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The official U.S. EPA fuel rating numbers are out for the 2011 Ford Explorer with the 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine. The new engine produces about 292 horsepower to replace out the gas guzzling 212-hp 4.0-liter V6 engine. Ford claims that the its new 3.5-liter V6 is about 25 percent more efficient than the previous 4.0-liter V6, and it has the U.S. EPA official fuel rating numbers to back it up.
The U.S. EPA had certified the new 2011 Ford Explorer SUV with a fuel economy rating of 17 miles per gallon city and 25 miles per gallon highway.
“The new Explorer V6 with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) delivers a keen balance between power and fuel economy,” said Jim Holland, chief engineer. “An efficient six-speed transmission mated to this efficient V6 helps Explorer deliver 25 percent better fuel efficiency. This raises the bar for full-size SUVs, and will change buyer expectations for the entire segment.”
To enhance efficiency and fuel economy, the Ford Explorer is more aerodynamic designed along with a unibody structure to shave off about 100 lb. Other efficient features such as the used electric power steering to reduce parasitic engine drag, minimize internal friction components and a fuel cut-off system are all added to the efficiency equation of the 2011 Ford Explorer SUV.
Ford also announced that a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine will follow after the release of the 2011 Ford Explorer. Ford claims that the 2.0-liter turcharged engine will provide a 30 percent increase in fuel economy.
