The Explorer Sport is back with EcoBoost V6

[typhoon5000]

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/2013-ford-explorer-sport-brings-sho-like-performance-to-big-cuv/



They say it's on par with other performance midsized SUVs, yet only compare it to the Durango R/T, Cherokee Hemi and Range Rover Sport and never mention the SRT8. One other thing that worries me is they pushed it's fuel economy more than any other specification, which it's best in class, but with performance customers, that's typically not one of the top things on their list. The added grunt also doesn't increase its tow rating over the 5K lbs the NA V6 can do.

 

[zblackbeast]

Last time I checked the Explorer "Sport" was a 2 door with a shortened wheel base and some more sportier trim pieces.. Looks like Ford Managed to **** up yet another Explorer badge.. Not surprised there... :/


Yes, I'm bitter. I am MORE than disappointed in Ford with the direction they went with the new "Explorer" A lot of other Explorer fans will agree with me.. But a transverse, uni-body, IRS, no V-8 cross-over looking "truck" should NOT be named "Explorer".. Ford COMPLETELY missed the ball on what the original explorer was built for.. these are not rugged in any means. They just built a larger Flex..

 

[typhoon5000]

Last time I checked the Explorer "Sport" was a 2 door with a shortened wheel base and some more sportier trim pieces.. Looks like Ford Managed to **** up yet another Explorer badge.. Not surprised there... :/


Yes, I'm bitter. I am MORE than disappointed in Ford with the direction they went with the new "Explorer" A lot of other Explorer fans will agree with me.. But a transverse, uni-body, IRS, no V-8 cross-over looking "truck" should NOT be named "Explorer".. Ford COMPLETELY missed the ball on what the original explorer was built for.. these are not rugged in any means. They just built a larger Flex..

First off, I think they're correcting themselves with the Sport badge since the original Explorer Sport wasn't really sporty, this one is.

Second, you have no idea how much work went into reinforcing and widening the chassis of the new Explorer compared to other D cars like the Flex and Taurus to fit larger, HD suspension and tires. The new Explorer went through and passed all of the durability tests that Ford puts all of their trucks through, which are MUCH more rigorous than car durability tests. In fact, the Explorer launch got delayed by about 6 months to make sure it was done right and not half a$$ed. It's def NOT just a bigger Flex, I can guarantee you that.

I know it's not quite the same thing as the old one and it can't tow quite as much, but for most people 5K lbs is plenty enough. I would've just thought this new one with ~60+hp and bigger brakes would be rated for a bit more.

 

[zblackbeast]

I'm not saying its not a rugged car, or that its not a nice car.. I just don't think it should be called an Explorer.. That's all..

I guess it all comes down to opinion.. My opinion is this should not be called an Explorer. It is, by no means, a bash to the car itself.

I'm sorry if I offended you, I by no means meant to, but like I said. I don't think this should be called an Explorer!!

 

[typhoon5000]

I'm not saying its not a rugged car, or that its not a nice car.. I just don't think it should be called an Explorer.. That's all..

I guess it all comes down to opinion.. My opinion is this should not be called an Explorer. It is, by no means, a bash to the car itself.

I'm sorry if I offended you, I by no means meant to, but like I said. I don't think this should be called an Explorer!!

Ah, yea I work with some of the people that developed it and know how hard they worked on it, so I do take a bit of offense when it gets bashed on

IMO, when the Explorer originally debuted, it was designed to be a family hauler with some offroad and towing capabilities (5200lbs BTW), but it was based on the Ranger so I don't think expectations were high. I believe it just happened to outperform it's expectations, giving it its reputation. To me, the new Explorer really goes back to it's roots of it's original design intention.

But I don't wanna derail this thread so I'll leave this topic with to each their own.

 

[esfoad]

I am on the other side of the fence where I think Ford did an excellent job updating the Explorer and making it relevant once again. While I understand the desire to respect the body on frame heritage of the Explorer it seems that the reality is that for fuel economy and handling sake this is not possible. So they updated it with the features that most want while sacrificing a few capabilities that were needed by a few. This is unfortunate but there are other vehicle choices for those that need the capabilities lost in transition while making the new vehicle popular again. IMHO they must be doing something right. I see so many Explorers on the road in such a short time, so many more than Taurii.

 

[SHOspazz92]

As someone else so kindly put it....

"What's the point of the Explorer Sport if it's just going to compete with other Ford performance SUVs like the Taurus SHO?"

-Sam

 

[thebigjimsho]

Well, in the Northeast, the new Explorer sells well...

 

[BamSHO]

I wondered why the new Explorer didnt have the SHO drive train to start with since it is based off the new Taurus anyways. I really like the Sport rims alot better than the new SHO rims, too bad the put SPORT into the outer lip, would be an easy swap. Plus cant wait till Rick and the boys get there hands on one.


Brian Michael
98 black Gen3

 

[SeanMc]

Well, in the Northeast, the new Explorer sells well...

Sells extremely well here in SoCal. It's the perfect soccer mom vehicle.

 

[typhoon5000]

Sells extremely well here in SoCal. It's the perfect soccer mom vehicle.

Now that's impressive because imports generally rule SoCal.

 

[SHO60K]

Now they need to put the 3.5L Ecoboost in a Fusion Sport that car would rip if they could get it to fit. It only 3285lbs about 1000lbs less than a SHO.

 

[roland]

A real explorer rolls over when the tires burst and then blows up. This one doesn't, it's a fake.

Now they need to put the 3.5L Ecoboost in a Fusion Sport that car would rip if they could get it to fit. It only 3285lbs about 1000lbs less than a SHO.

uh yeah in FWD I4 MTX form......V6 AWD Sport is 3800+, add a couple turbo's and some beefed up parts and you're at 4000+ lbs.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2010-ford-fusion-sport-awd-short-take-road-test

3,886 lbs according to C&D.

I could see that powertrain on an MKZ to compete with the 335i, S4, TL SH-AWD, but I doubt even the new Fusion will get a 300+ hp version. It's only competition would be the TSX V6, Regal GS, and Maxima.

 

[typhoon5000]

Autoblog posted another article with some more technical info and mentioned something interesting:

there are meaningful tweaks across the entire vehicle, including everything from a 3.16:1 final drive ratio to a water-cooled Power Take Off faceplate cooler that keeps the standard all-wheel-drive system at proper operating temps when it's being worked harder by those 350 pound-feet. Apparently Ford has learned its lesson based on feedback it received from the launch of the 2010 Taurus SHO (a vehicle that shares much of this CUV's architecture and drivetrain).

Which makes me think the 2013 SHO (maybe only on PP cars) also gets a water cooled PTU, which is something I hadn't heard before and I'm sure something that the tuned cars out there might be interested in swapping into their cars.

Full Article:
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/2013-ford-explorer-sport-presages-running-changes-for-entire-ran/

 

[LotusDriver]

I've been shopping lately for a new Explorer to replace my wifes 2008 Expedition. We both want something a bit smaller and more sporty. This will be the vehicle we buy!

 

[Paranoid]

The new ones are much larger than my 1994 EB Explorer.

 

[typhoon5000]

I really like the Sport rims alot better than the new SHO rims, too bad the put SPORT into the outer lip, would be an easy swap. Plus cant wait till Rick and the boys get there hands on one.

I just remembered they offer those wheels on the 2013 Edge as well and I don't think it has the "Sport" lettering on it because I've seen them on non-Sport Edges.

 

[SHOmethewayhome]

Ah, yea I work with some of the people that developed it and know how hard they worked on it, so I do take a bit of offense when it gets bashed on

IMO, when the Explorer originally debuted, it was designed to be a family hauler with some offroad and towing capabilities (5200lbs BTW), but it was based on the Ranger so I don't think expectations were high. I believe it just happened to outperform it's expectations, giving it its reputation. To me, the new Explorer really goes back to it's roots of it's original design intention.

But I don't wanna derail this thread so I'll leave this topic with to each their own.

I don't tow with my explorer, it'll flip over and **** me when the tires go boom.

 

[shobote]

Ecoboost 6 should have been in from the start; the 4 cyl is just not up to it Chassis reinforcement and the electric steering will also help a lot, as the current one doesnt have a smooth solid ride or very good handling. I rented one not long ago for a couple days, and a new Durango, and the Explorer does not have the solid feel and structural rigidity of the Dodge. 16 /22 mpg with the eco 6 is OK, as the 2013 Jeep/Durango 5.7 has an 8 speed ZF and MDS, and should equal or better the SHOplorer mpg. There's also a 3.0 turbodieesl with 407 lb. ft, upper 20's hwy mpg. I expect soccer moms will still head to Ford dealers as it is a better selling vehicle; I'm going for the ZF equipped Jeep this fall.

 

[somedude_001]

I have mixed feelings with ZF transmissions