New Concept Adapted Vehicle Debuts


When it comes to adapted vehicles, there have been some pretty spectacular ones along the way, from trucks with ramps to the love it or hate it, the PT Cruiser, being modified. If there’s a will, and some money, oh you better believe there’s a way.

braun-camo-300x225And that is exactly how this insanely awesome adapted 2013 Ford Explorer became what it is today – a sweet ride for Lance Corporal Mike DeLancey, paralyzed in 2006 when he was hit by a sniper.

This new adapted concept vehicle would never have been possible without funding from HP and Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports, BraunAbility, and support from Wounded Warriors, West Coast Customs and Fox Sports; a lot of big companies all coming together for an awesome cause.

The accessible entry created for the Ford Explorer really is a novel idea. First, it lowers itself on a hydraulic system, similar to what you would see in lowered floor mini-vans, but what makes it different is the “ramp.” There is none really.

Instead the vehicle lowers itself to the ground, then the door opens up kind of like a drawer, with a platform that lowers to the ground. This looks like no boring van. I’ll tell you what.

A full-on look at this vehicle however won’t be available until this fall when the West Coast Customs show on Fox Sports airs the episode when this vehicle is given to Lance Corporal DeLancey. And BraunAbility is even planning to begin mass producing this design in some of their vehicles. Now how cool would that be?

Finally…we have an access system that isn’t limited to a handful of vehicles. My only question is this: How much battery power is required to run it all? Will I need auxiliary power?

Of course for the vehicle made for Lance Corporal DeLancy was given a custom camouflage paint job. Can I have it in purple? The vehicle also comes with a HP Elite Pad 9000, a 42″ widescreen LCD monitor for tailgating and 22” gloss black brushed accent wheels. The car is so cool.

I wonder what other SUVs this entry system would work in? Nearly any SUV I would guess. Maybe *gasp*….my dream of winning the lottery and driving a Porche Cayenne ccouldan actually happen one day? Can’t wait to see video of this entry system just to make sure.

Read more about the Wounded Warrior vehicle project for Lance Corporal DeLancey


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