New Ford Explorer Offers Fresh Design, Enhanced Smart Technologies, More Engine Choices

• New Ford Explorer SUV announced for China with new features making it even smarter, more versatile and more capable
• Refreshed exterior design and improved interior craftsmanship give new Explorer a more upscale appearance
• Advanced driver assist technologies including enhanced Active Park Assist, a 180-degree camera and Adaptive Cruise Control make the Explorer more convenient and confidence-inspiring
• New 2.3-liter four-cylinder and 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engines deliver excellent performance and high fuel efficiency

SHANGHAI -- April 20, 2015: Ford today announced the China debut of the latest update to its class-defining Explorer SUV at a special event in Shanghai. Building on 25 years of innovation in the SUV segment, the new Explorer features a revised exterior design, a more refined interior, new powertrain options and advanced features to make it smarter, more versatile and more capable than ever before.

“The Ford Explorer has been the centerpiece of our utility vehicle offering in China, with an ideal combination of form and function,” said John Lawler, chairman and CEO, Ford China. “The new Ford Explorer builds on the strengths that have driven the sales of more than 7 million Explorers around the world by offering more innovation and even better performance.”

When it was introduced 25 years ago, the Ford Explorer was engineered for people seeking adventure for their families and as a way to express their individuality – all with the generous interior space they needed. Ever since then, customers have continued to expect the Explorer to lead the way in innovation, performance and fun.

The changes to the new Explorer start with an even more rugged look. A revised exterior design, simultaneously sculpted and more refined, features masculine, fluid lines and ripped, toned sheet metal. A redesigned, higher grille is framed by LED low-beam and halogen reflector high-beam headlights, and topped by a clamshell hood design.  Exterior updates, including a new closed-off lower roof rack with channels that cascade rainwater off the vehicle and a new rear spoiler, also help to improve aerodynamics.

A revised interior incorporates a high level of craftsmanship and features soft-touch surfaces throughout for an upscale cabin environment with exceptional fit and finish. Spanning the first and second rows, a dual-panel moon roof with a power sunscreen gives the spacious interior an even greater sense of openness.

As before, the Explorer sits seven adults comfortably, with command seating that gives the driver and front passenger an unobstructed view in all directions. For added comfort, especially on long trips, customers can choose to equip their Explorer with multi-contour front seats with Active Motion, designed to reduce muscle fatigue.

Flexible seating arrangements in the new Explorer offer customers greater versatility. A 50/50 split Power Fold third row can be folded at the touch of a button, and the 60/40 split reclining second row can also be folded flat for greater cargo space.

Behind the wheel, an updated range of driver assistance technologies help to take the stress out of driving. Enhanced Active Park Assist with perpendicular park assist, park-out assist and semi-automatic parallel parking uses ultrasonic sensors and Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) to help drivers with parallel parking and perpendicular parking maneuvers, and when pulling out of parallel parking spots. New wide-angle front and rear cameras with 180-degree views are equipped with washers to help drivers stay aware of their surroundings at all times when parking.

Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with brake support use radar sensors at the front of the Explorer to monitor the vehicle in front and adjust the cruise control speed to maintain a preset distance. When traffic clears, the system resumes the driver’s preferred cruise control speed. If the system detects an imminent collision, it will alert the driver with an audible and visual warning, and pre-charge the brakes to minimize stopping distance when they are applied.

For highway drives, Lane Keeping Aid helps drivers stay in control by detecting if the vehicle drifts out of its lane and providing gentle steering torque to guide it back. If it doesn’t detect an attempt to correct course, the system uses an audible and visual warning to alert the driver.

The new Ford Explorer also features SYNC 2. Ford’s hands-free in-car connectivity system makes it easier than ever for drivers to stay connected and to operate the air conditioning, entertainment and navigation systems with voice control, keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Ford will offer the new Explorer with a choice of engines boasting an exceptional balance of power and fuel efficiency. A new 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine is the newest member of the Ford EcoBoost family and the first Ford application of a twin-scroll turbocharger to improve efficiency and virtually eliminate turbo lag. The engine delivers a broad, flat torque curve across the power band for sustained acceleration. For even greater performance, a 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine will be available on Sports and Titanium series.

Both engines are paired to a six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission with manual mode and paddle-shifter operation for a heightened performance feel.

The new Explorer comes equipped with intelligent four-wheel drive with Terrain Management System (TMS), which assesses road conditions about 20 times faster than the blink of an eye and seamlessly transfers torque between the front and rear wheels as needed for precise handling and traction. The TMS allows the driver to select one of four terrain management modes on the fly – normal, snow, sand or mud – to optimize the engine, transmission, brakes and four-wheel-drive system for different conditions. AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and Curve Control further enhances vehicle control.

For added peace of mind, the new Explorer features a strong unibody structure that helps to protect occupants in the event of a collision. Seven standard airbags – dual-stage front airbags, a Safety Canopy System with a rollover sensor, front-seat side and front-passenger knee airbags – provide added protection.

“The Ford Explorer has been America’s best-selling SUV for 25 years since its introduction, and it has been a hit with consumers here in China,” said Lawler. “The new Explorer continues to build on that heritage and define its segment in China with an unmatched combination of features, form and function.”