Discuss the 2013 Ford Explorer
Sport in our Forum
I
DEARBORN, Mich., March 28, 2012 –
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:
Explorer Sport can be tailored to individual preferences with the
following options as well:
Explorer Sport is manufactured at Ford’s Chicago production facility. It
will arrive in dealerships later this year.
EXPLORER4X4 | EXPLORERFORUM | EXPLORERSPORTRUCK
"Serious Explorations"® is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Ford Motor Company. |