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Written by Dan Carney
Ford has relentlessly applied all of the technology at itsdisposal in a program of continuous refinement to the 2016 Explorer in a bid tokeep competitive a vehicle whose platform roots can be traced back through the2005 Freestyle to its origin in the 1998 Volvo S80 sedan. The primary advance for 2016 is the replacement of the 2.0-LEcoBoost four-cylinder as the fuel-saving upgrade engine for base model, XLT,and Limited-grade Explorers, by a freshly upgraded version of the 2.3-L EcoBoostseen previously in the Mustang and Lincoln MKC. The base engine remains a290-hp (216-kW), 255-lb ft (346-N m) naturally aspirated 3.5-L V6. According to Chief Program Engineer Arie Groeneveld, theExplorer"s version of the new 2.3-L engine enjoys a variable oil pump thatworks only hard enough to produce the needed oil pressure, saving wasted effortand the corresponding fuel. It has a higher compression ratio, an activewastegate on the turbocharger, and polished valve buckets for reduced friction. This engine will be rated at something more than 270 hp (201 kW) and300 lb ft (408 N m), though official numbers were not yet available. Critically, this added power in comparison tothe previous 2.0-L base engine means that Ford can offer all-wheel drive withthe four-cylinder engine for the first time, and it can certify the Explorerwith a 3000-lb (1360-kg) towing rating with its base engine. This will be critical to sales, as many SUV buyers want theability to drive in inclement weather, do light off-roading, or periodicallytow, noted Groeneveld. Previously, 65% of Explorers were equipped withall-wheel drive, but that number will likely climb now that it is availablewith the most efficient engine, he said. Despite the increases in displacement, power, and capability,the 2016 Explorer should match the EPA fuel economy ratings of the 2.0-L 2015,which topped out at 28 mpg EPA highway, he added. In keeping with the theme of upgrading the model line, inaddition to an improved optional engine for the popular trim levels, Ford ispushing the top of the Explorer"s line upward, with the creation of a Platinumedition that is packed with still more technology and comforts. For the outgoing model, 90% of shoppers who boughtthe Sport trim level loaded it with all the options. "That"s a strong signal customers are readyfor Platinum," pointed out Matt Zuehlk, Explorer Brand Manager. The Explorer"s cabin"s Lear seats are swaddled in Nirvanaleather, the softest ever fitted to a Ford brand product, according toGroeneveld. Occupants will be bathed in the sound from a Ford-first Sony500-watt audio system with Live Acoustics and Clear Phase technology. LiveAcoustics is said to recreate the sound of a concert venue, while Clear Phase eliminates sound dispersion in thevehicle. And Ford"s first use of a 10-in instrument cluster displayflanked by analog gauges greets drivers when the slip behind the wheel. They will also enjoy the benefit of 180-degree cameras frontand rear for easy parking, and those are equipped with industry-first lenswashers. Customers in Snowbelt areas and rural drivers will appreciate nothaving to constantly wipe lenses clear, Groeneveld promised. Another contributor to the Explorer"s efficiency is theinstallation of active grille shutters for reduced aero drag at highway speeds.The 2016 wears new sheet metal everywhere except the roof and doors, with crisplines lending a contemporary flair. The strong horizontal theme in the front end emphasizeswidth and minimizes the front overhang, which is increased slightly toaccommodate the grille shutters. The headlights have standard LED low beams andLED running lights and are housed in sleek rectangular reflectors thatsimultaneously resemble quad-lamp sealed beam headlights. Integration of so many new components demanded a lot oftime, which represented the engineering team"s biggest challenge whendeveloping the 2016 Explorer, Groeneveld reported. "To get the attribute levelwe were looking for takes a lot of time in the vehicle," he said.
Date: 03-Dec-2014 01:44 EST
More of this article on the SAE International website
ID: 1063
Ford has relentlessly applied all of the technology at itsdisposal in a program of continuous refinement to the 2016 Explorer in a bid tokeep competitive a vehicle whose platform roots can be traced back through the2005 Freestyle to its origin in the 1998 Volvo S80 sedan. The primary advance for 2016 is the replacement of the 2.0-LEcoBoost four-cylinder as the fuel-saving upgrade engine for base model, XLT,and Limited-grade Explorers, by a freshly upgraded version of the 2.3-L EcoBoostseen previously in the Mustang and Lincoln MKC. The base engine remains a290-hp (216-kW), 255-lb ft (346-N m) naturally aspirated 3.5-L V6. According to Chief Program Engineer Arie Groeneveld, theExplorer"s version of the new 2.3-L engine enjoys a variable oil pump thatworks only hard enough to produce the needed oil pressure, saving wasted effortand the corresponding fuel. It has a higher compression ratio, an activewastegate on the turbocharger, and polished valve buckets for reduced friction. This engine will be rated at something more than 270 hp (201 kW) and300 lb ft (408 N m), though official numbers were not yet available. Critically, this added power in comparison tothe previous 2.0-L base engine means that Ford can offer all-wheel drive withthe four-cylinder engine for the first time, and it can certify the Explorerwith a 3000-lb (1360-kg) towing rating with its base engine. This will be critical to sales, as many SUV buyers want theability to drive in inclement weather, do light off-roading, or periodicallytow, noted Groeneveld. Previously, 65% of Explorers were equipped withall-wheel drive, but that number will likely climb now that it is availablewith the most efficient engine, he said. Despite the increases in displacement, power, and capability,the 2016 Explorer should match the EPA fuel economy ratings of the 2.0-L 2015,which topped out at 28 mpg EPA highway, he added. In keeping with the theme of upgrading the model line, inaddition to an improved optional engine for the popular trim levels, Ford ispushing the top of the Explorer"s line upward, with the creation of a Platinumedition that is packed with still more technology and comforts. For the outgoing model, 90% of shoppers who boughtthe Sport trim level loaded it with all the options. "That"s a strong signal customers are readyfor Platinum," pointed out Matt Zuehlk, Explorer Brand Manager. The Explorer"s cabin"s Lear seats are swaddled in Nirvanaleather, the softest ever fitted to a Ford brand product, according toGroeneveld. Occupants will be bathed in the sound from a Ford-first Sony500-watt audio system with Live Acoustics and Clear Phase technology. LiveAcoustics is said to recreate the sound of a concert venue, while Clear Phase eliminates sound dispersion in thevehicle. And Ford"s first use of a 10-in instrument cluster displayflanked by analog gauges greets drivers when the slip behind the wheel. They will also enjoy the benefit of 180-degree cameras frontand rear for easy parking, and those are equipped with industry-first lenswashers. Customers in Snowbelt areas and rural drivers will appreciate nothaving to constantly wipe lenses clear, Groeneveld promised. Another contributor to the Explorer"s efficiency is theinstallation of active grille shutters for reduced aero drag at highway speeds.The 2016 wears new sheet metal everywhere except the roof and doors, with crisplines lending a contemporary flair. The strong horizontal theme in the front end emphasizeswidth and minimizes the front overhang, which is increased slightly toaccommodate the grille shutters. The headlights have standard LED low beams andLED running lights and are housed in sleek rectangular reflectors thatsimultaneously resemble quad-lamp sealed beam headlights. Integration of so many new components demanded a lot oftime, which represented the engineering team"s biggest challenge whendeveloping the 2016 Explorer, Groeneveld reported. "To get the attribute levelwe were looking for takes a lot of time in the vehicle," he said.
Date: 03-Dec-2014 01:44 EST
More of this article on the SAE International website
ID: 1063
