This is the new Ford Explorer 2011 EcoBoost!

This time however, we got to see the other side. We were invited in to see an extremely important new Ford, the 2011 Explorer.

We spent half-a-day at Ford’s Product Development Center being briefed on all that is new with the Explorer.

The Explorer is just one part of Ford’s company-wide initiative to increase fuel economy through the use of smaller displacement engines and turbocharging. V-6s are being replaced with turbocharged (“EcoBoost” in Ford speak) I-4s, while V-8s are getting booted in favor of naturally-aspirated or turbocharged V-6s. Gone are the 4.0-liter Cologne V-6, and the 4.6-liter modular V-8 of the old Explorer, to be replaced with a new direct-injected, 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 and a 3.5-liter V-6. Both new engines feature considerable jumps in fuel economy, which Ford reps were adamant is the number one reason customers turned away from SUVs.

The 2.0T produces 237 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. That’s 27 more horsepower and only 4 pound-feet of torque less than the old 4.0, but Ford claims a thirty percent improvement in fuel economy.

The 3.5-liter V-6 produces 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. While that is less power than the 4.6-liter V-8, a twenty percent improvement in fuel economy softens the blow.

Those improved mileage numbers aren’t just because of the engines. A 100 pound weight reduction combined with new technology, and a body that cuts through the air more efficiently plays a big part. Unfortunately, the lower power means the Explorer can’t quite tow as much. The 2.0T is rated at only 2000 pounds, while the 3.5-liter can only handle 5000 pounds.

Both motors transmit their power through six-speed automatics, but only the 3.5-liter V-6 sends power to all four wheels. The 2.0T has to make due with front-wheel drive only.

The Explorer has gone through some big aesthetic changes for the new model year. The new design is a tasteful adaption of the Bold American (current Ford Focus) and European Kinetic (new Ford Fiesta) design languages. Up front, the three-bar grill remains, while the jeweled headlights trail into the fenders.

From the rear tip of the headlights, you can imagine a line leading to the LED taillights, which are similar in shape. Ford was anxious to emphasize the aggressively angled, body-color C-pillar, which gives the car a bit more character. The tailgate is notable for the massive rear spoiler jutting out from the roof, which is sure to cycle air where the Ford team wants it. The exterior of the car underwent extensive computer and wind tunnel testing to get the shape just right.

Ford execs were proud of the brand’s improvement in the J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Survey, and were quick to point out that the Explorer team benchmarked Lexus and Audi during the design process.

Everything in the interior seemed to fit together neatly. Door panels and dash pieces felt solid, and didn’t creak when pressure was applied.

The switchgear felt good, while the other primary driver contact points (steering wheel, HVAC, nav) would have been at home on a much more expensive car. Even on the exterior, panels fit together flush, and according to Ford, some of the panels have smaller gaps than comparable Audi models.

The Explorer is getting a host of innovative features to protect its occupants. The second row is equipped with industry-first, inflatable seat belts.

Ford demonstrated that the inflatable belts do a better job of distributing the impact force from a collision by applying the shock over a wider surface area. They are also pretty comfortable compared to a normal belt, which should keep Junior wearing it properly.

Ford hasn’t given a firm date on availability, pricing, or official fuel economy numbers, but we should know more in the months ahead. Check back for more information, including our first drive in the coming months.





Author: Al
Source: Autolatest & WindingRoad