2008 DETROIT AUTO SHOW: Next Ford Explorer gets good looking and gets an iDrive

FORD TO REVEAL NEW FUEL-SAVING CONCEPT IN DETROIT

The Ford Explorer America concept showcases a new kind of utility for the vehicle customers have known and loved for years: even better fuel efficiency.

“Customers are smart. They value vehicles – the more efficient, the better,” said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president of Marketing and Communications. “Ford gets it.

“Innovative technologies can transform people’s favorite vehicles. Look at SYNC, the Ford system that connects people and their favorite portable devices, including media players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, while in their vehicles.”

Technologies and engineering innovations help Explorer America concept deliver an approximately 20 to 30 percent fuel-economy improvement, depending on engine selection, while providing room for six and their gear as well as moderate towing and off-roading capabilities.

This smarter utility concept simplifies Ford Motor Company’s systems approach for delivering sustainable vehicles, specifically demonstrating:

• A powertrain lineup that includes a 4-cylinder 2-liter engine with EcoBoost technology delivering 275 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque or, as a premium engine, a 3.5-liter V-6 delivering about 340 hp. Depending on engine selection, fuel-efficiency will improve by 20 to 30 percent versus today’s V-6 Explorer
• Migration from current body-on-frame to unibody construction, reducing weight and delivering superior driving dynamics
• A fuel-efficient 6-speed transmission with auto shift control, allowing the driver to select and hold a lower gear with just the turn of a dial when conditions warrant it
• A weight reduction of 150 pounds for the V-6 version thanks to its downsized – yet superior performing – engine, as well as more lightweight materials, suspension and chassis components
• Fuel-saving electric power assisted steering (EPAS) and other engine actions that deliver a fuel savings benefit of about 5 percent. Between 80 to 90 percent of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles will have EPAS by 2012

In addition to its fuel-efficient powertrain and technologies, the Explorer America concept addresses how the SUV market has changed in the past 15 years.

In the 1990s, customers were drawn by SUVs aligned with people’s adventurous, more rugged lifestyles. Today’s consumers are more discerning, demanding products that are capable and flexible – but more intelligently executed.

The Explorer America concept looks the part, too, with a modern, muscular design language that belies its ability to harness today’s active lifestyles. Its integrated three-bar grille, defined power dome hood, wrap-around rear glass panel window and sliding rear door give the appearance that this concept is ready for modern Lewis-and-Clark types to explore, from their own neighborhoods to the trail head.

Inside, intelligent features abound, including: single-touch stackable, sliding seats that allow for convenient access to the second row; a work table with seats deploy from the tailgate; and a three-dimensional compass and navigation unit with a topographical map built right into the instrument panel.

ericisamazing335 - 1/6/2008 2:30:50 AM

+2 Boost

What's the market for it?? Don't they have enough crossovers already? or is this one going to be more off road capable?

truckmen - 1/6/2008 7:11:23 AM

0 Boost

Off road capable! Unfortunatly not!

EnnNorak - 1/6/2008 9:37:58 AM

0 Boost

They might just as well adobt costly-to-repair unibody construction. Ford does not know how to build good frames anyway. I bought a new 1992 Grand Marquis when it was launched in the spring of 1991 and it had a unibody mounted on a separate full frame which is the best of both worlds; however, the frame rusted clean through and ended up being held together by the body that was bolted to it. The body was properly rubber mounted though. BTW, all 4 fenders rusted through at the top of the wheel well. The oil pan rusted through from the outside also but was fixed under warranty (7 hours of labor because the engine had to be lifted up to get at it). Last but not least, the clearcoat turned blotchy white eventually and Ford hid behind the warranty terms and never fixed it.

Mullaly is a nice guy and a good spokesman for Ford (I saw him on TV on Autoline Detroit about a week ago) but I'm not sure that even he can fix the underlying problems at Ford that have resulted in product failures.

silver1 - 1/6/2008 2:33:14 AM

+9 Boost

Best Concept I ever seen from Ford yet....I finally see signs of a future for Ford...Great job....

EnnNorak - 1/6/2008 9:39:56 AM

-2 Boost

But are you buying any shares?

aeyjay - 1/6/2008 2:42:41 AM

+8 Boost

I hope that Ford stays close to the concept with this one.

pacotacolol - 1/6/2008 8:19:07 AM

+3 Boost

thats a pretty creative concept. i'll be suprised if it is remotely close to that

EnnNorak - 1/6/2008 9:51:58 AM

-3 Boost

I sincerely hope Ford will forget about the iDrive.

pacotacolol - 1/6/2008 11:42:56 AM

-1 Boost

yes. can't ford learn from other companies mistakes?

DaHarder - 1/6/2008 3:52:59 AM

+3 Boost

This is an outstanding concept, but...

If I recall correctly the 'concept' version of the current Explorer Sport Trac was also great looking but the production version is - well, NOT!

We'll See Soon enough...

M53R - 1/6/2008 6:56:35 AM

+8 Boost

"A powertrain lineup that includes a 4-cylinder 2-liter engine with EcoBoost technology delivering 275 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque or, as a premium engine, a 3.5-liter V-6 delivering about 340 hp. Depending on engine selection, fuel-efficiency will improve by 20 to 30 percent versus today’s V-6 Explorer"

Is it just me or are those numbers more than impressive?! I mean compare this engine to the Mustang's V8.....!!!

Well done Ford!

EnnNorak - 1/6/2008 9:45:53 AM

-2 Boost

"EcoBoost technology" and vague performance numbers are traditional marketing hype. I want some real numbers and I want to know if these are DOHC engines or SOHC engines. I also need to know the angle between cylinder banks for V6 engines as I do not want to get stuck with an inherently-out-of balance 90-degree V6 configuration. Ford makes some engines with only 3 valves per cylinder instead of 4 so I want full disclosure about the number of valves per cylinder.

Kyle - 1/6/2008 4:21:03 PM

+4 Boost

In response to EnnNorak, there isn't anything vague about it. The EcoBoost engine is launching later this year on the sport version of the MKS. The V6 engine is already on the road today in non-EcoBoost form. It is a 60 degree V6 with 4 cams and 24 valves and is PZEV rated in emissions.

truckmen - 1/6/2008 7:14:39 AM

+4 Boost

Well said M53R!The HP and mielage are truly impressive! Now someone has been doing there homework! Next step is to have an off road version.

Rupert - 1/6/2008 11:10:40 AM

0 Boost

Great numbers - although I expect slightly less in real life ie 250 hp 2.0, which is still a lot, same as an Audi S3, isn't it?

atomicbri - 1/6/2008 11:46:09 AM

+2 Boost

Ford is looking at the future of high gas prices. I know many loyal truck fans would be disappointed in this vehicles non-hauling capabilities, but times for gas-guzzling vehicles is coming closer to an end. The Explorer was a very popular Ford that many people know of. It makes sense to me to offer an Explorer that has been modernized to meet new customer demands. Let's face it, how many Explorer's do you see on the road actually towing anything? I like the look of this concept. I also like the simplicity of the interior design. Why does Ford's concept cars always look way better built than their production vehicles? LOL!! I always thought a one off concept should have a more pieced together look. Anyhow, I do like this concepts look, way better than that Ford Flex that looks like a low riding moder day Woody Wagon from the late 70's aka Gizzwald Family's car!

SteveL - 1/6/2008 3:05:15 PM

0 Boost

This is a great looking concept and impressive numbers but does anyone actualy think they will put this in production? Even if they do produce it, it will be a very watered down version and very disapointed. This is typical Ford and I for one am very tired of it. I really wish Ford would produce this just like the concept and sell a but load but based on Fords recent past I doubt it will happen.
If you ask me they have to many wimpy people running Ford and these people do not know what the people want.

Kyle - 1/6/2008 4:15:40 PM

+2 Boost

I think the Flex looks pretty similar to the Flex concept except for the change from sliding doors to regular opening doors. I think they'll do that on the new Explorer too.

Kyle - 1/6/2008 4:12:55 PM

+2 Boost

and the EcoBoost engines run on Regular fuel and Ethanol.

Great job Ford, the new Explorer looks awesome.

Rupert - 1/7/2008 8:57:26 AM

-2 Boost

400hp, 25 mpg, in an Expedition?
Yeah, that's going to happen.

LJB27 - 1/6/2008 9:43:17 PM

+1 Boost

I like idrive... just read RTFM! Very nice concept, but that front end is a mess.

truckmen - 1/15/2008 3:04:48 AM

+1 Boost

For Ford's sake I hope you are wrong, they said it will be 20-30% better on gas so I would asume it would be a different engine?

Dano - 1/25/2008 2:29:38 PM

+1 Boost

"other engine actions that deliver a fuel savings benefit of about 5 percent" This is the Mazda Direct Injection motor in 2.0l (Duratec) form coupled with the 6 speed auto. Start using that turbo and you can kiss the 20-30% good bye. If you want to see actual engine improvements, here is a company I found:

www.vftllc.com

Looks promising.