It’s a whole new world out there for the auto industry, and Ford is setting the pace with a whole new approach to SUVs—thanks to the completely redesigned 2011 Ford Explorer.
“The all-new Explorer will deliver today’s SUV buyers the attributes they really want and value, and a few they might not even have dreamed of,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas.
Among these attributes is fuel efficiency that will shatter previous notions of how a full-size SUV can perform at the gas pumps. The ’11 Explorer will come standard with a new high-tech powertrain that leverages an advanced V6 with twin independent variable camshaft timing, mated to an advanced six-speed automatic transmission, to deliver fuel efficiency that’s 20 percent better than that of the 2010 model. And that’s just for starters. Packing an optional EcoBoost I4 engine, the Explorer’s fuel economy will get a higher, 30 percent boost, topping that of rivals like the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander V6—while still making an estimated 237 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque.
Yet the Explorer remains a robust performer in traditional SUV measures as well. By taking advantage of Ford’s available terrain management system, drivers can easily optimize the Explorer’s four-wheel-drive capabilities to match a wide variety of driving conditions. In addition, the new Ford can also tow up to 5,000 lbs, enough to pull small boats and watercraft.
The same sort of capability carries over to the Explorer’s interior. Its cabin features comfortable three-row seating with more head and shoulder room than in previous Explorers, and it’s easy to reconfigure the vehicle’s seating to maximize cargo space. Of course, when it comes to interior functionality, there’s no beating the new MyFord in-vehicle connectivity system, boasting a wider range of hands-free, voice-activated functionality than ever before.
Then, the whole package is wrapped in a striking new design that’s both modern and immediately recognizable as being from Ford.
And when it comes to putting it all together, well, “crafting a high-quality vehicle is like preparing a gourmet meal,” said Peter Bejin, Ford craftsmanship supervisor. “You start with high-quality ingredients, execute your recipe with flawless preparation and finally, present it with flair and panache.”
Which means if you’re hungry for a ground-breaking SUV, your local Ford dealership is the right place to start.
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