"I reached out to the Vatican a few months ago, and that's how this began. We even took a quick drive, and I can confirm the Holy Father enjoys driving a sporty ride."
"Ford said the SUV is a luxury-spec, all-wheel-drive Explorer Platinum hybrid - a powertrain configuration that isn't available at US dealerships. The automaker has built hybrid 2026 Explorers for police interceptor models."
"The new Explorer won't replace the Pope's official Popemobile, the company confirmed to Business Insider. It doesn't have bullet-proof glass or a ceremonial standing platform. Mercedes-Benz has historically supplied the Pope's official set of wheels."
Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant workers constructed a luxury-spec, all-wheel-drive Explorer Platinum hybrid for an unknown VIP, later revealed to be Pope Leo XIV. CEO Jim Farley and his wife personally delivered the customized vehicle to the Vatican on February 28. The SUV features personalized touches honoring the Pope's Chicago hometown, including flag seat tags, skyline stitching, and engraved door plates. The Explorer serves as a personal gift rather than replacing the Pope's official Popemobile, which remains a custom electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The hybrid powertrain configuration is unavailable at U.S. dealerships, making this a unique build.
Read at Business Insider
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