Thanks to a comprehensive effort from the entire Blue Oval team, the all-new 2011 Ford Explorer V6 will go on sale as the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class, with top marks in both the city and the highway. The bottom line here: EPA ratings of 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway, with the latter representing a full 25 percent improvement over the previous Explorer V6.
Those numbers come courtesy of a wide range of enhancements, including:
- An all-new V6 engine featuring twin independent variable camshaft timing, a low-tension drive belt, aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff and a direct-acting mechanical bucket (DAMB) valvetrain with highly polished buckets to reduce internal friction
- A smooth-shifting high-efficiency six-speed automatic transmission
- An aerodynamic exterior honed in Ford’s wind tunnel
- Electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), which not only increases fuel economy but also improves the Explorer’s manueverability
Ford Ashland pointed out the completely redesigned Explorer doesn’t sacrifice performance elsewhere to achieve this kind of fuel economy. That same thrifty V6 also kicks out a healthy 290 hp—just two fewer than last year’s V8 and 80 more than last year’s V6. The Explorer also can be equipped to tow up to 5,000 lbs., and configured with Ford’s intelligent all-wheel drive setup and innovative terrain-management system. Packing that kind of technology, the new SUV makes tough surfaces easy to beat. Drivers just use a console-mounted knob to dial in the desired setting, then the Explorer automatically adjusts its drivetrain functionality to meet those demands.
“The new Explorer V6 with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) delivers a keen balance between power and fuel economy,” said Jim Holland, chief nameplate engineer. “This raises the bar for full-size SUVs, and will change buyer expectations for the entire segment.”
Visit Ford Dealers In CT or your local Ford dealer to learn more about the excellent Explorer.
You must log in to post a comment.
{ 2 trackbacks }