Most of the people already ordering their SUV have opted, according to Mase, for the trailer tow package. A whooping 66 percent of people ordering the model decided to go for all-wheel drive. 4,500 orders for the Explorer have been placed by companies. The model is priced at $28,995.
The new Ford Explorer will be equipped when it launches in early 2011 with two engines, a 3.5l V6 and a 2.0l four cylinder EcoBoost. The first unit, developing 290 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque, will be offered as standard on base, XLT and Limited trims, while the second develops 237 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of torque and will be available across the range.
The all-wheel drive system of the SUV is paired with electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) and dampers. Four-wheel independent coil-spring suspension ensure a smooth ride, while the dampers allow the SUV to maintain the same motion in the same cadence as the wheels.
The Explorer's intelligent 4WD with terrain management allows the driver to select from four modes, normal, mud and ruts, sand and snow. Normal sends torque to the front wheels and only when needed to the rear ones, while the mud and ruts mode allows torque demand at the top end of the throttle.
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