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2008 North American
International
Auto Show |
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Ford Explorer America Concept
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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.
Click to enlarge
“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.”
Click to enlarge
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.
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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
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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.
Click to enlarge
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.
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Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge |
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.
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