Ford Explorer gets a 350-horsepower performance version

(March 29, 2012) DEARBORN, Mich. — 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.”
 
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 a faster ratio, 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.