FordHood

Popular crossover SUV receives V-6 EcoBoost engine.

The Ford Motor Company announced today that its popular Explorer crossover sport utility vehicle will soon feature a high performance model. This SUV was completely new when the current generation edition rolled out for the 2011 model year, a unibody design that replaced the earlier body on frame layout.

V-6 EcoBoost Engine

2013 Ford Explorer Sport For the 2013 model year, the high performance Explorer Sport will bring to the model line a vehicle powered by a twin turbocharged engine that will make at least 350 horsepower and include standard four-wheel-drive with a Terrain Management System.

“Adding an EcoBoost drivetrain to Explorer Sport delivers even more fuel efficiency and performance to the lineup,” said Bill Gubing, Explorer chief engineer. “This is our highest- performance, most capable Ford Explorer ever.”

Ford is comparing the Explorer Sport to a pair of Chrysler products, namely the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Dodge Durango R/T, models that are powered by a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine. Delivering 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, the Explorer Sport will beat the Chrysler models that deliver 13 mpg city, 20 mpg highway. Moreover, this vehicle compares to the Land Rover Range Rover Sport which comes in at 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway.

The Explorer Sport’s 3.5-liter V-6 engine will be paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting capabilities. Steering wheel mounted paddle shifters will enable drivers to enjoy a more engaged experience on the road.

Performance Attributes

The top of the line Explorer Sport loses none of its many other attributes including its 5,000-pound towing capacity, its roomy interior or responsive handling. Indeed, Ford has reinforced its chassis to improve its handling. A solid-mounted electric power-assisted steering rack offers a faster ratio, to improve responsiveness around town or off-road. Larger brakes ensure that this SUV comes to a sure stop.

Exterior changes include a special grille featuring low-gloss Sterling Gray mesh that is contrasted with ebony high-gloss bars. The lower fascia includes a functional opening for enhanced cooling and is outfitted in black. Inside, available charcoal black leather-trimmed seating provides an elegant look.

Explorer Sport Amenities

Available or optional with the Explorer Sport is a dual-zone climate control system, a 10-way power driver’s seat, a 6-way power front passenger seat, heated front row seats, a rear view camera, SYNC with MyFord Touch and a Sony audio system with 12 speakers.

Also available are a number of safety features including a blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, active park assist and inflatable rear seat belts. A power lifttgate, remote start, a dual-panel moonroof and adjustable pedals are among the many high-end options featured in the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport.

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Photo courtesy of the Ford Motor Company.

Ford serves up two body styles with its compact Focus.

The Ford Focus is a front-wheel-drive compact model that seats five people and is offered in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback editions. The current model is based on the European-spec edition and is completely new for the 2012 model year. Now in its third generation, the Focus is one of Ford’s best-selling cars, a competitive compact that is priced from $16,500.

Engine and Transmissions

Ford Fiesta A 2.0-liter 16-valve four cylinder engine powers the Ford Focus. This aluminum block and head engine makes 160 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 146 foot-pounds of torque at 4,450 rpm. This gasoline direct engine has a 12.0 to 1 compression ratio and measures 3.44 inches bore by 3.27 inches stroke.

A 5-speed manual transmission is standard. Optionally, a 6-speed automatic transmission can be had including one that version that offers select shift capabilities.

Fuel Economy

When paired with a manual transmission, the Ford Focus is rated at 26 mpg city, 36 mpg highway. For optimum fuel economy, Ford offers the Focus SFE, a specially tuned model with a 6-speed automatic transmission that gets 28 mpg city, 40 mpg highway. Choose the select shift and your fuel mileage estimates are 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway.

The Ford Focus runs on regular grade gasoline. With its 12.4-gallon fuel tank, the SFE edition has a cruising range of nearly 500 miles or enough fuel to travel from Kansas City to St. Louis and back.

Focus Dimensions

Both Focus models share similar exterior dimensions as they share a 104.3-inch wheelbase. However, the sedan measures 178.5 inches in length and the hatchback comes in at 171.6 inches. Both models are 71.8 inches wide and 57.7 inches tall.

Front legroom measures 41.9 inches while rear legroom comes in at 33.2 inches. Front shoulder room is 55.6 inches; rear shoulder room is 53.7 inches. Front head room is 38.3 inches while rear head room measures 38.0 inches or 37.9 inches with the hatchback. Front hip room is 53.9 inches; rear hip room is 52.7 inches.

Cargo volume measures 13.2 cubic feet in the sedan’s trunk. With the hatchback, there is 23.8 cubic feet behind the second seat and 44.8 cubic feet with the second seat folded down. The sedan weighs in from 2,905 pounds; the hatchback weighs from 2,920 pounds.

Focus Notables

Including an electric model, the Ford Focus is sold in eight trim levels. An “S” edition is available only with the sedan, while SE, SEL and Titanium models are sold with both body styles.

All models comes equipped with air-conditioning, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power side mirrors and power windows, and an entertainment system that offers an AM/FM single-disc CD player, MP3 capable with 4 speakers, audio input jack and speed-sensitive volume control. Available with some models is Ford Sync infotainment, keyless entry and push button start, MyFord Touch, cruise control, a power moonroof, a navigation system with a rear backup camera and leather seating surfaces.

All Focus models offer traction control, stability control, four-wheel antilock brakes and brake assist. The Focus features six airbags and comes with a tire pressure monitoring system.

Ford Warranties

All Focus models are covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper to bumper warranty. This vehicle also offers a 5-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year or 60,000-mile safety restraint system warranty. Corrosion coverage extends five years with no mileage limitation. A 5-year or 60,000-mile roadside assistance program is also available.

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