Ford Takes 2011 Explorer Testing in Dubai

One thing that Ford cannot replicate in its Dearborn facilities is the atmospheric conditions from Dubuque to Dubai. Therefore, for being able to validate vehicle capabilities for Dubai customers, the American manufacturer has taken the 2011 Explorer to extreme testing in the humid desert climate.

The team has tested the interior air conditioning effectiveness and occupant comfort in the combined desert heat and high humidity of the adjacent Gulf of Oman. Engineers fitted an Explorer test vehicle with interior temperature sensors in the very places where occupants would be sensitive, and made adjustments to improve air conditioning performance.

Dubai has also been the perfect venue to validate the Explorer's 4WD capabilities. The Explorer’s terrain management system has been optimized to allow some wheel spin at initial throttle, while limiting slip as vehicle speed increases.

Once in motion, the sand setting on Explorer’s terrain management system constantly monitors traction to send the right amount of torque to the wheels for optimal performance, without the need for customer intervention.

“The sweltering heat and humidity conditions of Dubai have helped us develop a better Explorer,” said Chief Engineer for Vehicle Engineering, Don Ufford. “With midday temperatures pushing 125 degrees Fahrenheit – aggravated by high humidity near the sea coast – Dubai represents an ideal environment to test and validate vehicle performance in some of the world’s most extreme conditions.”

“We regularly sell close to 10,000 Explorers per year in the Middle East market,” added Ufford. “SUV drivers in this part of the world regularly use the broad range of capabilities these vehicles offer. Our rationale for testing in Dubai is simple: If we can perform well here, we can do well anywhere.”