The Reinvention of an Icon - Ford launches Explorer 2011

Accompanied by a major social media campaign, the Explorer 2011 is being unveiled on July 26th on New York’s Herald Square. With the release of its new Ford Explorer 2011, the Ford Motor Company attempts to reach new higher grounds in the SUV segment. Ford Vice President of Global Product Development, Derrick Kuzak, argues it is about "the Explorer that changes everything."

Whether change is this far-reaching remains to be seen, however, some of the new Explorer’s features have seen updates for the better when compared to the old model.

Advanced technology and materials made it possible to improve the balance between structural strength and light weight. Following that, Ford claims the Explorer to be superior to other SUVs in its fuel efficiency and answering customers’ demands for greener and more economical cars, while making no compromise on the performance side.

According to Ford, one major innovative factor is the optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine, which may improve fuel efficiency up to 30 per cent compared with the current V-6-powered Explorer, without compromising on performance. Six-speed-transmission and a lightweight unibody-construction intend to further enhance fuel efficiency.

Along with technological innovation, the design plays a role in enhancing the aerodynamics of the Explorer 2011, optimizing and harmonizing the design of sideview mirrors, the front air dam and rear liftgate spoiler, improving on fuel consumption and reducing wind noise when speeding on the highway.

Beyond efficiency, the driving experience has benefited from features such as an Intelligent 4WD System and a smart Curve control - amongst others. A Terrain Response System offers five driving modes (Normal, Snow, Sand, Mud, Hill Descent) which are designed to make the operation of the four-wheel-drive system more intuitive.

To efficiency and comfort is added versatility as the Explorer provides seating for up to seven passengers, which can be transformed into 80.7 cubic feet of cargo space by folding down the seats.

With the new Explorer 2011, Ford follows in the footsteps of the first Explorer, which is regarded as iconic in the sense that it changed the American way of driving, pioneering a large market for sports utility vehicles and being the bestselling SUV in the mid-size segment over years. It remains to be seen, if the Ford Explorer 2011 will live up to this legacy.

Produced in Chicago, the Ford Explorer 2011 will be on sale in dealers’ showrooms by the end of this year.