EXPLORER AMERICA CONCEPT

Ford's advanced concept reveals some advanced thinking about the future SUV

The Ford Explorer America Concept showcases a series of eco-friendly engineering innovations that harmonise with Ford’s signature design, power and safety. Overall, the concept vehicle highlights Ford’s sustainability strategy which favours lighter components and more efficient fuel use.

Showcasing Ford’s new EcoBoost engine technology, Ford Explorer America Concept is powered by a gasoline engine featuring direct injection and turbocharging. The result is an engine with excellent power and torque and is simultaneously fuel efficient with reduced consumption by 20 to 30 percent.

In addition, EcoBoost technology reduces CO₂ emissions by as much as 15 percent making it a cost-effective alternative for consumers.

All in all, the Ford Explorer America Concept offers intuitive solutions that maximize efficiency and drivability.

A Sustainability Showcase

The Explorer America concept presents itself as a clear sustainable and affordable solution for discerning drivers. EcoBoost engine technology and clever engineering innovations are highlighted in the Explorer America Concept which provides room for six adults and their gear as well as begin able to tow and provide off-road capabilities.

The concept aims to highlight a number of innovations tied to Ford’s systems approach, including:

·         A powertrain lineup that includes a four-cylinder 2.0-liter engine with EcoBoost technology delivering 205kW and 380Nm of torque. Or as a premium engine, a 3.5-liter V6 delivering about 250kW. Depending on engine selection, fuel efficiency will improve by 20 to 30 percent versus today’s V6 Explorer

·         Migration from current body-on-frame to unibody construction reduces weight and delivers superior driving dynamics

·         A fuel-efficient six-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 65kg for the V6 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

·         Aerodynamic and other parasitic improvements that add up to a 5 percent fuel economy gain

Today’s Explorer leads the mid-size SUV segment in sales in the United States.  Since its introduction 18 years ago, Explorer has sold more than 6.5 million vehicles.

Trend for Intelligent Vehicles

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 to explore.

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 is built right into the instrument panel.