Awesom-o: Ford Builds Life-Size 2012 Explorer Replica from LEGO Bricks [with Video]

We have seen LEGO bricks used to craft just about anything one can imagine but we never cease to be amazed when somebody goes over the top to construct a freakishly big design. Case in point, a full-size replica of Ford's 2012 Explorer built almost entirely from LEGO bricks, which was made to mark the beginning of a new long-term alliance between Ford and the LEGOLAND Florida theme park.
Named the LEGOLAND Florida edition Explorer, the bright red SUV is the work of 22 designers who used more than 380,000 LEGO bricks for its construction. The plastic Explorer weighs in at a whopping 2,654 pounds (1,204 kg) and is supported by a 768-pound (348 kg) interior aluminum base.
Following its debut today at Ford's Chicago plant, which produces the real-life Explorer, the LEGO version vehicle will be loaded onto a trailer with see-through sides so motorists can see it as it makes its way to the new 150-acre LEGOLAND Florida theme park just outside Orlando. The LEGOLAND Explorer will be featured at the Ford Driving School for children, which is one of the park's attractions.
“Ford is excited to support the alliance between LEGOLAND Florida and the Southeast Ford dealers," said Tracy Magee, Ford Experiential Marketing manager. "The LEGOLAND Florida Explorer and the Ford Driving School attraction are great opportunities to showcase our products and safety messages to families and visitors in a unique way,” she added.

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Ford Police Interceptors Reporting For Duty in Michigan

Michigan outlaws beware: State Police is getting ready to add another weapon in its armory, or rather two: the Ford Taurus Police Interceptor Sedan and the Explorer Police Interceptor Utility, which today passed the two-day State Police tests and are ready to enter service.

Although the Taurus Interceptor was tested just as thoroughly, it was the Explorer SUV Utility version that received most of the attention.

According to Ford, not only did it outperform its direct rival, the Chevrolet Tahoe, but it also stood its ground among other saloon models in 0-60mph acceleration, handling and braking tests.

“We are pleased that the performance of the Police Interceptor Utility was validated because it provides more choice for law enforcement agencies,” said Police Interceptors’ marketing manager Lisa Teed. “They can be assured that whether in slippery conditions like snow or in pursuit situations the purpose-built Utility will deliver.”

Both vehicles come equipped with four-wheel drive as standard. The Explorer is powered by a 3.5-liter flex-fuel V6 with 300HP and the Crown Victoria-replacing Taurus sedan with either a flex-fuel 3.5-liter V6 or a 365HP twin-turbocharged V6.

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