2008 FORD EXPEDITION FUNKMASTER FLEX EDITION HITS DEALERSHIPS ACROSS THE COUNTRY
- 2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition hits dealerships across the country.
- Hip-Hop Guru of Car Customization Funkmaster Flex breaks barriers to become the first African American hip-hop personality and celebrity customizer in history to have a mass-produced production vehicle.
- Funkmaster Flex Edition features custom two-tone paint, a complete 3d Carbon body kit and custom interior.
DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 13 – Sporting a two-tone Colorado Red and Black paint scheme, a complete custom 3dCarbon body kit and 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, Ford’s limited-edition 2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition (FMF) is now arriving in dealerships across the country.
In launching the Funkmaster Flex Edition, Ford is positioning itself for continued growth in the urban market with a custom SUV that sports a unique style and presence straight from the factory.
“Seeing this vehicle roll off the assembly line is unbelievable to me,” said Funkmaster Flex.
“It’s definitely exciting to see what started as a concept now turn into an actual mass-produced vehicle that can be purchased in dealerships around the country. The vehicle is hot and will without a doubt appeal to those who want an Expedition with some serious urban street appeal.”
In 2006, Ford opened its Dearborn design studio doors to Funkmaster Flex to look at how to customize the new Expedition. Flex went to work with Ford designers to create an expressive concept that delivered the Expedition’s SUV authenticity with a unique urban style and presence. Earlier this year, Ford and Flex revealed a production version of his concept vehicle at the 2007 New York International Auto Show.
“Funkmaster Flex is finding ways to connect with new customers,” said Crystal Greene, Ford Sponsorships & Alliances Manager. “He is a perfect fit for the Ford brand because he brings so much energy and enthusiasm to the table. He knows what customers want and he can really deliver.”
Ford research shows that nearly half of all new-vehicle buyers are adding unique touches to their vehicles and Expedition is no exception. Modifications to the Expedition are as diverse as the needs of buyers – from adding additional off-road capability, to custom cargo storage, to adding touches for increased urban street appeal. Funkmaster Flex, a major influence in hip hop culture, has developed a young fan base of urban automotive enthusiasts who take pride in their personal style. Their vehicle often defines their lifestyle. Ford wants to reach these buyers with this new customized Expedition.
Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition Highlights
The 2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition is based on the existing short wheelbase Expedition and is powered by a 300-horsepower 5.4-liter V-8 and 6-speed automatic transmission. Highlights of the limited-edition vehicle include:
Exterior
- 3dCarbon body kit with custom front/rear fascia and side skirts
- Two-tone Black and Colorado Red paint with Orange pinstriping
- Funkmaster Flex chrome badges on fenders
- Trailer hitch cover
- Second-row captain’s chairs
- 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels
Interior
- Black leather interior with contrasting Colorado red stitching
- Colorado red shifter, center stack and door appliqués/bezels
- Funkmaster Flex stitched logo headrests
- Unique floormats with FMF logo
- Limited-edition Funkmaster Flex numbered dash plaque
- SIRIUS® Satellite Radio
Available with the same interior and optional features as Expedition Limited, the 2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition features a 340-watt Audiophile® Sound System, MP3 player audio input jack, PowerFold™ third-row seat, and heated and cooled front seats – all as standard equipment. Available options include a DVD-based Navigation system, power liftgate, air suspension and Rear-Seat DVD Entertainment System.
Base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition is $40,910, including $900 for destination and delivery charges. The vehicle is built at Ford’s Michigan Truck Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich.
About Funkmaster Flex
A New York City native, Funkmaster Flex is synonymous with hip hop. For over a decade, he has reigned as America’s #1 Hip Hop personality, reaching more than two million listeners a week through his popular radio show. His production talents and artist relationships have earned him five gold records for major-label mix albums.
Funkmaster Flex has successfully connected his hip hop celebrity status to the auto industry to become a guru of car customization culture. Through his high-profile custom-car club, Team Baurtwell, Flex has customized cars for attention-drawing personalities. His nine-city “Custom Car and Bike Show” keeps him constantly connected with the latest trends and styles happening in the automotive industry.
In 2005, Ford Motor Company started a relationship with Funkmaster Flex. He is currently focused on reinventing Ford’s American car customization culture for an all-new urban enthusiast. To date, he has customized over 15 vehicles for Ford. At the 2005 Ford SEMA show press conference, Flex stole the show with a tuned Ford Fusion wearing a 3dCarbon body kit. His customized Ford Fusion and F-150 were featured attractions on his car show tour.
Flex also played important roles at the 2007 North American International Auto Show and the 2007 New York Auto Show International. Other recent highlights of the partnership include a cameo appearance in Ford’s latest Fusion television and Edge radio commercials. In May of this year, Ford become the official sponsor of the reality television series “Car Wars with Funkmaster Flex,” airing on ESPN2 and featured Flex in a new television ad for the Ford Expedition. He most recently lent his customization skills at the 2007 SEMA show in Las Vegas with the debut of Flex2 – a one-of-a-kind show vehicle that highlights his interpretation of urban luxury on Ford’s newest crossover, the Ford Flex.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.