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Limited Demand Is Why the 2020 Ford Explorer ST Doesn’t Have A V8 Engine

Along with the Aviator, the Explorer switched to the CD6 vehicle architecture for rear- and all-wheel-drive applications. Matched to the 10R80 ten-speed automatic transmission as standard, the Explorer ST is the range-topping model in the lineup but doesn’t feature good ol’ V8 muscle.
2020 Ford Explorer ST 21 photos
Photo: Ford
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Not a pushrod V8 like Chevrolet uses in the Camaro, but a cross-plane V8 such as the Coyote 5.0-liter engine in the Mustang. Speaking of the original pony car, the S650 is expected to switch to the CD6 as well, bringing the ‘Stang closer than ever before to the Explorer. Given these circumstances, why didn’t the Blue Oval give the Explorer ST an eight-cylinder plant?

“I don’t think anyone in this class right now is saying ‘I want a V8,’” is the explanation given by Bill Gubing, global chief engineer of the 2020 Explorer. That’s right; the mid-size SUV will be sold in Europe as an alternative to the Edge and seven-seat Kuga. “We’re to the point of wanting it to be effortless, and fun,” added Gubing.

On the one hand, Ford did the right thing by choosing a twin-turbo V6 as far as torque and efficiency are concerned. “The segment is otherwise milquetoast” according to Muscle Cars & Trucks, but don’t forget that Ford has a rival in Dodge with the 6.4-liter HEMI V8-engined Durango SRT.

Venturing into the premium and luxury segments, the Range Rover Sport is available with 500-plus-horsepower options for $82,950 or $86,500 excluding delivery. Mid-size SUVs with V8s are a rare right, and looking at the bigger picture, the Ford Motor Company could’ve made the emotional decision to offer an eight-cylinder engine to stand out from the rest of crowd.

Ever-stringent emissions and the bean counters are to blame for playing it safe with the Explorer ST, and on that note, even Gubing appears to be a bit overzealous about his work. “If you spent any time in the previous generation, the 2020 Explorer ST will feel like a racecar in comparison.”

Dearest mister Gubing, get in a racing car then stop comparing a V6-engined SUV with a racing car. Signed, everyone.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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