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- All-new Ford Explorer SUV offers best-in-class fuel economy from high-tech powertrains, featuring multiple enhancements to improve mechanical efficiency
- Explorer comes standard with a powerful, fuel-efficient 3.5-liter V6 engine with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT)
DEARBORN, Mich. - Ford's iconic Explorer has been reinvented and redeveloped to create new expectations for SUV fuel efficiency and performance. It will be the new class leader in its segment with fuel economy improvements reaching more than 30 percent.
"This all-new Explorer adds class-leading fuel efficiency to a legendary portfolio of capability, performance and customer convenience," said Jim Holland, chief nameplate engineer. "SUV customers in general - and Explorer customers specifically - told us they want the freedom and empowerment Explorer always has stood for, with improved performance and significantly increased fuel economy."
Offering two new engines - the technologically advanced turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder that is the latest in the Ford Motor Company EcoBoost commitment and a responsive, fuel-efficient V6 - the new Explorer balances capability with environmental responsibility.
Explorer V6 sets new standard
The Explorer 3.5-liter V6 is offered as standard equipment across base, XLT and Limited models. Delivering an anticipated improvement in fuel economy of more than 20 percent versus the current Explorer, this smooth and powerful V6 enables intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD) with terrain management. The improvement in efficiency helps Explorer to surpass fuel economy figures for the 2010 Honda Pilot and other vehicles in the segment.
Using Ti-VCT for optimized fuel economy and reduced part-throttle emissions, this engine delivers an estimated 290 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque.
This V6 engine has been highly developed for the Explorer application, with multiple actions that enhance mechanical efficiency, increase fuel economy, lower emissions, reduce operating costs and bolster durability.
Mechanical efficiency, performance and fuel economy have been improved through Ti-VCT, a low-tension drive belt featuring a one-way clutch for the alternator, a direct-acting mechanical bucket (DAMB) valvetrain with polished buckets to reduce friction, piston-cooling jets, improved bay-to-bay breathing through the cylinder block and composite cam covers that reduce engine weight.
Ti-VCT allows precise, variable control of valve overlap, or the time when intake and exhaust valves are open concurrently. This enables increased mechanical efficiency for improved response and performance, while optimizing fuel economy. In part-throttle conditions, Ti-VCT helps reduce emissions.
The 3.5-liter V6 also features improved deceleration fuel shutoff technology to maximize fuel economy in closed-throttle situations.
The Explorer V6 has been engineered for durability with a chain-driven camshaft, high-strength forged powder metal connecting rods with floating pins, fully counterweighted forged steel crankshaft, a die-cast aluminum deep-sump oil pan and four-bolt main bearing caps with side bolts through the engine block.
Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics are controlled and reduced through a tuned composite upper and lower manifold, the silent-chain cam drive and an acoustic engine cover.
The Explorer 3.5-liter V6 delivers best-in-class fuel economy yet offers power to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Six-speed transmissions help performance and economy
The unique six-speed transmission paired with each Explorer offers performance and economy advantages with the flexibility of optimum gearing for every situation. Lower gears provide the benefit of improved acceleration from a full stop, while higher gears help increase fuel economy by allowing the engine to operate at lower speeds when cruising.
Explorer XLT and Limited models offer a SelectShift Automatic™ transmission, allowing drivers to manually change gears using a shifter-mounted +/- toggle switch.
Explorer powertrains have been developed to provide SUV drivers with the power and capability they expect and deserve, coupled with the fuel economy they really want.
For great fuel economy in a great SUV, test drive the 2011 Ford Explorer today!