Ford Explorer Marks 25th Anniversary with All-New Platinum Series

Ford Motor Company has announced that for the 25th anniversary of the Ford Explorer, it will introduce a new Explorer with more smart technology, a new 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine and an all-new Platinum series.

“Explorer helped define how the world thinks about SUVs,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president and chief technical officer, Global Product Development.

Introduced as a 1991 model, more than 7 million Explorers have been sold in the United States alone, and the vehicle is now available in more than 100 markets across the globe.

Ford expects to ship approximately 56,000 Explorers to markets outside of the United States this year, in response to global demand for utility vehicles. In Europe alone, the utility vehicle segment has grown 72 percent since 2008, with large utilities up 21 percent. Ford’s share of the European market went from 9 percent in 2008 to 19 percent in 2013.

Utility vehicles accounted for 23 percent of global sales for the Ford brand in 2013, up from 17 percent a year earlier. Ford expects utility vehicle sales will grow to 29 percent by 2020.

The new Explorer offers more available features and technologies that include:

• Front and rear cameras with washers
• Enhanced active park assist with perpendicular park assist, park-out assist and semi-automatic parallel parking
• Smart-charging USB ports throughout
• Hands-free liftgate
• Industry-exclusive 500-watt Sony Audio System Active Grille Shutters
• Air curtains
• All-new EcoBoost engine

Customers will get even more capability with the new Explorer, thanks to an available 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine delivering at least 270 horsepower and at least 300 lb.-ft. of torque.

The 2.3-liter EcoBoost replaces the 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder offered on the current model. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost is available for base, XLT and Limited Explorer models.

The new powerplant is expected to give customers 12.5 percent more horsepower and 11 percent more torque over the 2.0-liter EcoBoost – without sacrificing fuel economy. It improves highway passing times 10 percent at speeds between 55 mph and 75 mph.

Tags: EcoBoost, Ford Explorer

Category: Featured, General Update, Vehicles