New Ford Explorer Sport: Fuel-Efficient, High-Performance SUV
Features Inspired Design Cues, EcoBoost V6 Engine
DEARBORN, Mich. – The
first-ever performance version of the Ford Explorer arrives this year
with the highest projected fuel economy among gasoline-engine-powered,
high- performance SUVs.
With a
twin-turbocharged EcoBoost® V6 engine making at least 350 horsepower and
four-wheel drive with a Terrain Management System™, Explorer Sport
delivers enhanced on-road dynamics with sporty design cues inside and
out.
“Adding an EcoBoost
drivetrain to Explorer Sport delivers even more fuel efficiency and
performance to the lineup,” said Bill Gubing, Explorer chief engineer.
“This is our highest- performance, most capable Ford Explorer ever.”
Completely new for
2011, the Ford Explorer has been winning over customers with its
improved on-road handling, impressive comfort and convenience
technologies, and fuel economy never before delivered by an SUV.
For the 2013 model
year, Explorer Sport brings high-performance SUV power and projected
fuel economy of up to 16 mpg in city driving and 22 mpg on the highway –
anticipating 3 mpg better in the city and 2 mpg on the highway than the
Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango R/T 5.7-liter Hemi engines. It
scores 3 mpg higher in the city and 4 mpg higher on the highway than the
Land Rover Range Rover Sport.
“Explorer Sport makes no compromises,”
said Carl Widmann, vehicle engineering manager. “By carefully beefing
the chassis and suspension, precisely calibrating the Terrain Management
System and adding comfort and convenience features, we’ve delivered an
SUV that delivers great dynamics and performance – while towing up to
5,000 pounds.”
The Explorer Sport features a
paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission with a
unique 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio to provide the balance of responsive
acceleration and economical low-rpm cruising for better fuel efficiency.
The chassis also has been specially reinforced, making Explorer Sport
stiffer and improving its handling.
Explorer Sport also brings a solid-mounted
electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) rack with a faster ratio,
providing more responsiveness to drivers both on-road and off. Ford’s
newest SUV comes standard with larger brakes for shorter stopping
distances and better performance while towing. Explorer Sport also has
received special terrain management settings for tackling sandy, snowy,
rutted mud and hill descent.
