Here’s one of the first uncovered looks at a prototype for the ’16 Ford Explorer facelift. Shot by the pros at KGP photography, these images reveal some of the design changes involved in the mid-cycle update.

The first prototypes for the facelifted Explorers have been running with heavy camo for about six months now. These new shots are a significant step forward, and despite the remaining graphic wrap and paint affixed to the prototypes, new details are visible.  

Range Rover Overtones No More

This unshrouded Explorer's new headlights and taillights seem to have a simple shape, a departure from the current "eyebrow" treatments that mimic the headlight designs of most Range Rovers. The new headlights clearly get a more angular shape, while the taillight design looks more simplified and cohesive. The new front fascia appears to get a smaller grille than the current model, with the additional air intakes integrated more subtly into the front bumper design.

New Front Fascia Details

The current Explorer’s low-set round fog lights will go away in favor of new LED fog lights placed higher up on the front bumper, framed in with new air slits that will sit prominently at the outer corners of the front fascia. The new look brings the Explorer more in line with the look of the ’15 Ford Edge.

D-Pillar Changes in the Works

The changes applied to the Explorer's rear end look a bit more understated, although there are some interesting details around the new Explorer's D-pillar. With the vinyl camouflage removed, it appears that Ford has tacked on a fake pillar over the glass work in an effort to mimic the current design. Looking closely at the rear pillar, the backlight glass appears to reach further back than the current model, suggesting either a slightly larger rear cargo bay, or, more likely, a cleaner glass-to-glass treatment that does away with the external pillar visible on the current model.  

The current Explorer was the first Ford model to offer capacitive touch buttons on the dashboard, which have fallen out of favor over recent years. The mid-cycle revamp will give the Explorer an all-new interior, which will utilize Ford's latest technologies in conjunction with a more tactile passenger interface. The new 2.3L ecoboost engine is expected to replace the current 2.0L turbo.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Here’s one of the first uncovered looks at a prototype for the ’16 Ford Explorer facelift. Shot by the pros at KGP photography, these images reveal some of the design changes involved in the mid-cycle update.

The first prototypes for the facelifted Explorers have been running with heavy camo for about six months now. These new shots are a significant step forward, and despite the remaining graphic wrap and paint affixed to the prototypes, new details are visible.  

Range Rover Overtones No More

This unshrouded Explorer's new headlights and taillights seem to have a simple shape, a departure from the current "eyebrow" treatments that mimic the headlight designs of most Range Rovers. The new headlights clearly get a more angular shape, while the taillight design looks more simplified and cohesive. The new front fascia appears to get a smaller grille than the current model, with the additional air intakes integrated more subtly into the front bumper design.

New Front Fascia Details

The current Explorer’s low-set round fog lights will go away in favor of new LED fog lights placed higher up on the front bumper, framed in with new air slits that will sit prominently at the outer corners of the front fascia. The new look brings the Explorer more in line with the look of the ’15 Ford Edge.

D-Pillar Changes in the Works

The changes applied to the Explorer's rear end look a bit more understated, although there are some interesting details around the new Explorer's D-pillar. With the vinyl camouflage removed, it appears that Ford has tacked on a fake pillar over the glass work in an effort to mimic the current design. Looking closely at the rear pillar, the backlight glass appears to reach further back than the current model, suggesting either a slightly larger rear cargo bay, or, more likely, a cleaner glass-to-glass treatment that does away with the external pillar visible on the current model.  

The current Explorer was the first Ford model to offer capacitive touch buttons on the dashboard, which have fallen out of favor over recent years. The mid-cycle revamp will give the Explorer an all-new interior, which will utilize Ford's latest technologies in conjunction with a more tactile passenger interface. The new 2.3L ecoboost engine is expected to replace the current 2.0L turbo.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

Here’s one of the first uncovered looks at a prototype for the ’16 Ford Explorer facelift. Shot by the pros at KGP photography, these images reveal some of the design changes involved in the mid-cycle update.

The first prototypes for the facelifted Explorers have been running with heavy camo for about six months now. These new shots are a significant step forward, and despite the remaining graphic wrap and paint affixed to the prototypes, new details are visible.  

Range Rover Overtones No More

This unshrouded Explorer's new headlights and taillights seem to have a simple shape, a departure from the current "eyebrow" treatments that mimic the headlight designs of most Range Rovers. The new headlights clearly get a more angular shape, while the taillight design looks more simplified and cohesive. The new front fascia appears to get a smaller grille than the current model, with the additional air intakes integrated more subtly into the front bumper design.

New Front Fascia Details

The current Explorer’s low-set round fog lights will go away in favor of new LED fog lights placed higher up on the front bumper, framed in with new air slits that will sit prominently at the outer corners of the front fascia. The new look brings the Explorer more in line with the look of the ’15 Ford Edge.

D-Pillar Changes in the Works

The changes applied to the Explorer's rear end look a bit more understated, although there are some interesting details around the new Explorer's D-pillar. With the vinyl camouflage removed, it appears that Ford has tacked on a fake pillar over the glass work in an effort to mimic the current design. Looking closely at the rear pillar, the backlight glass appears to reach further back than the current model, suggesting either a slightly larger rear cargo bay, or, more likely, a cleaner glass-to-glass treatment that does away with the external pillar visible on the current model.  

The current Explorer was the first Ford model to offer capacitive touch buttons on the dashboard, which have fallen out of favor over recent years. The mid-cycle revamp will give the Explorer an all-new interior, which will utilize Ford's latest technologies in conjunction with a more tactile passenger interface. The new 2.3L ecoboost engine is expected to replace the current 2.0L turbo.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

NHRA News

SIX NHRA ROOKIE DRIVERS ELGIBLE CANDIDATES FOR 2014 AUTO CLUB ROAD TO THE FUTURE AWARD: Six NHRA rookie drivers representing three NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series classes—Top Fuel, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle—are the eligible candidates for the 2014 Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award, it was announced by officials from the NHRA and the Automobile Club of Southern California. The award, which recognizes the top rookie competitor in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and offers a $20,000 prize and traditional trophy to the winner, will be presented during the NHRA’s annual championship awards ceremony on Monday, November 17, at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles. More than 150 of the nation’s leading auto-racing journalists will select the winner through a voting system based on the following criteria: number of events participated, performance on and off the racetrack, participation in NHRA promotions and relationships with fans, sponsors and media.

NHRA FANFEST, VEGAS-STYLE KICKS OFF OCTOBER 30: The stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series will help kick off the Toyota NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas with the NHRA Fanfest, Vegas-style, October 30, on the 3rd Street Stage at the Fremont Street Experience. The Fanfest begins at 5:00 p.m. with music, games and ticket giveaways. A driver autograph session featuring top drivers from the NHRA will take place beginning at 5:30 p.m. Among the drivers already committed to attend are Erica Enders-Stevens, Shawn Langdon, Shane Gray, Jonathan Gray, Richie Crampton, Leah Pritchett, Del Worsham, JR Todd, Khalid alBalooshi, Rodger Brogdon, Larry Morgan, V Gaines, Jeff Diehl, Jenna Haddock, Terry Haddock, Chad Head, Hector Arana Jr., Hector Arana, Adam Arana, Scott Pollacheck, Matt Smith, Angie Smith and Freddie Camarena.

COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP HEADS TO BRIGHT LIGHTS OF LAS VEGAS: The stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series roll into The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, October 30–November 2, for the penultimate race of the 2014 Countdown to the Championship at the 14th annual NHRA Toyota Nationals. The best in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will once again battle for victory at one of the world’s most state-of-the-art dragstrips. Antron Brown (Top Fuel), John Force (Funny Car), Shane Gray (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were last year’s winners of the event that will once again be televised nationally on ESPN2. The action on the Vegas strip is matched only by the fire and fury of two 10,000-hp machines launching side-by-side down The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway at more than 300 mph. The event is a critical stop for the teams in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series as they have two races left to prove they have what it takes to be a Mello Yello Series world champion.

He Said, She Said

“The ‘Free Mammograms for the Fans’ program was a great success last year. We received such an overwhelming response that there was no question that we would of course bring it back this year. I’m very proud of this program. We really weren’t sure what to expect when we launched it last year. Nothing like this had ever really been done before, and we were blown away by the response. Early detection is key. We’re giving women a chance to get screened without having to take time out of their work day, or make an appointment with their doctor, and it’s absolutely free—this is the perfect opportunity to have this important test performed.”

—Funny Car racer Alexis DeJoria on the tremendous success of last year’s inaugural “Free Mammograms for the Fans” program presented by Alexis DeJoria Racing, and the expanded partnership with the Nevada Health Centers (NVHC), to offer free mammograms to female race fans attending the NHRA Toyota Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway later this month. A new element has been added to the program—Pink Passes—which are essentially “rain-check vouchers” to accommodate overflow participants and will allow race fans to take advantage of the free screening program, but at a later date.

Inside the Numbers

4: Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Pro Stock) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) lead all Mello Yello Series categories with four victories at the NHRA Toyota Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Each driver enters the race this season with different goals. Schumacher is trying to secure a record eighth Top Fuel world championship title; Capps is seeking to improve his points position in the Funny Car standings; and Anderson is trying to end a 60-race winless streak that dates back to Englishtown 2012.

Did You Know

CALIFORNIA HOT ROD REUNION TO ROAR INTO BAKERSFIELD: California hot-rod culture will be on display during the upcoming 23rd annual California Hot Rod Reunion presented by Automobile Club of Southern California, October 17–19, at Auto Club Famoso Raceway. Entrants into the event have been camping in line outside the gates since as early as August. Cool cars, hot nostalgia quarter-mile nitro drag racing and a celebration of the history of drag racing will take place during the three-day event. The event has become a can’t-miss tradition in the area and one of the finest events in Kern County during the year.

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

NHRA News

SIX NHRA ROOKIE DRIVERS ELGIBLE CANDIDATES FOR 2014 AUTO CLUB ROAD TO THE FUTURE AWARD: Six NHRA rookie drivers representing three NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series classes—Top Fuel, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle—are the eligible candidates for the 2014 Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award, it was announced by officials from the NHRA and the Automobile Club of Southern California. The award, which recognizes the top rookie competitor in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and offers a $20,000 prize and traditional trophy to the winner, will be presented during the NHRA’s annual championship awards ceremony on Monday, November 17, at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles. More than 150 of the nation’s leading auto-racing journalists will select the winner through a voting system based on the following criteria: number of events participated, performance on and off the racetrack, participation in NHRA promotions and relationships with fans, sponsors and media.

NHRA FANFEST, VEGAS-STYLE KICKS OFF OCTOBER 30: The stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series will help kick off the Toyota NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas with the NHRA Fanfest, Vegas-style, October 30, on the 3rd Street Stage at the Fremont Street Experience. The Fanfest begins at 5:00 p.m. with music, games and ticket giveaways. A driver autograph session featuring top drivers from the NHRA will take place beginning at 5:30 p.m. Among the drivers already committed to attend are Erica Enders-Stevens, Shawn Langdon, Shane Gray, Jonathan Gray, Richie Crampton, Leah Pritchett, Del Worsham, JR Todd, Khalid alBalooshi, Rodger Brogdon, Larry Morgan, V Gaines, Jeff Diehl, Jenna Haddock, Terry Haddock, Chad Head, Hector Arana Jr., Hector Arana, Adam Arana, Scott Pollacheck, Matt Smith, Angie Smith and Freddie Camarena.

COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP HEADS TO BRIGHT LIGHTS OF LAS VEGAS: The stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series roll into The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, October 30–November 2, for the penultimate race of the 2014 Countdown to the Championship at the 14th annual NHRA Toyota Nationals. The best in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will once again battle for victory at one of the world’s most state-of-the-art dragstrips. Antron Brown (Top Fuel), John Force (Funny Car), Shane Gray (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were last year’s winners of the event that will once again be televised nationally on ESPN2. The action on the Vegas strip is matched only by the fire and fury of two 10,000-hp machines launching side-by-side down The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway at more than 300 mph. The event is a critical stop for the teams in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series as they have two races left to prove they have what it takes to be a Mello Yello Series world champion.

He Said, She Said

“The ‘Free Mammograms for the Fans’ program was a great success last year. We received such an overwhelming response that there was no question that we would of course bring it back this year. I’m very proud of this program. We really weren’t sure what to expect when we launched it last year. Nothing like this had ever really been done before, and we were blown away by the response. Early detection is key. We’re giving women a chance to get screened without having to take time out of their work day, or make an appointment with their doctor, and it’s absolutely free—this is the perfect opportunity to have this important test performed.”

—Funny Car racer Alexis DeJoria on the tremendous success of last year’s inaugural “Free Mammograms for the Fans” program presented by Alexis DeJoria Racing, and the expanded partnership with the Nevada Health Centers (NVHC), to offer free mammograms to female race fans attending the NHRA Toyota Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway later this month. A new element has been added to the program—Pink Passes—which are essentially “rain-check vouchers” to accommodate overflow participants and will allow race fans to take advantage of the free screening program, but at a later date.

Inside the Numbers

4: Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Pro Stock) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) lead all Mello Yello Series categories with four victories at the NHRA Toyota Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Each driver enters the race this season with different goals. Schumacher is trying to secure a record eighth Top Fuel world championship title; Capps is seeking to improve his points position in the Funny Car standings; and Anderson is trying to end a 60-race winless streak that dates back to Englishtown 2012.

Did You Know

CALIFORNIA HOT ROD REUNION TO ROAR INTO BAKERSFIELD: California hot-rod culture will be on display during the upcoming 23rd annual California Hot Rod Reunion presented by Automobile Club of Southern California, October 17–19, at Auto Club Famoso Raceway. Entrants into the event have been camping in line outside the gates since as early as August. Cool cars, hot nostalgia quarter-mile nitro drag racing and a celebration of the history of drag racing will take place during the three-day event. The event has become a can’t-miss tradition in the area and one of the finest events in Kern County during the year.

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

NHRA News

SIX NHRA ROOKIE DRIVERS ELGIBLE CANDIDATES FOR 2014 AUTO CLUB ROAD TO THE FUTURE AWARD: Six NHRA rookie drivers representing three NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series classes—Top Fuel, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle—are the eligible candidates for the 2014 Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award, it was announced by officials from the NHRA and the Automobile Club of Southern California. The award, which recognizes the top rookie competitor in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and offers a $20,000 prize and traditional trophy to the winner, will be presented during the NHRA’s annual championship awards ceremony on Monday, November 17, at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles. More than 150 of the nation’s leading auto-racing journalists will select the winner through a voting system based on the following criteria: number of events participated, performance on and off the racetrack, participation in NHRA promotions and relationships with fans, sponsors and media.

NHRA FANFEST, VEGAS-STYLE KICKS OFF OCTOBER 30: The stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series will help kick off the Toyota NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas with the NHRA Fanfest, Vegas-style, October 30, on the 3rd Street Stage at the Fremont Street Experience. The Fanfest begins at 5:00 p.m. with music, games and ticket giveaways. A driver autograph session featuring top drivers from the NHRA will take place beginning at 5:30 p.m. Among the drivers already committed to attend are Erica Enders-Stevens, Shawn Langdon, Shane Gray, Jonathan Gray, Richie Crampton, Leah Pritchett, Del Worsham, JR Todd, Khalid alBalooshi, Rodger Brogdon, Larry Morgan, V Gaines, Jeff Diehl, Jenna Haddock, Terry Haddock, Chad Head, Hector Arana Jr., Hector Arana, Adam Arana, Scott Pollacheck, Matt Smith, Angie Smith and Freddie Camarena.

COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP HEADS TO BRIGHT LIGHTS OF LAS VEGAS: The stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series roll into The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, October 30–November 2, for the penultimate race of the 2014 Countdown to the Championship at the 14th annual NHRA Toyota Nationals. The best in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will once again battle for victory at one of the world’s most state-of-the-art dragstrips. Antron Brown (Top Fuel), John Force (Funny Car), Shane Gray (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were last year’s winners of the event that will once again be televised nationally on ESPN2. The action on the Vegas strip is matched only by the fire and fury of two 10,000-hp machines launching side-by-side down The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway at more than 300 mph. The event is a critical stop for the teams in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series as they have two races left to prove they have what it takes to be a Mello Yello Series world champion.

He Said, She Said

“The ‘Free Mammograms for the Fans’ program was a great success last year. We received such an overwhelming response that there was no question that we would of course bring it back this year. I’m very proud of this program. We really weren’t sure what to expect when we launched it last year. Nothing like this had ever really been done before, and we were blown away by the response. Early detection is key. We’re giving women a chance to get screened without having to take time out of their work day, or make an appointment with their doctor, and it’s absolutely free—this is the perfect opportunity to have this important test performed.”

—Funny Car racer Alexis DeJoria on the tremendous success of last year’s inaugural “Free Mammograms for the Fans” program presented by Alexis DeJoria Racing, and the expanded partnership with the Nevada Health Centers (NVHC), to offer free mammograms to female race fans attending the NHRA Toyota Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway later this month. A new element has been added to the program—Pink Passes—which are essentially “rain-check vouchers” to accommodate overflow participants and will allow race fans to take advantage of the free screening program, but at a later date.

Inside the Numbers

4: Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Pro Stock) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) lead all Mello Yello Series categories with four victories at the NHRA Toyota Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Each driver enters the race this season with different goals. Schumacher is trying to secure a record eighth Top Fuel world championship title; Capps is seeking to improve his points position in the Funny Car standings; and Anderson is trying to end a 60-race winless streak that dates back to Englishtown 2012.

Did You Know

CALIFORNIA HOT ROD REUNION TO ROAR INTO BAKERSFIELD: California hot-rod culture will be on display during the upcoming 23rd annual California Hot Rod Reunion presented by Automobile Club of Southern California, October 17–19, at Auto Club Famoso Raceway. Entrants into the event have been camping in line outside the gates since as early as August. Cool cars, hot nostalgia quarter-mile nitro drag racing and a celebration of the history of drag racing will take place during the three-day event. The event has become a can’t-miss tradition in the area and one of the finest events in Kern County during the year.

View the complete 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule.

By Michael Hart



	Roundtable discussion attendees will have the opportunity to meet key wholesalers and importers even before the 2014 SEMA Show begins.

One out of every four 2014 SEMA Show buyers are from one of 130 countries, with the fastest-growing customization markets in the world being Russia, China and the Middle East.

“If companies want to grow their businesses and export their products, they should be there,” said Linda Spencer, SEMA’s senior director of international and government affairs.

Spencer is organizing three international roundtable discussions, Monday, November 3, when manufacturers and distributors get the chance to sit down and talk with buyers from Russia, China and the Middle East. Participants will get together and, as Spencer says, “talk about anything that’s on their minds.” It’s the best chance to interact with buyers from those hot markets during the SEMA Show.

The first session starts at 11:00 a.m., and will focus on opportunities in the Middle East for SEMA-member manufacturers. Lunch will be at 12:00 p.m. and then a second session with buyers from Russia will be held at 1:00 p.m. A third session at 3:00 p.m. will focus on the Chinese customization market.

“Because we have the lunch between the first and second sessions, many people will come and just spend all day getting to know about these markets,” Spencer said.

She said these three markets have been targeted by SEMA because of their potential for manufacturers. First, Spencer said, “There is a passion in these countries for customization.”

Second, they each have large populations that make sense in terms of economies of scale and, finally, large portions of those populations have substantial disposable income.

As an example, she said, “China has a huge population and growing number who can afford customization.”

Off-roading, in particular, is a fast-growing leisure activity there.

Even better, Russia has an average per-capita income that is twice that of China’s and in the more than one dozen countries that make up the Middle East, “They love everything from off-roading to street performance,” Spencer said.

For more information, or to register for the international roundtable discussions, visit the SEMA Show website.