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| Ford should really be commended for leading the industry in entry-level automatic transmission sophistication. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Well, it's not exactly all-new to Ford, but the 4.6-litre that debuted in the 2005 Mustang GT is brand new to the Explorer lineup. In SUV-trim it puts out an impressive 292-horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 300 lb-ft of torque at 3,950 rpm, an improvement of only 10-horsepower over the 2005 model, although its 61 additional lb-ft of torque can really be felt off the line and when passing. Still, it might be the additional cog in the automatic transmission that gives the new V8-powered Explorer, now sporting six forward gears instead of five in last year's model, more pull off the line and when downshifting. The new six-speed might also be one of the reasons the V8-powered 2006 Explorer saves 10 percent at the pump compared to the old model.
And Ford should really be commended for leading the industry in entry-level automatic transmission sophistication. Not only does the Explorer now feature a top-line transmission equal to almost anything in the premium SUV segment, but its upcoming midsize Fusion sedan includes a six-speed automatic, its Five-Hundred sedan offers the choice of a six-speed auto or continuously variable (CVT) unit, while the car-based Freestyle crossover features the same CVT as the Five Hundred. Only Volkswagen comes close to delivering what Ford can among entry-level brands, at least when it comes to automatic gearboxes, but VW isn't exactly an entry-level brand anymore, is it?
The V8, six-speed combo is much more refined too, complementing the totally revamped interior. Yes, if you're familiar with the outgoing Explorer
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| If you're familiar with the outgoing Explorer you won't recognize the new one at all from the inside. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
you won't recognize the new one at all from the inside. This isn't merely a mild makeover, but a total redesign. The tall vertical centre stack, chrome trim on its edges, looks purposeful and features large, easy to manage knobs and buttons to the audio, HVAC and optional DVD navigation interfaces. That last item is new for Explorer, and the inclusion of an audible announcer for upcoming direction, part of the system's text-to-speech programming, is unique to the entry-level midsize SUV segment. If chrome is what you're into, there's more around the oval instrument binnacle and circular vent bezels, which can be a bit blinding on bright, sunny days, yet nevertheless highlight an unusual albeit functional gauge package.
