Brad Keselowski teamed up with Webasto Thermo & Comfort North America, one of the largest suppliers of heating, cooling and ventilation systems to the commercial truck and specialty vehicle markets, to test out their newest project vehicle, the all-new 2015 Ford Edge Sport.
Built for the 2015 SEMA Show, Webasto Thermo & Comfort North America is using the Ford Edge Sport to showcase its thermo technology and sunroof products. Webasto unveiled its concept Ford Edge this week in Ford Motor Company’s booth. But Brad got to take it for an early test drive.
The drive behind the project was to take the already dynamic Ford Edge Sport and enhance the performance, handling and driver experience and create the ultimate in luxury performance. Nicknamed, “Ignition,” the Ford Edge Sport by Webasto ignites the driver’s adrenaline and truly lets them “feel the drive.”
Who better to push “Ignition” to the edge than a NASCAR Champion known for his aggressive racing style and elite talent? Michigan International Speedway provided access to their track for a day and turned Keselowski and Webasto loose. What transpired was pretty incredible.
Keselowski pushed the Edge to its absolute limits, testing the boundaries of the vehicle’s prototype suspension, exhaust and powertrain modifications. With this data, Webasto was able to make some adjustments and put the finishing touches on the car in preparation for the unveiling at the SEMA show. In addition to the performance modifications, Webasto installed an engine pre-heater on the Edge.
Controlled by a smartphone, the heater brings the engine’s fluids up to optimum operating temperature before the engine is even started. This reduces engine wear & tear and exhaust emission, prolongs turbocharger life and provides a warm interior.