Ford Previews 2002-Model Explorer At New England International Auto Show
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Ford Explorer

Photo: Ford

BOSTON - The newest generation of the world's best-selling sport utility vehicle (SUV), the Ford Explorer, was introduced here today at the New England International Auto Show. The all-new 2002-model Ford Explorer was unveiled to news media by Doug Scott, SUV Group Marketing Manager for the Ford Division of Ford Motor Company.  

The 2002-model Explorer will debut in the first quarter of calendar 2001 with improved package, ride, comfort, safety and design. A new independent rear suspension system and unique frame design allow for a lower step-in height and a third row of seats.  

Inside, Explorer's passengers have more room to spread out. The passenger compartment is two inches wider than the current model and, for the first time, has an optional third row of seating. These benefits were made possible by Explorer's 2.5-inch wider track and efficient packaging of the new independent rear suspension. The second- and third-row seats also fold down to create a flat-surfaced cargo area. 

Explorer offers one of the most comprehensive safety and security packages available. This includes Ford's new industry-leading Safety Canopy, which includes side-curtain air bags (available at launch) and rollover protection (available later in 2001). The side-curtain air bags deploy from the headliner across approximately 75 percent of the side glass area to help protect first- and second-row occupants in the outboard seating positions during a side impact.  

Electronic rollover sensors will be available later in 2001. They measure whether the vehicle is tilting, how fast the lean angle is changing and whether the combination means the vehicle might roll over. The system can deploy the side-curtain air bags to help prevent passengers from being ejected from the side of the vehicle. The air bags remain inflated for up to 6 seconds -- far longer than conventional air bags -- to provide additional protection.  

Explorer also will be Ford's first SUV with AdvanceTrac™ interactive vehicle dynamics (available later in 2001). This computer-driven system uses a series of sensors to measure whether the vehicle has begun to slide, then applies braking to whichever wheel will bring it back under control.  

Ford's Personal Safety System also will be available later in 2001. The Personal Safety System uses dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags that deploy differently based on several factors, including the severity of the crash, front seat occupant safety belt usage and the driver's seat position.  

At the same time, the design team made Explorer more friendly to other vehicles on the road by lowering its bumper beam height 65 millimeters -- more than 2 inches -- to be on par with most passenger cars.  

For better driver comfort -- particularly for very tall or short drivers -- power adjustable accelerator and brake pedals are available, while the Reverse Sensing System is available as a parking aid.  

A sophisticated new all-aluminum 4.6-liter overhead cam V-8 engine brings 240 horsepower, an increase of 25 horsepower over the previous V-8. It is designed to go 100,000 miles before its first scheduled tune-up under normal driving conditions with routine fluid and filter changes. Explorer's standard engine is an improved 4.0-liter single overhead cam V-6, which generates 210 horsepower and 250 foot-pounds of peak torque.  

Both engines meet Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) standards. Fuel economy has been held constant, even though the Explorer is larger and can seat two more passengers than the current model. Weight savers include all-aluminum hood, the aluminum V-8 engine block and a magnesium cross beam.  

To help reduce its impact on the environment, Explorer is an estimated 90-percent recyclable by weight. More than 10 percent of its plastic parts contain post-consumer recycled material. Explorer production will use an estimated 6.3 million pounds of recycled non-metallic parts inside the vehicles every year.  

The new Explorer will be available in Eddie Bauer, Limited, XLT and XLS trim levels. 

(November 3, 2000)