new Ford Explorer features an intelligent four-wheel-drive (4WD) control system that optimizes vehicle capability to specific situations

Once the all-new Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle gets into to production later this season, it’ll offer a professional terrain management system that takes the mystery out of four-wheel drive by optimizing powertrain behavior for specific situations and road conditions.

“Talking with customers told us that flexibility and freedom to tackle any road, anytime is essential to them,” said Explorer Chief Nameplate Engineer Jim Holland. “We saw the chance to eliminate a compromise by adding an intuitive and efficient terrain management system that will demystify four-wheel-drive control and enable the driver to properly match 4WD traction for the situations and road conditions they encounter.”

Anecdotal customer feedback indicated the potential for driver confusion with previous systems regarding the best utilization of 4×4 high- and low-range engagement.

Ford Explorer with intelligent 4WD and terrain management eliminates guesswork, using simple icons to aid drivers pick the correct setting at the simple turn of a dial for the climate or surface situation they could be driving.

“One of our goals considering the new Explorer would be to deliver four-wheel-drive capability with easier and intuitively operated control,” said Holland. “The selectable settings are contingent upon weather and conditions, and so the system is easily operated and understood. Ford terrain management makes it easier for SUV veterans, while making confidence-building Explorer capability even more accessible to segment newcomers.”

Employment of intelligent 4WD with Ford terrain management allowed Explorer engineers to deliver the “any road, anytime” capabilities that SUV buyers expect, while eliminating weight.

Less driveline mass helps the newest Explorer with V-6 power deliver approximately 25 % better fuel economy compared to 2010 model.

“Intelligent 4WD with terrain management sticks to optimizing Explorer powertrain and braking systems to be perfect for a number of situations, allowing vehicle behavior characteristics to deliver appropriate traction and driver control,” said Holland. “We anticipate the system will really be considered a stress-reducer and confidence-builder, particularly when driving in adverse conditions.”

The re-engineered Ford Explorer gets into to production later this season.


§ 3rd May, 2010 § Trackback §
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