2016 Ford Explorer Debuts With 2.3 Liter EcoBoost, New Features

The Ford Explorer helped define the SUV segment in the early 90s, and today the Blue Oval revealed the latest iteration of its globe-trotting top-seller. The biggest change for the 2016 Ford Explorer is the addition of the 2.3 liter EcoBoost engine, which can be paired with a tow package for the first time.

The 2.3 liter EcoBoost debuted last year on the Lincoln MKC and then the 2015 Ford Mustang, offering up to 310 horsepower in the iconic sports car. Offering 270 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, it offers 13% more horsepower than the 2.0 liter EcoBoost it replaces, but should still offer up to 28 MPG. Active Grille Shutters are a new part of the fuel economy equation, another carryover from the 2015 Mustang, though those seeking more power can find it in the 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 with 365 ponies on tap.

Ford has also introduced the new Platinum trim level for buyers wanting to go all-in with every feature and option, including the four-wheel drive Terrain Management System and dual-moonroof. Naturally it gets the range-topping EcoBoost V6, and for 2016 Ford has reworked the Explorer’s look ever-so-slightly, and soccer moms/NASCAR dads will benefit from a new external camera system and self-parking features that make parallel parking jitters a thing of the past. There’s also an increased emphasis on luxury on the inside for these top-end models, which makes Lincoln feel all the more redundant.

Not a bad look for the Explorer if you ask me, but I’m still waiting for Ford to plug in one of its hybrid systems to its larger vehicle lineup. There also isn’t mention of weight lightening or increased aluminum usage. I guess we’ll have to wait for the next redesign for that.

PRI 2013: Ford Ecoboost 2.0 4 Cylinder Crate Engine

Ford Racing quietly began offering its advanced, 2.0 liter Ecoboost turbocharged 4 cylinder crate engine earlier this year, without much fanfare. All that changed at the 2013 PRI Show in Indianapolis, however, with Ford’s Ecoboost powered 2015 Mustang twirling away on a giant lazy Susan directly under the giant “Ford Racing” banner mere steps away from the small crate engine, displayed proudly with its (relatively hefty) $8,000 price tag.

This was the first PRI outing (that I’m aware of) for Ford’s turbo 4, and the buzz around it was genuinely positive, with plenty of guys who cut their teeth on DSMs and 2.2 L turbo Chryslers in the- ahem!- 1990s suddenly interested in Ford’s muscular pony. Maybe for the first time, even- all of which bodes well for Ford, who needs to keep the Mustang brand relevant to the Gen-X and Millenial generations of enthusiasts if it hopes to enjoy another few decades of success.

As for specs, Ford’s littlest Ecoboost (crate engine) packs a 252 HP punch served up with 270 LB-FT of torque at just 3000 rpm- not bad for a company that couldn’t get that out of a production 5.0 liter V8 just 20 short years ago. You can check out a few more pictures of Ford’s racy 4-banger, below, and check out Ford Racing’s official 2.0 L Ecoboost page here. Enjoy!

Source: Gas 2.

2013 PRI Show at Indianapolis: Sustainable Fuels Rule

Forget LA, Detroit, Chicago, or even SEMA. If you’re a dedicated go-fast enthusiast, the Performance and Racing Industry trade show (aka, the PRI Show) is the one you want to be at. With serious hardware from motorsports’ major players and some trick new toys on display, the 2013 show at Indy was no exception- and that’s especially true if you like a little “sustainable” with your crazy levels of horsepower.

After several years in Orlando, the PRI Show is back in its spiritual home in Indianapolis- just a few minutes away from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. Over the next few days, I’ll be trying to bring you the best green/sustainable fuels tech from a show that’s heavy in alternative, sustainable fuels like ethanol, propane, and more- including a real “blast from the past” entry for our Recycled Hawtness series and a review of my ride to and from the trip- a 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid.

Here’s a rundown of the first-person PRI Show coverage you expect to read here over the next few posts, along with a sample gallery to give you a taste of what you can expect. Enjoy!

• Ford’s Ecoboost crate motor
• the world’s fastest sprint car
• a new, plant-based engine oil
• Honda’s USAC Midget race car
• ethanol-powered racing lawnmower
• some news on the next great Mustang
• a new, plug-n-play flex-fuel ECU from AEM

Source: Gas 2