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Ford Explorer Sport Ecoboost 3.5L Debuts


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New Ford Explorer Sport: Fuel-Efficient, High-Performance SUV Features Inspired Design Cues, EcoBoost V6 Engine

 

• Ford Explorer Sport is a new addition for the 2013 model year, featuring EcoBoost® 3.5-liter V6 engine for greater performance feel and projected top fuel economy among gasoline-powered, high-performance sport utility vehicles

 

• Explorer Sport gives customers an interior inspired by designer accessory fashions, sporty exterior design cues and specially tuned suspension components

 

13ExplorerSport.jpg

 

Ford Ecoboost Forum – The first-ever performance version of the Ford Explorer arrives this year with the highest projected fuel economy among gasoline-engine-powered, high- performance SUVs.

 

With a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost® V6 engine making at least 350 horsepower and four-wheel drive with a Terrain Management System™, Explorer Sport delivers enhanced on-road dynamics with sporty design cues inside and out.

 

“Adding an EcoBoost drivetrain to Explorer Sport delivers even more fuel efficiency and performance to the lineup,” said Bill Gubing, Explorer chief engineer. “This is our highest- performance, most capable Ford Explorer ever.”

 

Power, capability, fuel efficiency

Completely new for 2011, the Ford Explorer has been winning over customers with its improved on-road handling, impressive comfort and convenience technologies, and fuel economy never before delivered by an SUV.

 

For the 2013 model year, Explorer Sport brings high-performance SUV power and projected fuel economy of up to 16 mpg in city driving and 22 mpg on the highway – anticipating 3 mpg better in the city and 2 mpg on the highway than the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango R/T 5.7-liter Hemi engines. It scores 3 mpg higher in the city and 4 mpg higher on the highway than the Land Rover Range Rover Sport.

 

“Explorer Sport makes no compromises,” said Carl Widmann, vehicle engineering manager. “By carefully beefing the chassis and suspension, precisely calibrating the Terrain Management System and adding comfort and convenience features, we’ve delivered an SUV that delivers great dynamics and performance – while towing up to 5,000 pounds.”

 

The Explorer Sport features a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission with a unique 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio to provide the balance of responsive acceleration and economical low-rpm cruising for better fuel efficiency.

 

The chassis also has been specially reinforced, making Explorer Sport stiffer and improving its handling.

 

Explorer Sport also brings a solid-mounted electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) rack with improved feel, providing more responsiveness to drivers both on-road and off.

 

Ford’s newest SUV comes standard with larger brakes for shorter stopping distances and better performance while towing.

 

Explorer Sport also has received special terrain management settings for tackling sandy, snowy, rutted mud and hill descent.

 

“Upgrading to Sport specification enabled us to maintain the standards of traditional Explorer capability plus delivering the highest highway fuel efficiency among gasoline-engine-powered, high-performance, three-row SUVs,” Widmann said.

 

Subtle, sporty design elements

Sport builds on Explorer’s muscular, sculpted form with subtle cues to differentiate it from other models in the lineup. Available in four exterior colors – Ruby Red Metallic Clearcoat, White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat, Tuxedo Black Metallic and Ingot Silver Metallic – Explorer Sport has unique 20-inch painted and machined wheels, features blacked-out headlamp and taillamp treatments, black roof rack rails, sideview mirror skull caps and a liftgate appliqué.

 

The Explorer Sport’s special grille is a low-gloss Sterling Gray mesh, with contrasting ebony high-gloss bars. The black front lower fascia features a functional opening for additional cooling. Explorer logotype in billet-like black adds a bold identity statement. Subtle Sport and EcoBoost badges at the rear finish the liftgate.

 

Inside, the high-end feel continues. Charcoal Black leather-trimmed seating is available with and without contrasting Sienna inserts.

 

The interior design contrast was inspired by fashion, mirroring two-tones that are currently seen in leather accessories and apparel from design houses Balenciaga and Prada. Stitching is emphasized to lend a handcrafted appearance while highlighting Explorer Sport’s sculptured seats.

 

Explorer Sport also has unique steering wheel stitching, a technical look to instrument and door panel appliqués, unique Sport-logo floor mats and illuminated scuff plates.

 

Comfort, convenience, connectivity

As the top of the Explorer line, Sport offers a robust array of standard and optional customer-focused technologies that make driving more comfortable, convenient and connected. These include:

 

4WD with Terrain Management System

Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control

10-way power driver’s seat with power recline and lumbar

Six-way power passenger seat with recline and lumbar

First-row heated seats

Compass and exterior temperature display

Rear view camera

SYNC® with MyFord Touch® driver connect technology

Sony® Premium Audio System with HD Radio™ and 12 speakers

 

Explorer Sport can be tailored to individual preferences with the following options as well:

 

Active park assist

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert

Inflatable rear seat belts

110-volt outlet

PowerFold mirrors

Intelligent access with Push-Button Start

Remote Start

Adjustable pedals with memory

Dual-panel moonroof

Power liftgate

Class III trailer-towing package

 

Explorer Sport is manufactured at Ford’s Chicago production facility. It will arrive in dealerships later this year.

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  • 2 months later...

My main beef is the AWD only Sport package. I'd like to see a FWD 3.5 Eco in the FWD system for MPG. That may pull better MPG than my '11 FWD 3.5L Explorer. Also, why did the Class III tow package remain the same 5,000 pounds max as the standard 3.5L engine. At any rate, I'm going to compare the 3.5L AWD Eco to my FWD with my Scangauge for a MPG comparison. The 2.0L Eco Limited got worse MPG with the A/C On than my 3.5L. I couldn't get the 2.0L in Fuel-Cut, but I sure hope the 3.5L Eco can. The 3.5 Eco with DI should handle the A/C load for better MPG. I don't see anything on Start/Stop yet either.

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  • 6 months later...

My main beef is the AWD only Sport package. I'd like to see a FWD 3.5 Eco in the FWD system for MPG. That may pull better MPG than my '11 FWD 3.5L Explorer. Also, why did the Class III tow package remain the same 5,000 pounds max as the standard 3.5L engine. At any rate, I'm going to compare the 3.5L AWD Eco to my FWD with my Scangauge for a MPG comparison. The 2.0L Eco Limited got worse MPG with the A/C On than my 3.5L. I couldn't get the 2.0L in Fuel-Cut, but I sure hope the 3.5L Eco can. The 3.5 Eco with DI should handle the A/C load for better MPG. I don't see anything on Start/Stop yet either.

You can't have a FWD 3.5 Ecoboost because torque steer would be absolutely horrible. The 5000 lb tow rating is the same for the same reason that the 3.5 Ecoboost is torque limited in FWD/AWD applications: the transmission.

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