The one-time top-selling SUV, Ford Explorer has been reinvented and redeveloped offering two new engines with more than a 30 percent improvement in fuel economy over the current vehicle. The 290 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine 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 and the 237 horsepower EcoBoost 2.0-liter I-4 turbocharged direct injection engine improves estimated fuel economy by more than 30 percent. Explorer XLT and Limited models offer a SelectShift Automatic™ transmission, allowing drivers to manually change gears using a shifter-mounted +/- toggle switch.
Ford's new "twin independent variable camshaft timing" or Ti-VCT enables increased mechanical efficiency for improved response and performance, while optimizing fuel economy. Ti-VCT is a low-tension drive belt featuring a one-way clutch for the alternator, a direct-acting mechanical bucket 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 2011 Explorer will be produced at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant and will be exported to more than 90 countries. The 2011 Explorer goes into production later this year and goes on sale this winter.
