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New Ford Explorer makes global debut today at Los Angeles Auto Show
with even more smart technology, available 2.3-liter EcoBoost®
four-cylinder engine and all-new Platinum series
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Innovative new features make parking easier, speed charging time on
smart devices, boost aerodynamics and give every adventure an even
better soundtrack
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New 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine delivers more horsepower and torque than
the four-cylinder it replaces, with no compromise in fuel economy
anticipated; for the first time on Explorer, four-cylinder EcoBoost
can be paired with available tow package and intelligent four-wheel
drive with Terrain Management System™
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More than 7 million Explorers have been sold in the United States,
which makes it America’s best-selling SUV for 25 years
Company Website:
http://corporate.ford.com/
LOS ANGELES -- (Business Wire)
Building on 25 years of innovation and sales leadership, a new Explorer
is on its way with even more smart technology, a new 2.3-liter EcoBoost®
engine and an all-new Platinum series. The 2016 Ford Explorer arrives
next summer.
2016 Ford Explorer (Photo: Business Wire)
The new Explorer, revealed today at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show,
builds on the strength and leadership of Ford’s new vehicle lineup – the
freshest in the industry – and provides SUV customers even more
versatility, capability, smart technology and efficiency.
“Explorer helped define how the world thinks about SUVs,” said Raj Nair,
Ford group vice president and chief technical officer, Global Product
Development. “Explorer is the centerpiece of Ford’s global utility
vehicle lineup because it delivers an ideal combination of form and
function. With the utility vehicle market growing globally, we are
delivering an even stronger lineup to win over even more customers.”
Introduced as a 1991 model, Explorer featured generous interior space
customers were looking for, and was engineered specifically for people
seeking adventure for their families and a way to express their
individuality. For a quarter century, Explorer has been America’s
best-selling SUV.
More than 7 million Explorers have been sold in the United States alone,
and the vehicle is now available in more than 100 markets across the
globe. Ford expects to ship approximately 56,000 Explorers to markets
outside of the United States this year, in response to global demand for
utility vehicles.
SUVs are the fastest-growing segment in the world, with demand up 88
percent since 2008, according to IHS Automotive, which forecasts market
information and competitive data on the global automotive industry.
In Europe alone, the utility vehicle segment has grown 72 percent since
2008, with large utilities up 21 percent. Ford’s share of the European
market went from 9 percent in 2008 to 19 percent in 2013. Utility
vehicles accounted for 23 percent of global sales for the Ford brand in
2013, up from 17 percent a year earlier. Ford expects utility vehicle
sales will grow to 29 percent by 2020.
“Customers love Explorer, and expect this SUV to lead the way in
innovation, performance and fun,” said Arie Groeneveld, chief engineer
for the new Explorer. “It’s a tall order, but we’re aiming to build the
best SUV in the world.”
More smart technology, new engine for new adventures
The new Explorer offers more available features and technologies that
enhance the driving experience. These include:
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Front and rear cameras with washers:Both front and rear
cameras have wide-angle lenses and come equipped with a washer – an
industry-first
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Enhanced active park assist with perpendicular park assist, park-out
assist and semi-automatic parallel parking: The system uses ultrasonic
sensors and electric power-assisted steering to help drivers with
parallel parking and perpendicular parking maneuvers. Enhanced active
park assist now includes park-out assist to help a driver pull out of
parallel parking spots. The system controls the steering wheel, while
the driver operates the accelerator and brake pedals, and shifts the
vehicle into gear
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Smart-charging USB ports throughout:Located in the front and
rear of the vehicle are USB ports to charge smart devices
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Hands-free liftgate:A customer need only kick his or her leg
below the center of the rear bumper to unlock and raise the liftgate
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Industry-exclusive 500-watt Sony Audio System:Explorer
Platinum will be the first vehicle to get an all-new 500-watt Sony
Audio System with Live Acoustics™ and Clear Phase™
technology
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Active Grille Shutters: Upper and lower fascia openings close at
highway speeds to reduce drag. At low speeds, the shutters open to
deliver airflow to cool the powertrain. Shutters allow for larger
front end openings to cool the engine while still reducing drag
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Air curtains: Standard air curtains create a high-pressure region of
air that impacts the outer surface of the wheels and tires. The result
is airflow held close to the vehicle body, minimizing drag
All-new EcoBoost engine
Customers will get even more capability with the new Explorer, thanks to
an available 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine delivering at least
270 horsepower and at least 300 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2.3-liter
EcoBoost replaces the 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder offered on the
current model. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost is available for base, XLT and
Limited Explorer models.
The new powerplant is expected to give customers 12.5 percent more
horsepower and 11 percent more torque over the 2.0-liter EcoBoost –
without sacrificing fuel economy. It improves highway passing times 10
percent at speeds between 55 mph and 75 mph.
The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine for base, XLT and Limited models – with
an estimated 290 horsepower and estimated 255 lb.-ft. of torque – is
paired with a six-speed SelectShift® Automatic transmission.
Explorer Sport and Platinum edition Explorer get a standard 3.5-liter
EcoBoost V6 with an estimated 365 horsepower and estimated 350 lb.-ft.
of torque, also mated with a six-speed SelectShift Automatic
transmission.
New Platinum series
The all-new Platinum series elevates Explorer to a premium level, with
real wood and brushed aluminum accents, Nirvana leather, multicontour
seats and an all-new 500-watt Sony Audio System.
The Explorer Platinum interior incorporates brushed aluminum and
satin-finished ash wood in multi-piece appliqués on all door panels and
the instrument panel. The wood-trimmed, leather-wrapped and heated
steering wheel includes unique stitching that matches the stitching used
throughout the rest of the interior.
Nirvana leather also wraps the instrument panel, console armrests,
quilted door bolsters and upper door trim. The instrument cluster
features a large 10-inch digital display that’s supported with an analog
display – a first for a Ford-brand vehicle.
Innovation comes standard on the new Platinum Explorer, with features
like an enhanced version of active park assist with park-out assist. The
system helps the driver parallel park or perpendicular park using
ultrasonic sensors and electric power-assisted steering. Park-out assist
uses sensors to assist in pulling out of parallel parking spots. The
driver handles shifting duties, and operates the brake and accelerator
pedals, while the system steers the vehicle in or out of the parking
spot and warns the driver when to stop.
Intelligent four-wheel drive: Ready for any adventure
Explorer’s intelligent four-wheel drive with Terrain Management System™
reassesses conditions about 20 times faster than the blink of an
eye, providing precise handling and traction.
Intelligent four-wheel drive continuously monitors wheel speed, throttle
position and steering wheel angle to determine vehicle conditions and
driver intent. The system then determines the optimal amount of front
and rear torque to prevent slip from even occurring, which helps keep
the vehicle sure-footed on virtually any terrain. When in sand, grass or
gravel mode, the antilock braking system changes its pulse rate, which
allows material to build up in front of the wheels, acting as a doorstop
of sorts to help slow momentum.
To help maintain efficiency, in most steady-state cruising conditions
the new Explorer equipped with intelligent four-wheel drive seamlessly
and quickly transfers torque between the front and rear wheels. The
system collects hundreds of pieces of data from various vehicle systems,
such as rates of acceleration and turning, wheel speed, steering wheel
angle and accelerator pedal position.
Using a dial located on the center console, the customer can shift on
the fly, selecting one of four terrain management modes – normal, snow,
sand or mud – to set how the engine, transmission, brakes and the
four-wheel-drive system will operate. A fifth setting is for navigating
hills.
On sale in North America next year
The new Ford Explorer remains true to its SUV roots and builds on its
strengths – offering even more smart technology, capability and
versatility, with comfort and convenience features throughout.
From the road-to-trail-ready Explorer Sport to the refined styling of
the Platinum edition Explorer, consumers can select whichever series
best fits their next adventure.
The new Ford Explorer will be built at Chicago Assembly Plant.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford
Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in
Dearborn, Michigan, manufactures or distributes automobiles across six
continents. With about 189,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the
company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company
provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more
information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.
For news releases, related materials and high-resolution photos and
video, visit www.media.ford.com.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20141118006731/en/
Contacts:
Ford Motor Company
Mark Schirmer
313.354.4962
mschirme@ford.com
or
William
A. Mattiace
313.815.5449
wmattiac@ford.com
Source: Ford Motor Company
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