As reported by Ford
DEARBORN, Mich. - The 2011 Ford Explorer has been redesigned from bottom to top, inside and out to meet the needs of SUV drivers from Dubuque to Dubai. While the atmospheric conditions of eastern Iowa can be closely replicated in Ford's Dearborn, Mich., facilities, there's no substitute for being there when validating vehicle capabilities for Dubai customers.
Ufford and his team make the trek to Dubai for more than the opportunities that are inherent in the extreme-condition testing the humid desert climate provides. They are here to listen to customers, too.
A recent Dubai trip for Ufford and the team offered the opportunity to test interior air conditioning effectiveness and occupant comfort in the combined desert heat and high humidity of the adjacent Gulf of Oman. With a 50 percent humidity factor, the equivalent temperature can exceed 190 degrees Fahrenheit. Engineers fitted an Explorer test vehicle with interior temperature sensors in the very places where occupants would be sensitive. A majority of the adjustments the team makes to improve air conditioning performance will find their way into all Explorers.
Dubai also offers unique terrain characteristics to validate Explorer 4WD capabilities.
Terrain management sand mode allows for some wheel spin at initial throttle tip-in to gather momentum, while limiting slip as vehicle speed increases. Once in motion, the sand setting on Explorer's terrain management system constantly monitors traction to send the right amount of torque to the wheels for optimal performance in the soft and hilly conditions, without the need for customer intervention.
Intelligent 4WD with terrain management - including the sand setting - will be an added convenience to experienced SUV drivers and a confidence-builder for those new to the segment.
The all-new 2011 Ford Explorer - delivering capability, refinement and fuel economy - will be available in North American Ford dealerships later this year with exportation to more than 90 markets globally.
DEARBORN, Mich. - The 2011 Ford Explorer has been redesigned from bottom to top, inside and out to meet the needs of SUV drivers from Dubuque to Dubai. While the atmospheric conditions of eastern Iowa can be closely replicated in Ford's Dearborn, Mich., facilities, there's no substitute for being there when validating vehicle capabilities for Dubai customers.
Ufford and his team make the trek to Dubai for more than the opportunities that are inherent in the extreme-condition testing the humid desert climate provides. They are here to listen to customers, too.
A recent Dubai trip for Ufford and the team offered the opportunity to test interior air conditioning effectiveness and occupant comfort in the combined desert heat and high humidity of the adjacent Gulf of Oman. With a 50 percent humidity factor, the equivalent temperature can exceed 190 degrees Fahrenheit. Engineers fitted an Explorer test vehicle with interior temperature sensors in the very places where occupants would be sensitive. A majority of the adjustments the team makes to improve air conditioning performance will find their way into all Explorers.
Dubai also offers unique terrain characteristics to validate Explorer 4WD capabilities.
Terrain management sand mode allows for some wheel spin at initial throttle tip-in to gather momentum, while limiting slip as vehicle speed increases. Once in motion, the sand setting on Explorer's terrain management system constantly monitors traction to send the right amount of torque to the wheels for optimal performance in the soft and hilly conditions, without the need for customer intervention.
Intelligent 4WD with terrain management - including the sand setting - will be an added convenience to experienced SUV drivers and a confidence-builder for those new to the segment.
The all-new 2011 Ford Explorer - delivering capability, refinement and fuel economy - will be available in North American Ford dealerships later this year with exportation to more than 90 markets globally.
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| Photo: Ford |
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