Ford all but confirms 2.0 EB for Explorer

[fordmantpw]

If the 2.0 EB Explorer will work like that, I'm not afraid of the small engine if it will downshift easily and quickly. If you have to kick it in the "ass" to get it to down shift and make some power, then that won't be good.

 

I agree there. I just put an Edge Evolution on my F150, and just the tranny programming alone makes it seem like a whole new beast. It's amazing what a little betty tranny programming will do. Fixed the only complaint I had with my F150...the sloppy tranny shifts.

[Blueblood]

Isn't the new Buick Regal with optional 2.0 DI and Turbo charged advertising 220 HP and 258 TQ on 87?

 

The Regal GS with 2.0 DI and some more boost is advertised at 255 HP and 295 TQ.......according to my Auto Week that came today.

 

What the Explorer delivers is dependent on how much boost they want to give it. They can make it about anything they want....depending on how long they want it to last. Less is fine with me. You can't wear out a 4.0, so hopefully they build this one good also.

 

 

The 2.0L ecotec 4 makes 260/260, 255/295 in the Regal GS, I think there's lesser version too. So if Ford's touted ecoboost 4 can only muster 208 horsepower it wold be quite a letdown.

[theoldwizard]

I still think the 230-250 HP numbers are "optimistic", at least on regular gasoline.

Why?

Well, no one liked my last responses, how about this. From the Ford Media Center

The 2010 S-MAX and Galaxy are the first cars to be available with Ford's all-new, high efficiency, 2.0-litre 203PS EcoBoost petrol engine

The best conversion I can figure is something less than 210 HP.

 

Ford has stated several times that the Ecoboost I4 is a direct replacement for the 3L V6 Vulcan that puts out 240HP and 233 ft of Torque.

BTW, the best numbers I can find for a 3.0L Vulcan are 145 HP and 170 lb-ft, so even my estimates beat that !

Edited January 14, 2010 by theoldwizard

[Sherminator98]

Well, no one liked my last responses, how about this. From the Ford Media Center

 

The best conversion I can figure is something less than 210 HP.

 

The next application will be offered as a 2.0L I4 engine in two power levels for worldwide vehicle programs (currently announced as SUVs and crossovers in North America, larger Ford vehicles in Europe, and on the Ford Falcon in Australia) before a further migration into a small 1.6L I4 initially for the C-MAX in European markets. An I3 architecture is also scheduled.

 

http://www.greencarcongress.com/2009/12/ec...t-20091220.html

 

BTW, the best numbers I can find for a 3.0L Vulcan are 145 HP and 170 lb-ft, so even my estimates beat that !

 

I meant the current Duratec 3.0L, the Vulcan isn't even around any more AFAIK

[Pioneer]

Unless the Explorer weighs a lot less than the current Taurus or Flex, 230-250 hp will be pretty anemic !

 

IIRC, my 2004 4.6 V8 Explorer has less HP than that. It moves pretty well with 5 people, two dogs, and towing a 5,000lb trailer.

 

I don't need a drag racer for a family car. I want better mileage.

[ANTAUS]

I believe the Vulcans best numbers were 155HP and 180-185TQ on the previous generation Taurus.

 

That poor engine couldnt die quickly enough, even if it were good. RIP Vulcan, 3.8/3.9/4.2 Essex and now 4.0L Colonge. Now we usher a wave of new more sophisticated engines that do not remind reviewers of farm machinery.

[harddrive747]

IIRC, my 2004 4.6 V8 Explorer has less HP than that. It moves pretty well with 5 people, two dogs, and towing a 5,000lb trailer.

 

I don't need a drag racer for a family car. I want better mileage.

 

If Ford puts the Explorer on a diet then any of these engines should be fine and perhaps the 3.5 Ecoboost V6 would make the truck "fun" to drive. It should also help the gas mileage.

 

I found for me, that the current 4.0L V6 is powered ok for the truck if you like to have a "family" type of truck, which in my book means a truck that will get going, but as I put it won't get out of its own shadow. When I purchase a vehicle, I want a care or truck that will move when I ask it to. I also figure that with the weight of the current Explorer that a V8 works a lot easier to keep the truck moving, so it will use less fuel to do so. To me the V6 will have to work harder to keep the truck moving, which in turns causes it to use more fuel.

 

So lower the weight and keep the horsepower/torque at the same level or increase it should be a good thing for the truck.

[Hugh]

I believe the Vulcans best numbers were 155HP and 180-185TQ on the previous generation Taurus.

Last year Ranger had the Vulcan with the same number, I have a friend with one in Manual. She's good for light loads and towing. She was a good engine. I agree it's time to move on.