Tony Docimo, the Engineering Manager of the Ford assembly plant in Chicago, joins the Ray Stevens Show to discuss a unique project: a Ford Explorer specially designed for Pope Leo. Docimo shares his excitement and pride in the project, noting the connection some plant workers have to the Pope through St. Rita of Cascia High School, where the Pope formerly taught.

The special "Papal" Explorer features unique modifications, including. A 3.3-liter V6 hybrid powertrain, usually only found in Chicago-built police interceptors. Custom interior details, such as Chicago flag seat tags, Chicago skyline stitching on the armrest, and metal scuff plates with a Chicago-to-Vatican design. Personal touches from the Chicago team, including a group photo, handwritten letters, a celebration coin, and vanity license plates. The inclusion of Aurelio's pizza boxes, a nod to the Pope's favorite hometown pizza.

Docimo also briefly touches upon other products built at the Chicago plant, such as the Lincoln Aviator and the recently launched Explorer Tremor, while maintaining a focus on quality improvement. The interview concludes with a lighthearted discussion about potential "Chicago-specific" features for future vehicles and the possibility of bulletproof glass for the Papal Explorer.

Tony Docimo, the Engineering Manager of the Ford assembly plant in Chicago, joins the Ray Stevens Show to discuss a unique project: a Ford Explorer specially designed for Pope Leo. Docimo shares his excitement and pride in the project, noting the connection some plant workers have to the Pope through St. Rita of Cascia High School, where the Pope formerly taught.
The special "Papal" Explorer features unique modifications, including. A 3.3-liter V6 hybrid powertrain, usually only found in Chicago-built police interceptors. Custom interior details, such as Chicago flag seat tags, Chicago skyline stitching on the armrest, and metal scuff plates with a Chicago-to-Vatican design. Personal touches from the Chicago team, including a group photo, handwritten letters, a celebration coin, and vanity license plates. The inclusion of Aurelio's pizza boxes, a nod to the Pope's favorite hometown pizza.
Docimo also briefly touches upon other products built at the Chicago plant, such as the Lincoln Aviator and the recently launched Explorer Tremor, while maintaining a focus on quality improvement. The interview concludes with a lighthearted discussion about potential "Chicago-specific" features for future vehicles and the possibility of bulletproof glass for the Papal Explorer.

Ray Stevens brings the RIGHT side of the conversation to mornings on 890 WLS-AM live from 6am-9am. If you missed the show, come here to catch up on the right side of Chicago talk.

Ray Stevens brings the RIGHT side of the conversation to mornings on 890 WLS-AM live from 6am-9am. If you missed the show, come here to catch up on the right side of Chicago talk.

The Ray Stevens Show

Ray Stevens brings the RIGHT side of the conversation to mornings on 890 WLS-AM live from 6am-9am. If you missed the show, come here to catch up on the right side of Chicago talk. 

Ray Stevens brings the RIGHT side of the conversation to mornings on 890 WLS-AM live from 6am-9am. If you missed the show, come here to catch up on the right side of Chicago talk.&nbsp;