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New Models
AUTOS: Ford Reveals Performance Explorer
The Explorer Sport features a 350-horsepower twin-turbo V6, heavy-duty chassis and suspension, and unique style enhancements and accessories.
Ford calls the 2013 Explorer Sport its first-ever performance-oriented SUV. (Photo: Ford)
Ford has introduced a performance version of the 2013 Ford Explorer that boasts a 350-horsepower EcoBoost V6 plus sporty features and style accents.
The Explorer Sport, due in showrooms by the end of the year, also has an upgraded chassis and suspension, plus electronic enhancements for improved drivability and handling. Ford calls it the first performance-oriented Explorer in the nameplate’s long history. Pricing has not yet been announced.
The twin-turbocharged V6 delivers its power through a six-speed paddle-shift automatic and four-wheel drive controlled with the Terrain Management System. Ford touts the Explorer Sport’s fuel economy compared with other automaker’s sporty SUV models, although it only registers a projected 16 mpg city and 22 highway.
“Explorer Sport makes no compromises,” said Carl Widmann, vehicle engineering manager. “By carefully beefing the chassis and suspension, precisely calibrating the Terrain Management System and adding comfort and convenience features, we’ve delivered an SUV that delivers great dynamics and performance – while towing up to 5,000 pounds.”
Explorer Sport also introduces a solid-mounted electric power-assisted steering rack with a faster ratio designed to provide more responsiveness both on-road and off. The new SUV comes standard with larger brakes for shorter stopping distances and better performance while towing.
Setting the Sport version apart from the regular Explorer herd are four unique paint colors, 20-inch painted and machined wheels, blacked-out headlamp and taillamp treatments, black roof-rack rails, sideview mirror “skull caps: and a liftgate appliqué.
Other exterior features are a low-gloss Sterling Gray mesh with contrasting ebony high-gloss bars, a black front-lower fascia with a functional opening for additional cooling, and the Explorer logotype in billet-like black.
Bob Golfen, Automotive Editor for SPEED.com, is a veteran auto writer based in Phoenix, Arizona, with a passion for collector cars, car culture and the automotive lifestyle. SPEED.com fans can email Bob Golfen at
The Explorer Sport, due in showrooms by the end of the year, also has an upgraded chassis and suspension, plus electronic enhancements for improved drivability and handling. Ford calls it the first performance-oriented Explorer in the nameplate’s long history. Pricing has not yet been announced.
The twin-turbocharged V6 delivers its power through a six-speed paddle-shift automatic and four-wheel drive controlled with the Terrain Management System. Ford touts the Explorer Sport’s fuel economy compared with other automaker’s sporty SUV models, although it only registers a projected 16 mpg city and 22 highway.
“Explorer Sport makes no compromises,” said Carl Widmann, vehicle engineering manager. “By carefully beefing the chassis and suspension, precisely calibrating the Terrain Management System and adding comfort and convenience features, we’ve delivered an SUV that delivers great dynamics and performance – while towing up to 5,000 pounds.”
Explorer Sport also introduces a solid-mounted electric power-assisted steering rack with a faster ratio designed to provide more responsiveness both on-road and off. The new SUV comes standard with larger brakes for shorter stopping distances and better performance while towing.
Setting the Sport version apart from the regular Explorer herd are four unique paint colors, 20-inch painted and machined wheels, blacked-out headlamp and taillamp treatments, black roof-rack rails, sideview mirror “skull caps: and a liftgate appliqué.
Other exterior features are a low-gloss Sterling Gray mesh with contrasting ebony high-gloss bars, a black front-lower fascia with a functional opening for additional cooling, and the Explorer logotype in billet-like black.
Bob Golfen, Automotive Editor for SPEED.com, is a veteran auto writer based in Phoenix, Arizona, with a passion for collector cars, car culture and the automotive lifestyle. SPEED.com fans can email Bob Golfen at
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