is an iconic nameplate: 20 years and nearly six million of
the SUVs shipped to 90 countries assure it of that. The 2011 Ford Explorer rides on a car chassis. It's the same basic D-segment
platform as the old Ford Freestyle, updated with numerous enhancements from the
current Taurus and further development in the Explorer program. The Explorer
uses new hydroformed front frame rails to help shorten the front overhang and
simultaneously improve crash-worthiness. There's a new front knuckle-and-strut
arrangement to help increase the track width. The rear suspension has been
thoroughly reworked with new knuckles, and the hubs have beefier wheel bearings
too.
The Ford Explorer's body engineering is said to be 12% more efficient; it uses new
electric power steering and has more efficient HVAC management. But, above all,
it gets a new 3.5-litre V-6 engine that achieves a 25% increase in fuel
economy over the outgoing model.
It's coupled to an automatic six-speed transmission. This powertrain combination
promises to deliver fuel economy of 11.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city
and 8.0 L/100 km on the highway. Next year, the Explorer is slated to receive
the 2.0L I-4 EcoBoost engine that claims an additional 5% improvement
in fuel economy.
The
Explorer is nicely crafted inside and out. The new seating materials and
soft-touch trim are sure to please. The Ford Explorer is heavy on computer software,
with
SYNC and
MyFordTouch both showing off some amazing features, the key one
being the voice recognition technology! Browse through our
inventory of the 2011 Ford Explorer, then come test drive one for yourself!
