Filed under: Budget, SUV, Technology, Videos, Ford, Off-Road
2011 Ford Explorer Terrain Management System - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ford has just announced that the next-generation Explorer will benefit from all-wheel drive coupled to a Land Rover-like terrain management system. According to Ford, the company's researchers found that Explorer owners were somewhat befuddled by when to use which four-wheel drive mode, and has since simplified the process significantly. Instead of having to decide whether two-high, four-high or four-low is best for the current trail conditions, owners will simply have to select from an easy to use console mounted knob.
Drivers simply pick between normal, mud, sand or snow modes and allow the Explorer's all-wheel drive setup to do the rest. The vehicle's software then uses various vehicle sensors to help provide the most traction possible. Each mode is also usable with a new hill-decent assist feature borrowed from the company's full-sized pickups. Push the button and the Explorer will automatically try to itself down any slope, no matter the condition.
Ford is hoping that by leaving the traditional transfer case behind, it can save a few pounds and up the model's efficiency at the same time. Coupled to the truck's new unibody construction (yes, the Explorer is going all crossover on us), Ford is estimating that the V6 model will benefit from a 25 percent increase in fuel-efficiency compared to current models. Hit the jump to see a video of the new all-wheel drive system in action.
[Source: Ford]
Continue reading 2011 Ford Explorer will debut new four-mode terrain management tech [w/video]
2011 Ford Explorer will debut new four-mode terrain management tech [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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