When Ford originally announced its Ecoboost engine strategy in early 2008, officials talked about getting fuel efficiency improvements of 15-20 percent over larger displacement, normally aspirated powerplants. However, they also said that as new vehicles were developed that took advantage of the new engines with lighter structures, the fuel consumption reductions would get even better.
That appears to be exactly the case with the new 2011 Ford Explorer. The new unibody SUV has been developed around smaller engines than previous generations and the base version – powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four Ecoboost engine – is expected to bump mileage numbers by about 30 percent compared to the outgoing 4.0-liter V6 while offering better performance. The 2010 V6 Explorer is rated at 14 miles per gallon city and 20 mpg highway, so we're guessing the 2011 should hit somewhere in the range of 18-19 mpg city and 26-27 mpg highway.
Besides lower weight, the Explorer will also feature electric power steering and a new variable displacement air conditioning compressor to further improve efficiency.
[Source: Ford]
PRESS RELEASE
2011 Ford Explorer With EcoBoost Delivers Class Leading MPG; 30% Better Than Current V-6 Model
DEARBORN, Mich., July 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- -- All-new Ford Explorer SUV offers best-in-class fuel economy with technologically advanced powertrains featuring multiple enhancements to improve mechanical efficiency
The Ford Explorer has been reinvented to shatter long-held myths about SUV fuel efficiency and performance.
The 2011 model equipped with an optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost(TM) I-4 engine will be the new class leader in the mid-size SUV segment, achieving at least a 30 percent increase in fuel efficiency compared with the current V-6-powered Explorer.
"The all-new Explorer will give a huge universe of existing and prospective customers the capability they expect and the luxury and convenience they want, all combined with the fuel economy they need," said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas.
The new Explorer, due in Ford showrooms later this year, has added comfort and convenience features, while overall vehicle weight is reduced compared to the previous model. Extensive use of lighter and stronger high-strength steels such as boron add durability while saving weight. An aluminum hood is used, while a one-piece composite front bolster - the radiator support between engine and grille - is 65 percent lighter. Lighter weight equates to fuel and money saved.
Sophisticated engine controls and advanced technologies are key contributors to the Explorer's improved fuel economy. Electric power-assisted steering, battery management, fast engine warm-up and aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff all combine to improve drive dynamics and save fuel. Explorer also features the first North American Ford application of a variable-displacement air conditioning compressor that reduces parasitic engine drag.
Powertrain advancements like twin independent variable camshaft timing and six-speed automatic transmissions help Explorer deliver responsive performance when needed combined with low-rpm efficiency when cruising.
SUV buyers placing highest priority on fuel economy can choose the available EcoBoost I-4. Delivering the power of a normally aspirated V6, this advanced engine pairs a turbocharger with direct gasoline injection to provide SUV buyers with projected class-leading fuel economy - pending EPA certification - with no compromise in performance.
Finally, all of these fuel economy enhancements are wrapped in a smooth, distinctive Explorer design that was extensively refined in wind tunnel testing. Designers and aerodynamicists collaborated to reshape sideview mirrors and harmonize the front air dam with the rear liftgate spoiler to significantly increase fuel efficiency on the highway. Reduced wind noise at speed is an incremental benefit.
"Explorer owners told us they want capability with convenience, and improved fuel economy without compromised performance," Fields said. "We believe we've hit the mark with the next-generation Explorer. It has the potential to change perceptions of what a modern SUV is all about."
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) , a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 176,000 employees and about 80 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010, and, until its sale, Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.
That appears to be exactly the case with the new 2011 Ford Explorer. The new unibody SUV has been developed around smaller engines than previous generations and the base version – powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four Ecoboost engine – is expected to bump mileage numbers by about 30 percent compared to the outgoing 4.0-liter V6 while offering better performance. The 2010 V6 Explorer is rated at 14 miles per gallon city and 20 mpg highway, so we're guessing the 2011 should hit somewhere in the range of 18-19 mpg city and 26-27 mpg highway.
Besides lower weight, the Explorer will also feature electric power steering and a new variable displacement air conditioning compressor to further improve efficiency.
[Source: Ford]
PRESS RELEASE
2011 Ford Explorer With EcoBoost Delivers Class Leading MPG; 30% Better Than Current V-6 Model
DEARBORN, Mich., July 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- -- All-new Ford Explorer SUV offers best-in-class fuel economy with technologically advanced powertrains featuring multiple enhancements to improve mechanical efficiency
- Explorer offers an optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost(TM) I-4 engine delivering V6 power with four-cylinder fuel efficiency
- Electric power-assisted steering, battery management, fast engine warm-up and the first North American Ford application of a variable-displacement air conditioning compressor all combine toimprove drivability, increase efficiency and save fuel.
The Ford Explorer has been reinvented to shatter long-held myths about SUV fuel efficiency and performance.
The 2011 model equipped with an optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost(TM) I-4 engine will be the new class leader in the mid-size SUV segment, achieving at least a 30 percent increase in fuel efficiency compared with the current V-6-powered Explorer.
"The all-new Explorer will give a huge universe of existing and prospective customers the capability they expect and the luxury and convenience they want, all combined with the fuel economy they need," said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas.
The new Explorer, due in Ford showrooms later this year, has added comfort and convenience features, while overall vehicle weight is reduced compared to the previous model. Extensive use of lighter and stronger high-strength steels such as boron add durability while saving weight. An aluminum hood is used, while a one-piece composite front bolster - the radiator support between engine and grille - is 65 percent lighter. Lighter weight equates to fuel and money saved.
Sophisticated engine controls and advanced technologies are key contributors to the Explorer's improved fuel economy. Electric power-assisted steering, battery management, fast engine warm-up and aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff all combine to improve drive dynamics and save fuel. Explorer also features the first North American Ford application of a variable-displacement air conditioning compressor that reduces parasitic engine drag.
Powertrain advancements like twin independent variable camshaft timing and six-speed automatic transmissions help Explorer deliver responsive performance when needed combined with low-rpm efficiency when cruising.
SUV buyers placing highest priority on fuel economy can choose the available EcoBoost I-4. Delivering the power of a normally aspirated V6, this advanced engine pairs a turbocharger with direct gasoline injection to provide SUV buyers with projected class-leading fuel economy - pending EPA certification - with no compromise in performance.
Finally, all of these fuel economy enhancements are wrapped in a smooth, distinctive Explorer design that was extensively refined in wind tunnel testing. Designers and aerodynamicists collaborated to reshape sideview mirrors and harmonize the front air dam with the rear liftgate spoiler to significantly increase fuel efficiency on the highway. Reduced wind noise at speed is an incremental benefit.
"Explorer owners told us they want capability with convenience, and improved fuel economy without compromised performance," Fields said. "We believe we've hit the mark with the next-generation Explorer. It has the potential to change perceptions of what a modern SUV is all about."
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) , a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 176,000 employees and about 80 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010, and, until its sale, Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.
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