2011 Ford Explorer Preview
Design
The all-new 2011 Ford Explorer features a completely redesigned chassis, body, and powertrain.The car-like unibody platform-shared with the Ford Taurus-is hidden beneath completely new sheetmetal and features a mix of traditional Explorer styling cues and thoroughly modern styling, according to Ford. The front end features Ford's now-familiar 3-bar grille, which is capped at each end by projector beam headlights. Character styling lines run down each side, with prominent body-color fender flares (reminiscent of earlier Explorers with contrasting flares).
On up-level trims, side mirrors feature integrated turn signals. As has been customary since the Explorer's launch two decades ago, the body's C-pillar is thick and painted, while the D-pillar is all but invisible. Dual exhaust pipes on the rear complete the new model's transformation.
A marked departure from its predecessor, the interior of the new 2011 Ford Explorer has a much more intimate "cockpit" feel, with a prominent center console separating the driver and front passenger. The air vents have been moved to the top of the center stack (above the multi-function screen) and the driver's primary instruments are viewed through the 3-spoke steering wheel, arranged to the left and right of the large circular speedometer. Second-row seats fold 60:40, with headrests that fold forward when dropped. Third-row passengers enjoy more amenities than ever before, with their own cupholders, lighting and storage bins.
Powertrain
Standard power for the new 2011 Ford Explorer comes in the form of a 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine rated at 290 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. The optional engine is a direct-injection, 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder rated at 237 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque (the 2010 Ford Explorer V-6 was rated at 210 horsepower and 254 lb.-ft. of torque).
Both engines are mated to a standard 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels (all-wheel drive is optional). According to Ford, the transmission has been designed with low initial gearing to improve acceleration off the line, and higher gearing at the top end to improve fuel efficiency. The Explorer V-6 models with the optional "intelligent 4WD" systems add Terrain Management (situation-selectable via a cockpit control for snow, sand, mud, and normal modes). Fuel efficiency figures have not been released, but Ford estimates that the new V-6 should deliver 20-percent better fuel economy versus the previous Explorer model.
The new Ford Explorer with the V-6 engine is rated to tow a 5,000-pound trailer. Included with the optional towing package is trailer sway control, a stability package that helps minimize trailer sway, thus helping the driver to keep the vehicle-and trailer-under control (the technology is shared with the Ford F-150). The transmission's tow/haul mode increases engine braking to help slow the vehicle and trailer when descending steep grades, says the automaker.
Previous Page
Next Page
The all-new 2011 Ford Explorer features a completely redesigned chassis, body, and powertrain.The car-like unibody platform-shared with the Ford Taurus-is hidden beneath completely new sheetmetal and features a mix of traditional Explorer styling cues and thoroughly modern styling, according to Ford. The front end features Ford's now-familiar 3-bar grille, which is capped at each end by projector beam headlights. Character styling lines run down each side, with prominent body-color fender flares (reminiscent of earlier Explorers with contrasting flares). On up-level trims, side mirrors feature integrated turn signals. As has been customary since the Explorer's launch two decades ago, the body's C-pillar is thick and painted, while the D-pillar is all but invisible. Dual exhaust pipes on the rear complete the new model's transformation.
A marked departure from its predecessor, the interior of the new 2011 Ford Explorer has a much more intimate "cockpit" feel, with a prominent center console separating the driver and front passenger. The air vents have been moved to the top of the center stack (above the multi-function screen) and the driver's primary instruments are viewed through the 3-spoke steering wheel, arranged to the left and right of the large circular speedometer. Second-row seats fold 60:40, with headrests that fold forward when dropped. Third-row passengers enjoy more amenities than ever before, with their own cupholders, lighting and storage bins.
Powertrain
Standard power for the new 2011 Ford Explorer comes in the form of a 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine rated at 290 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. The optional engine is a direct-injection, 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder rated at 237 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque (the 2010 Ford Explorer V-6 was rated at 210 horsepower and 254 lb.-ft. of torque).
Both engines are mated to a standard 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels (all-wheel drive is optional). According to Ford, the transmission has been designed with low initial gearing to improve acceleration off the line, and higher gearing at the top end to improve fuel efficiency. The Explorer V-6 models with the optional "intelligent 4WD" systems add Terrain Management (situation-selectable via a cockpit control for snow, sand, mud, and normal modes). Fuel efficiency figures have not been released, but Ford estimates that the new V-6 should deliver 20-percent better fuel economy versus the previous Explorer model.The new Ford Explorer with the V-6 engine is rated to tow a 5,000-pound trailer. Included with the optional towing package is trailer sway control, a stability package that helps minimize trailer sway, thus helping the driver to keep the vehicle-and trailer-under control (the technology is shared with the Ford F-150). The transmission's tow/haul mode increases engine braking to help slow the vehicle and trailer when descending steep grades, says the automaker.
Page 2 of 3
Post a Comment