The brand new Ford Explorer V6 boasts a significant improvement in fuel economy compared to the outgoing model.
The vehicle achieves 17mpg city and 25mpg highway, meaning a 25 per cent improvement. Much of the increase is down to an enhanced aerodynamic body with twin independent variable camshaft timing as well as a six-speed automatic transmission and electric power-assisted steering.
As a full-size SUV, the Explorer V6 comes with intelligent four wheel drive and a terrain management system that can tow up to 5,000lbs. It will also be made available with an advanced 2.0litre EcoBoost I-4 engine that can offer up to 30 per cent better fuel economy than the 2010 version.
So how has this improvement been achieved?
The Explorer’s body shape has been optimised in a wind tunnel that reduces wind noise and increases fuel economy. The front-mounted air dam and rear liftgate spoiler alone are said to add almost 1mpg at highway speeds.
In addition, the vehicle comes with electric power-assisted steering and features a low-tension drive belt, aggressive deceleration fuel shut-off and a direct-acting mechanical bucket valvetrain.
All of these improvements have been achieved without sacrificing the vehicle’s performance capabilities as at 290hp, it exceeds the Explorer V6 2010 by 80hp.
