4-х цилиндровый будет только переднеприводной.
[Following the official unveiling of the new 2011 Explorer, we've updated our photo gallery to include some in-person images from two of the several launch events.]
2011 Ford Explorer: Icon reborn, rethought
For years the most dominant SUV in North America, the Ford Explorer long rode on its rugged reputation. Yet by the early 21st century, buyers began to shy away from the body-on-frame Explorer for crossovers, including Ford’s own Edge. Many expected Ford to give up on the Explorer; but just as Jeep recreated its Grand Cherokee to be better than ever, Ford is optimistic that its 2011 Explorer will recreate the brand.
Today, Ford simultaneously unveil;ed the Explorer at a number of media events around the United States and Canada in major markets. The main unveiling will be in New York City’s Herald Square, where Ford CEO Alan Mulally will take the stage alongside the redesigned SUV.
Ford also announced some pricing info for the new model, which will be available later this year. Pricing for the V6 starts at $28,190, plus an $805 delivery fee. The XLT model comes in at $31,190, while the Limited variant starts at $37,190. With every possible option, a fully-loaded Limited will list for around $48,00.
City slicker
The all-new Explorer rides on a unibody platform derived from the automaker’s D3 platform rather than the separate frame of the outgoing model. Designed originally by Volvo for its 1999 S80, the D3 platform was first used in a Ford-badged product for the 2005 model year. Substantially updated since it first debuted, it now underpins the Taurus, Flex, Lincoln MKS and Volvo XC90 in addition to the 2011 Explorer.
With a road-oriented fully independent suspension and Ford’s optional “intelligent” four-wheel-drive system, the Explorer isn’t likely to challenge the body-on-frame Toyota 4Runner or similarly unibody-based Jeep Grand Cherokee for off road prowess. Instead, V6 Explorers can be equipped with a terrain management control knob based on former Ford subsidiary Land Rover’s similar system. Offering snow, sand, mud and normal modes, the system simply requires a twist of a knob to properly set up the Explorer’s all-wheel-drive and stability control systems for various types of terrain. The system will also include a hill descent mode for low-speed off road maneuvers.
The Explorer will debut a new EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine and it will offer a more powerful (and thirstier) V6. The 2.0-liter inline-four combines a turbocharger, direct injection and four valves per cylinder to deliver an estimated 237 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 250 lb-ft. of torque from 1,750 to 4,000 rpm. Ford says that fuel economy is up 30 percent over the current Explorer V6, so look for city figures around 19 mpg and highway figures around 25-26 mpg for front-wheel-drive Explorers. The EcoBoost will only be offered with front-wheel-drive.
The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine will debut soon in various other Ford products in Europe, Asia and Australia.
For those who place a priority on power – and those who want to tow – Ford will also offer a 3.5-liter V6 that will put out an estimated 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft. of torque. The naturally aspirated V6 also features direct injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing which Ford says helps boost fuel economy by about 20 percent compared to the existing Explorer. With the V6, Explorer owners can tow up to 5,000 lbs. and the V6 will be available on both front and all-wheel-drive Explorers.
The V6 comes from Ford’s Lima Engine Plant in Lima, Ohio, while the EcoBoost four-cylinder is an import from Ford’s plant in Valencia, Spain.
Both engines will be mated to six-speed automatic transmissions; XLT and Limited trim levels will feature a shifter-mounted +/- toggle switch for manual-style gearshifts. All models also feature electric power steering to reduce fuel consumption and assembly complexity. The electric steering combines with a new Curve Control feature, which works with the Explorer’s stability control and brakes to stabilize a vehicle that has entered a turn too quickly. Ford will also offer the Explorer with its automatic parallel parking system that debuted on the Flex last year.
Inside and out
With a length of 197.1 inches and a width of 90.2 inches including the exterior mirrors, the 2011 Explorer is a fair amount larger than the outgoing model – and it’s one of the largest in its class, measuring in just three inches shorter than a GMC Acadia.
It gains a much more swoopy look than before, although the canted C-pillar seen in the original two-door Explorers returns. Part of the ‘11 Explorer’s signature look, it also adds rigidity to the SUV’s body structure.
Inside, the new SUV features more room and three rows of seats, as well as a decidedly unique dashboard. Ford says that the Explorer features its highest quality interior.
The lineup
Ford will offer the 2011 Explorer in three configurations; gone, apparently, is the long-lived Explorer Eddie Bauer. The base model, equipped with 17-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, a 4.2-inch LCD screen to display vehicle information, cruise control, power windows and locks and a tilt and telescope steering column.
Buyers can step up to the XLT to gain standard automatic headlamps, heated mirrors with LED turn signals, a kelyess entry keypad, reverse sensing and an alarm system. Additional optional features can be added to the XLT.
The range-topping Limited adds power folding side mirrors, ambient lighting, power adjustable pedals, automatic climate control, a 10-way power driver’s seat, an auto-dimming interior mirror, a rearview camera, remote start and keyless access with push-button start, among other items.
The Explorer is set to begin production near the end of this year at the automaker’s Chicago assembly plant. 2011 Explorers will begin arriving in dealers at the end of 2010.
Pricing will begin at $28,995 – $1,000 lower than the 2010 Explorer’s base price.
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Тема: Ford представил внедорожник Explorer нового поколения. (Прочитано 1174 раз)
