Ford signals the Explorer's future with display of efficient technology
01-06-08: The Ford Explorer has been an iconic model for decades, practically inventing the small to mid-size SUV movement in the 1980s and 1990’s. The Explorer was to SUV’s what the Dodge Caravan was to minivans. It was the ringleader that everyone followed, copied and tried to emulate.
But today, the Explorer has become a shadow of its former self. It now represents everything that American buyers have come to dislike about the SUV. It is in efficient, lacks the comfort, ride and handling of modern cross-overs, and frankly has an old-school stigma. It has become the Taurus of SUV’s, relegated to the back lots of dealerships and rental car agencies.
Much speculation has been afoot regarding the future of the Explorer, what with the all new Ford Edge and Ford Flex to arrive in 2009. The question arises as to where the Explorer fits in Ford’s line up any more. Is it even necessary? In a world where gas is going to stay at $3.00 a gallon or more and new CAFÉ requirements are coming to kill off big heavy SUV’s, where does Ford go with the Explorer?
In Detroit, Ford is answering this question with the Ford Explorer America concept which showcases a new kind of utility for the vehicle customers have known 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."
Ford does get it. Despite the dealerships full of F-350 trucks and GT-500 Mustangs that get 12 mpg, they have been working hard at bringing their future models into the 21st century with new technologies for efficiency and customer appeal.
“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,” adds Farley
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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 Ford says 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.
It has a fresh look to some degree, but it still looks like an Explorer. The new efficient engine technology is promising indeed, but the question still remains as to how a production version of the Explorer will fit into Ford’s line up. The 2009 Ford Flex will fill the position of a full size cross-over, just smaller inside than the truck based Expedition and filling the spot left by minivans long cancelled. The new Ford Edge takes a big swath of the mid-size category while the Escape meets compact SUV buyer’s needs. Then there is the Taurus X.
Granted, there are going to be changes in the near future. The Taurus X will likely be going away by 2010 and the Escape is due for a replacement at some point. If the Explorer concept is to become reality, it may will have to be carefully contemplated as to how it will fit into and compliment the several other Ford SUV and crossover models that already exist.
