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis
• YEN Meetup at PRI, December 6, 2018, Shula's Restaurant and Bar, Westin Hotel, Indianapolis
• Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Performance Industry Reception, December 7, 2018, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis
• 2019 SEMA Middle East and Australia Overview Conference Call, December 12, 2018
• MPMC Media Trade Conference, January 22–24, 2019, Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North, Santa Ana, California
• SEMA Middle East Business Development Program, March 26–31, 2019, Abu Dhabi, UAE
• SEMA Australia Business Development Conference, May 9–13, 2019, Melbourne, Australia
• Collector Car Appreciation Day, July 12, 2019
• 2019 SEMA Show, November 5–8, 2019, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

The RPM Act needs your support.

The RPM Act needs your support.

The RPM Act needs your support.

The RPM Act needs your support.

By Kristopher Porter

Dick Hill (center) was honored as an MPMC Hall of Fame inductee at last year’s Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Performance Industry Reception.

Just weeks after the 2018 SEMA Show, MPMC members will pack their bags for Indianapolis for a week of exhibiting, customer meetings, networking and Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)-sponsored educational seminars at the PRI Trade Show.

All MPMC members and those who are planning on attending the PRI Trade Show are encouraged to attend the following MPMC events during the week:

MPMC Manufacturers Forum

MPMC will host a meeting with performance manufacturers, Wednesday, December 5, from 3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Along with updates on the resources that MPMC uses to help performance manufacturers, this is a great opportunity to discuss challenges and solutions with fellow manufacturers. The MPMC select committee will provide an overview of its newly updated Business Guidelines Manual and seek feedback from meeting attendees on current topics such as Prop 65, steel and aluminum tariffs and how to find and keep employees.

Register for the forum.

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Performance Industry Reception

The reception serves as an opportunity to close out the second day of the PRI Trade Show with an evening of networking with industry friends and colleagues. A highlight of this year’s event is the induction of three new members into the MPMC Hall of Fame. Open to all manufacturers and media, the event will feature hot hors d’oeuvres and drinks and provide an opportunity to mingle with the MPMC select committee, fellow manufacturers and this year’s MPMC Hall of Fame inductees.

The MPMC Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the motorsports industry through their life’s work. It is the most prestigious award the council presents. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees are Steve Williams from K&N, Steve Whipple from Edelbrock and Marla Moore of Coker Tire. They are being honored for their tireless contributions to MPMC and the industry. The reception will take place Friday, December 7, from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., at the Indiana Convention Center.

Register for your tickets.

Thursday, December 6
MPMC-Sponsored Seminar
“The Future of the Performance Landscape, A Panel Discussion”
2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Room 241–242

NHRA and FoxSports personality Alan Reinhart will lead a panel of performance manufacturing experts in an interactive discussion about what the performance industry landscape could look like in the next five, 10 and 20 years.

Moderator: Alan Reinhart – NHRA and FoxSports

Panelists:

• Kirk Miller – AEM
• Rob Simmons – Edelbrock
• Shane Weckerly – Holley
• Kyle Fickler – Aeromotive
• Mike Spagnola – SEMA Garage

Friday, December 7
MPMC-Sponsored Seminar
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Room 241–242
“Marketing in 2019 and Beyond: It’s Different, But Here’s How to Succeed”

Martin and Co. Advertising will host a presentation about the changing landscape of marketing in the performance industry. Martin and Co. have a long history of helping companies maintain effective marketing strategies through the rapid pace of change in today’s world.

Speakers:

• Zan Martin – Martin & Co. Advertising
• Jeff Lee – Martin & Co. Advertising
• Kelly Hogan – Martin & Co. Advertising
• Matt Graves – American Powertrain
• Chad Reynolds – BangShift