Ford is preparing to reinvent the Explorer. Riding on a car-based platform, the new Explorer will offer improved safety, greater technology and, as Ford revealed yesterday, improved fuel economy.
According to Ford, the four-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost Explorer will get fuel economy 30 percent better than the outgoing 4.0-liter V6.
As Autoblog notes, though; “Ford did, however, leave a key detail out of the press release touting this: it didn't reveal the actual mileage number, ‘pending EPA certification.’”
Besides the loss of two cylinders in the engine bay, how else did Ford manage to improve fuel economy?
“Extensive use of lighter and stronger high-strength steels, such as boron, add durability while saving weight,” reports the Detroit Free Press. They add that, “An aluminum hood is used, while a one-piece composite front bolster – the radiator support between engine and grille – is 65% lighter. Lighter weight equates to fuel and money saved.”
The new Explorer will be unveiled officially early next week. Continue to check U.S. News rankings for more information on the 2011 Explorer.
If you're in the market for a new car, check out the U.S. News rankings of this year's best cars as well as this month's best car deals.
