The 2011 Ford Explorer Goes Green(er): No V8, Front-Wheel Drive, Unibody Platform, V6 Or I4 EcoBoost

Ford just pulled the sheet off the brand new 2011 Ford Explorer. It is a bit different than we¡¯re applied to. Traditionally next-gen SUVs are greater and badder than the earlier generation. Although the 2011 Ford Explorer is slightly more time than its predecessors are, the engines are smaller, the ride height is cheaper, as well as the general off-roading capabilities are significantly decreased. Jalopnik Editor-in-Chief even goes as far as stating that it's actually not an SUV whatsoever. But I really don't feel Ford would argue.

Ford is attempting to reinvent the SUV for that 21st century or some nonsense like that. But what they¡¯ve designed is more crossover than SUV. Wherever do I begin?

The new Explorer is constructed around the very same front-wheel push unibody program at the moment employed by the Taurus and Flex. It¡¯s rigid frame now supports every one of the underpinnings as good as the exterior sheetmetal. Saving weight (and decrease manufacturing expenses) would be the cause. But mainly because this SUV is dependent on a passenger car¡¯s platform, that means there¡¯s going to become some compromises.

The classic V8 engine is no extended an choice. This marks the 1st time since the first 1991-1994 generation when a huge American V8 motor wasn¡¯t readily available. Odds are that it won¡¯t be available in future builds either. This program straightforward was not created to support it. Rather, the 2011 Ford Explorer has two motor possibilities: a 3.5-liter T-VCT V6 or possibly a 2.0L I-4 EcoBoost. Need to tow your boat? The 290HP V6 (front-wheel push or 4WD) is the best selection which includes a towing capacity of five,000 lbs. The 2.0L turbo I-4 is only capable of pulling two,000. Both are paired to a six-speed auto gearbox.
Does not sound like an SUV, right? Effectively, perhaps Ford is onto some thing. We can all agree that probably the most off-roading several SUV drivers actually do is once they hit the flowerbed at the mall. Thus they most likely do not have to have rear-wheel acquire as front-wheel drive generally handles poor road problems far better. Furthermore, lots of SUV owners almost certainly tend not to have to have the ability to tow a front-end loader. You'll find plenty of other vehicles to choose from if they do.

No, most SUV owners have generally desired an SUV-like crossover and thats what Ford created. The Explorer is absolutely a lot more crossover-ish than anything else and that might strike house with a lot of buyers as they are searching to downgrade from their lumbering V8 sport utility automobile. Ford¡¯s worked in a bunch of fancy-pants capabilities like an easy-selecting rear diff and Descent Handle for safer downhill trips. But those are purely there for justification. This new Ford Explorer will not be remembered for its off-roading chops, but rather for its fuel economy (unreleased), construct good quality, and security. Perhaps that is what the world needs anyway.