California Car Cover Escape

The in-dash Alpine stereo/GPS unit features a retractable screen and even a remote control.

The Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute are strong sellers in the compact sport/utility marketplace--and this fact has not been lost on the aftermarket. California Car Cover Company, an outfit best known for its quality car covers and nifty car dusters, has a bunch of good stuff available for these corporate cousins (and a lot of other models, too). Case in point is this CCCC-ized Escape, built for up-and-coming pop vocalist Jaci Velasquez.

This project began with removing all the stock body cladding, sanding the panels smooth, and fogging on a layer of retina-scorching yellow paint. A set of WAAG front and rear brush guards were installed for protection and a tough-guy look. More tricks include a set of PIAA driving lights and WAAG tube-style running boards that also got the yellow-hue treatment.

Lower/stiffer springs from Eibach bring the Escape closer to terra firma, while ASA JS5 alloy wheels with Bridgestone Dueler H/O 255/55R18 tires fill the wheelwells. The combination provides a notable improvement in handling--a solid 3.5-mph increase through our slalom course--and predictability to an already solid platform. The grippier 18-in. tires help reduce 60-0-mph braking by over 5 ft.