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Driven by the commitment to give customers unsurpassed fuel efficiency with
each new vehicle, Ford attacked every detail to transform Explorer with
significantly improved fuel economy:
- Twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT)
- Latest Ford EcoBoost engine
- Six-speed automatic transmissions
- Electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) to significantly reduce
parasitic power loss
- Intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD)
- Variable-displacement air-conditioning compressor
- Optimized tires for reduced rolling resistance
- Slippery aerodynamics with harmonized front air dam and rear liftgate
spoiler
Weight reduction is a key element in improving Explorer fuel efficiency.
While adding significant content to the vehicle, engineers were able to reduce
total vehicle weight by almost 100 pounds through the use of lighter materials
such as an aluminum hood. Explorer weight loss is even more impressive, as the
latest versions of Honda Pilot and Toyota 4Runner have added pounds versus
previous models.
Explorer's available advanced 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4
delivers the power of a normally aspirated V6 without compromising four-cylinder
fuel economy. Aimed at the SUV buyer whose top priority is fuel economy, this
turbocharged and intercooled I-4 engine delivers a projected 237 horsepower at
5,500 rpm and 250 lb-ft of torque from 1,700 through 4,000 rpm. The EcoBoost
employs direct injection of gasoline, Ti-VCT, direct-acting mechanical bucket
(DAMB) valve lifters and four valves per cylinder.
Explorer's standard
powertrain combines front-wheel drive with a 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine,
delivering an estimated 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque. Ti-VCT allows
individually optimized camshaft timing of valve opening and closing events to
improve mechanical efficiency while delivering increased power and reducing
part-throttle emissions. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, this
powerful, flexible and efficient V6 is projected to deliver more than 20 percent
better fuel economy versus the previous Explorer V6 model.
Explorer's
variable-displacement air-conditioning compressor provides a fuel economy
benefit with less drag and smoother transition for improved driveability.
Each Explorer engine is paired with a unique six-speed automatic
transmission, combining lowered initial gears for improved off-the-line
acceleration and higher gearing for improved efficiency at lower engine rpm when
cruising.
Explorer V6 models are available with an intelligent 4WD system
that adds terrain management. Situation-selectable, this powertrain advancement
takes the guesswork out of 4WD range choice.
A driver need only turn the
console-mounted knob to the proper setting among snow, sand, mud and normal
modes. This system also includes a hill descent mode.
Simpler and more
convenient for SUV veterans, the system will be a confidence-builder for drivers
new to the segment.
Contemporary Design
In addition to its
clean, modern design inside and out, Explorer aims to please SUV shoppers with a
thoughtful, flexible interior package that abounds with clever storage capacity.
The new SUV features more head and shoulder room, three rows of flexible
seating, and room for everything families want to take along on their
adventures.
The Explorer design - inside and out - is executed with
world-class craftsmanship. Tight margin gaps are just one indication of the
immense attention to detail applied to craftsmanship across the spectrum, from
design to engineering to manufacturing.
The Chicago facility where
Explorer will be produced raised the bar on initial quality measures with the
recent Taurus launch, which is good news for customers.
"Crafting a
high-quality vehicle is like preparing a gourmet meal," said Peter Bejin,
craftsmanship supervisor. "You start with high-quality ingredients, execute your
recipe with flawless preparation and finally, present it with flair and
panache."
Quietness - another profound advancement in the all-new 2011
Ford Explorer - also will signal quality to customers.
The team enhanced
noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) control for the all-new Explorer using an
advanced technology called NoiseVision. A ball with hundreds of tiny cameras and
microphones, NoiseVision allows engineers to pinpoint and address potential
noise issues earlier in the development process.
Explorer is expected to
be superior to in-segment competitors and rival premium SUVs in quietness and
NVH control.
Explorer Safety
The all-new Explorer targets
top safety ratings with a stiff unibody structure and a class-leading suite of
active and passive safety features and technologies, plus another Ford safety
innovation - the world's first second-row inflatable rear belts.
Rear
seat passengers - often children or mature passengers - can be more vulnerable
to head, chest and neck injuries. Ford's unique inflatable rear belts spread
impact forces across more than five times the area than conventional seat belts,
reducing pressure on the chest while helping to control head and neck motion.
Belt comfort should also help increase usage rates. Studies show inflatable
belts to be more comfortable for passengers due to padding.
From the
boron front bumper beam through the hydroformed front frame rails and
high-strength steel side-impact tubes, Explorer's rigid body structure is
designed to provide robust protection for occupants. In the instance of a crash,
these elements come together to protect Explorer driver and passengers inside a
safety cage of strength.
Stretching the Breadth of Capability
The 2011 Ford Explorer redefines customer expectations for driving dynamics
and comfort - on any road, anytime, anywhere - while stretching the breadth of
SUV capability. Transforming Explorer's driving quality was central to creating
an SUV for 21st century customers.
"Our objectives for Explorer dynamics
were threefold," said Carl Widmann, vehicle engineering manager. "The first
element was to greatly increase on-road comfort, capability and driving
dynamics. The second was to maintain the 'any road, anytime, anywhere' capability of the previous model. Finally, we aimed to apply technology to the
task of safely towing, as V6 Explorer models are rated up to 5,000 pounds. We
think customers will be pleased with the next-generation Explorer on all three
counts."
The theme of the all-new Explorer dynamics development was
balance. The team sought to provide an engaging driver experience in harmony
with the extended breadth of 4WD capability to build driver confidence.
The shift to a unibody construction platform enabled a reduction in road noise
and significantly decreased Explorer body roll in dynamic cornering situations.
Independent front suspension is of the short- and long-arm configuration with a
32-millimeter front stabilizer bar. Independent rear suspension is the SR1
configuration, so-named for its one-to-one shock absorber ratio, which enables
precise ride control.
Explorer's EPAS system allows for variable rates of
assistance based on speed, turn-in and direction. In addition to optimized
steering feel, tight on-centering and appropriate resistance, EPAS provides a
fuel economy benefit in comparison to traditional hydraulic power assist
systems. EPAS also enables a competitive turning radius for optimum
maneuverability in parking situations, combined with increased assistance at low
speeds for parking ease.
EPAS allows for the addition of Curve Control, a
new feature that senses when a driver enters a turn too quickly and applies
brake pressure to stabilize the vehicle.
In addition, EPAS enables the
optional active park assist technology. When activated, the system scans for a
suitable spot, calculates the trajectory, and steers the vehicle. The driver
continues to control brake and throttle inputs, but the system steers the
vehicle throughout the parking maneuver.
Off-Roading Standout on a
Variety of Surfaces
The key to Explorer 4WD capability is Ford's new
terrain management system.
Replacing the traditional SUV transfer case
configuration, the new system takes the guesswork out of maximizing 4WD and the
capabilities it enables. Rather than employment of four-high, four-low and auto
settings, Explorer terrain management is selectable by situation. The four
settings - available by shift-on-the-fly - include normal, mud, sand and snow.
Each setting provides unique engine behavior, throttle tip-in, transmission
shift scheduling and calibrations for traction and stability control systems.
Terrain management also includes Hill Descent Control, which provides engine
braking to increase driver confidence and control when descending a steep
incline.
Explorer models with V6 power are rated to tow a maximum of
5,000 pounds. To aid with hookup - especially when alone - a reverse camera with
zoom-in functionality is available, allowing a driver to back up to the trailer
on-center. The Explorer towing package includes trailer sway control - a
stability package shared with the Ford F-150 pickup - to help minimize trailer
sway. Trailer brake controller wiring is also included, as is a tow/haul mode.
Engaging tow/haul mode increases engine braking to help slow the vehicle and
trailer when descending steep grades.
Many Features, Convenience and
Connectivity
The all-new Explorer is available in three trim series
levels - base, XLT and Limited. Each offering presents a robust array of
standard features, with a class-leading selection of additional convenience and
connectivity options so a buyer can tailor a new Explorer to his or her
individual needs and desires.
Standard convenience features include:
- MyForddriver connect technology including 4.2-inch LCD screen
- MyKey owner control feature
- Air filtration system
- Media hub
- Easy Fuel capless fuel filler system
- Cruise control
- Power windows, with one-touch down for driver
- Power door locks with child safety rear door locks
- Tilt/telescoping steering column
- Four 12-volt power points
- Cargo hooks
Explorer XLT includes standard content and adds:
- Automatic headlamps
- Six-speed SelectShift Automatic
- Heated sideview mirrors with LED signal indicators and security approach
lamps
- SecuriCode keyless entry keypad
- Reverse sensing system
- Perimeter alarm
Explorer Limited includes all base and XLT content, plus:
- PowerFold sideview mirrors with driver's side memory
- Ambient lighting
- Adjustable pedals with memory functionality
- Cargo net
- Dual-zone electronic temperature control
- 10-way power driver's seat, with power recline and lumbar
- Electrochromic interior mirror
- Rear view camera
- Remote start system
- 110-volt outlet
- MyFord Touchdriver connect technology
- Intelligent Access with push-button start
- Universal garage door opener
The 2011 Explorer will be assembled at Ford's Chicago manufacturing facility.
Production begins late this year, and Explorer will be available in dealerships
this winter.
Ford Explorer: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications