2013 Ford Explorer Sport brings SHO-like performance

From AB


New Ford Explorer Sport: Fuel-Efficient, High-Performance SUV Features
Inspired Design Cues, EcoBoost V6 Engine

- Ford Explorer Sport is a new addition for the 2013 model year,
featuring EcoBoost® 3.5-liter V6 engine for greater performance feel
and projected top fuel economy among gasoline-powered,
high-performance sport utility vehicles
- Explorer Sport gives customers an interior inspired by designer
accessory fashions, sporty exterior design cues and specially tuned
suspension components

DEARBORN, Mich., March 28, 2012 – The first-ever performance version
of the Ford Explorer arrives this year with the highest projected fuel
economy among gasoline-engine-powered, high- performance SUVs.

With a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost® V6 engine making at least 350
horsepower and four-wheel drive with a Terrain Management SystemTM,
Explorer Sport delivers enhanced on-road dynamics with sporty design
cues inside and out.

"Adding an EcoBoost drivetrain to Explorer Sport delivers even
more fuel efficiency and performance to the lineup," said Bill
Gubing, Explorer chief engineer. "This is our highest-
performance, most capable Ford Explorer ever."

Power, capability, fuel efficiency
Completely new for 2011, the Ford Explorer has been winning over
customers with its improved on-road handling, impressive comfort and
convenience technologies, and fuel economy never before delivered by
an SUV.

For the 2013 model year, Explorer Sport brings high-performance SUV
power and projected fuel economy of up to 16 mpg in city driving and
22 mpg on the highway – anticipating 3 mpg better in the city and 2
mpg on the highway than the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango R/T
5.7-liter Hemi engines. It scores 3 mpg higher in the city and 4 mpg
higher on the highway than the Land Rover Range Rover Sport.

"Explorer Sport makes no compromises," said Carl Widmann,
vehicle engineering manager. "By carefully beefing the chassis
and suspension, precisely calibrating the Terrain Management System
and adding comfort and convenience features, we've delivered an SUV
that delivers great dynamics and performance – while towing up to
5,000 pounds."

The Explorer Sport features a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift
AutomaticTM transmission with a unique 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio to
provide the balance of responsive acceleration and economical low-rpm
cruising for better fuel efficiency.

The chassis also has been specially reinforced, making Explorer Sport
stiffer and improving its handling.

Explorer Sport also brings a solid-mounted electric power-assisted
steering (EPAS) rack with a faster ratio, providing more
responsiveness to drivers both on-road and off.

Ford's newest SUV comes standard with larger brakes for shorter
stopping distances and better performance while towing.

Explorer Sport also has received special terrain management settings
for tackling sandy, snowy, rutted mud and hill descent.

"Upgrading to Sport specification enabled us to maintain the
standards of traditional Explorer capability plus delivering the
highest highway fuel efficiency among gasoline-engine-powered,
high-performance, three-row SUVs," Widmann said.

Subtle, sporty design elements
Sport builds on Explorer's muscular, sculpted form with subtle cues to
differentiate it from other models in the lineup. Available in four
exterior colors – Ruby Red Metallic Clearcoat, White Platinum Metallic
Tri-Coat, Tuxedo Black Metallic and Ingot Silver Metallic – Explorer
Sport has unique 20-inch painted and machined wheels, features
blacked-out headlamp and taillamp treatments, black roof rack rails,
sideview mirror skull caps and a liftgate applique
.

The Explorer Sport's special grille is a low-gloss Sterling Gray mesh,
with contrasting ebony high-gloss bars. The black front lower fascia
features a functional opening for additional cooling. Explorer
logotype in billet-like black adds a bold identity statement. Subtle
Sport and EcoBoost badges at the rear finish the liftgate.

Inside, the high-end feel continues. Charcoal Black leather-trimmed
seating is available with and without contrasting Sienna inserts.

The interior design contrast was inspired by fashion, mirroring
two-tones that are currently seen in leather accessories and apparel
from design houses Balenciaga and Prada. Stitching is emphasized to
lend a handcrafted appearance while highlighting Explorer Sport's
sculptured seats.

Explorer Sport also has unique steering wheel stitching, a technical
look to instrument and door panel applique
s, unique Sport-logo
floor mats and illuminated scuff plates.

Comfort, convenience, connectivity
As the top of the Explorer line, Sport offers a robust array of
standard and optional customer- focused technologies that make driving
more comfortable, convenient and connected. These include:

- 4WD with Terrain Management System
- Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control
- 10-way power driver's seat with power recline and lumbar
- Six-way power passenger seat with recline and lumbar
- First-row heated seats
- Compass and exterior temperature display
- Rear view camera
- SYNC® with MyFord Touch® driver connect technology
- Sony® Premium Audio System with HD RadioTM and 12 speakers

Explorer Sport can be tailored to individual preferences with the
following options as well:
- Active park assist
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert
- Inflatable rear seat belts
- 110-volt outlet
- PowerFold mirrors
- Intelligent access with Push-Button Start
- Remote Start
- Adjustable pedals with memory
- Dual-panel moonroof
- Power liftgate
- Class III trailer-towing package

Explorer Sport is manufactured at Ford's Chicago production facility.
It will arrive in dealerships later this year.

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