2013 Ford Explorer Sport EcoBoost Walkaround & SUV Video Review with Chief Engineer Bill Gubing

http://www.autobytel.com/ford/explore... Autobytel recently caught up with the Explorer's Chief Engineer Bill Gubing for some in-depth info on both the appearance aspects and the performance aspects of the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport SUV.

Up front one of the most notable appearance features is the new front grille. Here we see the contrasting high gloss bars with the low gloss mesh behind that really sets off the front of this vehicle. Ford took the muscular look of the 2011 model and wanted to make the new 2013 model stand out even more. Besides the front grille, Ford created a technical wrap by blacking out the grille, headlights, and also the lower bumper openings. The Explorer name was added to the front of the vehicle for the first time. From the side the large 20-inch wheels with black painted pockets are the first thing you notice. The blacked-out theme continues along the Explorer with blacked-out mirror caps, side skirts, and roof rails. Out back it's more of the same. The taillights have the smoked treatment with the rear diffuser darkened too. The rear eye-catcher though is the dual polished exhaust tips.

Moving to the interior of the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport the first thing you notice is the illuminated kick plate. The interior is all about craftsmanship with many upgrades being added to the Sport trim level. The seats have a sienna color insert with contrast stitching. The Explorer design team looked at European Fashion houses and looked at what was coming out in the Leather world to gain some insights into the future of automobile interior surfaces. The trim pieces have a high metallic look that blend nicely with the blacked-out exterior direction. Sony branded audio is standard with HD radio. The Explorer also features the 8-inch touch screen with MyFord Touch.

Most SUV buyers can be categorized as those either looking for fuel economy or those looking for power. Ford met the needs of both groups with the different EcoBoost engine options. The 2.0 liter EcoBoost is perfect for the fuel economy minded customer and the 3.5 liter EcoBoost V-6 for those looking for more power. In fact the 3.5 liter turbocharged EcoBoost makes 365 horsepower. There is a ton of power that needed to be effectively put down to the road. This is where the AWD system was completely retuned optimizing for the torque sensing system making sure the power would be put to the pavement. The wheels were widened to 9-inches and wrapped in a performance tire. In regards to vehicle dynamics; the body structure was stiffened via a tower to tower brace and a cross tunnel brace. Overall lateral stiffness was increased by 37%.

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