Eclipse Car Audio Ford Flex

When Mike West of Eclipse Car Audio was deciding on what vehicle they would use to showcase their newest multi-media products at the 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, they once again turned to Rick Bottom Designs (Mendota, Illinois).

Eclipse created and introduced the concept of an integrated navigation and mobile entertainment product at CES in 2004, and they have continued to innovate this category, which is why they wanted a vehicle as innovative in their booth. Bottom was quick to suggest using the hot, new 2009 Ford Flex and West agreed.

Bottom and a select group of other companies set out to create a high-line, luxury custom that one might see cruising the fashionable Hamptons—and the “Bay Street Edition” was born. After stripping the interior and exterior, the makeover began. He had only six weeks before the SEMA Show, so everyone knew they had their work cut out for them.

Every inch of the Flex has been tastefully, albeit subtly, modified. From custom leather and suede upholstery, to a redesigned dash and unique gray wood-grain appliqués, the custom Flex makes for a styling road warrior. Other customizations include: a second row refrigerator inside, custom two-tone paint, custom hood with chrome metal inserts, matching custom billet grille and custom chrome trim, dropped springs and a set of painted 22-inch wheels for a more aggressive look.

Plus, to make the Flex even more fun—and tailgate party ready—a special hitch from Midway Products Group (Monroe, Michigan) was installed to attach a swing-out 20,000 BTU Freedom Grill (Poway, California), with fold-out side tables, custom-painted to match the Flex.

It’s difficult to improve on such a well-designed vehicle as the Flex, but the end result speaks for itself. In fact, the vehicle was so striking, it won the prestigious “Ford Motor Company Design Award” at the SEMA Show. Then, at the 2009 CES, the Flex helped Eclipse win a 2009 “Innovations Award” for the AVN 6620 multi-source head unit that is the heart of its audio/video the system.