Modified 2013 Ford Escapes teased ahead of SEMA 2012

The first of the 2013 Ford Escape models teased ahead of SEMA has been built by VACCAR and for their project vehicle, they began with an Escape SE with front wheel drive, the 2.0L EcoBoost engine and a 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. VACCAR’s goal was to show the “rugged off-road attitude, upscale comfort and potent EcoBoost engine” so it makes it a bit odd that they chose a front wheel drive model but hey, this is SEMA…things don’t need to make sense. As has been the case with all of the SEMA preview teaser images, the VACCAR Escape doesn’t come with any real details but we can tell from the picture that it will have some serious mud-slinging off road tires wrapped around custom rims, some suspension work that has the Escape sitting more like a lowrider than an off road vehicle, a bull bar up front and a luggage rack on the roof. Finally, a two tone paint job with grey upper portions and darker lower portions are added with the result being the VACCAR Urban Escape Adventurer (shown on the bottom).

The other 2013 Ford Escape modified for the 2012 SEMA Show has been produced by Heide Performance Products (HPP) of Madison Heights Michigan (shown on the top). HPP started with an Escape SE with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine and the 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission but unlike the first SUV we discussed above – Heide went with an all wheel drive model. Based on the images, it looks as though HPP has designed an uber aggressive body kit with a new front fascia, side skirts and fender flares along with a rear spoiler out back. I would also expect that HPP designed a unique rear fascia that we cannot see in the image. For those who haven’t heard of HPP, they are a custom design shop that creates entirely new body packages for cars like the Dodge Challenger and the Chevrolet Camaro – converting them into modern Superbirds and Firebirds. HPP makes incredibly clean body kits so this Escape should look like its ready for production – albeit a bit too aggressive for the standard compact SUV class. The outside is finished with a set of “eye brows” on the headlights that give the Escape a scowling look while the entire body is finished in metallic green. There is also a set of big, wide wheels wrapped in low profile rubber (that look a little like Chrysler SRT rims). Finally, the HPP Escape a leather and suede interior layout that should add as much comfort as the exterior design adds aggressive style.

So far, we have gotten a look at the Escape, Focus and Fusion models coming to the Ford Motor Company SEMA Show display and with just 11 days until the Vegas convention opens, we can expect more teaser artwork from Ford detailing more of the vehicles headed to SEMA - namely some Ford F Series pickups and the mighty Mustangs. Stay tuned to TorqueNews.com for all of your SEMA previews leading up to our comprehensive coverage of the 2012 show!