Ford may have botched up the Explorer's roll-out two years ago with manufacturing issues, but all has been forgotten thanks to the RWD architecture and a sporty variant with a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6. ST is how the Blue Oval calls the go-faster model that combines 4WD with 400 force-fed horsepower and 415 pound-feet (563 Nm) of torque.
This kind of hardware allows the seven-seat utility vehicle to reach 60 miles per hour (96 kilometers per hour) in 5.2 seconds, even though it tips the scales at approximately 4,700 pounds (2,132 kilograms). With the bone-stock tires, you can also expect to cover the quarter-mile in 13.9 seconds.
Filmed at the Orlando Speed World Dragway, this particular Explorer ST is a little more special under the hood. The first modification that needs to be mentioned is a less restrictive exhaust system that helps the engine breathe out better with the help of SPD Performance 3.0-inch catted downpipes.
Manufactured from mandrel-bent and TIG-welded stainless steel, these downpipes are joined by a Whipple Mega Cooler that lowers the intake temperature thanks to a greater surface area and volume than the OEM intercooler. Owned by Zu Media, the Explorer ST has also been treated to an E50 tune by ZFG Racing. The ethanol blend may require more fuel than pump gas, but denser and cooler air and the higher octane rating are worth the expense if you’re planning to slay American muscle cars on the strip.
That’s exactly what Zu Media did with his unibody SUV, trashing the likes of a Roush-modified S197 II Ford Mustang GT, a Dodge Challenger, and a tuned Honda Civic sedan from the eighth generation. On factory tires and wheels, the best pass of the night was 11.73 seconds at 116.19 miles per hour (187 kilometers per hour). Part of this result can be attributed to a transmission tune consisting of crisper, quicker shift points for the 10R80.
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. Full profile
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