Ford Explorer America concept (2008): first official pictures

By Ben Pulman

First Official Pictures

08 January 2008 10:41

At the forthcoming Detroit Motor Show Ford will show off a concept clearly aimed at the States: the aptly named Explorer America. But it won’t be the traditional yank tank as we know it…

Gone is the body-on-frame chassis, replaced by a unibody construction. Off-road and towing ability is only described as ‘moderate’. Heck, there’s even a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine…

It’s part of Ford’s move to go green, and the Explorer is essentially a showcase for the company's new EcoBoost technology. EcoBoost is a combination of direct injection and turbocharging, which Ford reckons can cut emissions by 15 percent, and fuel consumption by 20 percent. But power will also increase, despite the downsizing of the engines: the 2.0-litre produces 275bhp and 280lb ft, while the new 3.5-litre V6 puts out 340bhp. Ford hopes to produces 500,000 EcoBoost equipped cars a year starting from 2009.

The smaller engines, and other lightweight materials mean Ford reckons the V6 Explorer weighs 68kg less than today’s equivalent, while economy is also helped by a six-speed auto and electric power steering. In fact, Ford wants at least 80 percent of its cars by 2012 to come with electric power steering, which the company believes can account for a five percent fuel economy saving.

The America itself looks compact thanks to the wraparound rear glass. The concept also features Ford’s three-bar grille, a sliding rear door, and apparently a work table that deploys from the tailgate. And to make sure you don’t get lost in America in the America there’s a fancy 3-D compass and map.

The Detroit Motor Show starts this Sunday 13 January and CAR will be there to bring you all the new metal and news from America's most important motor show. Come back to CAR Online next week for full coverage of the show.

By Ben Pulman