Explorer dominates news in all-out media blitz
In what seems like an eternity, Ford has finally pulled the wraps off their secret they’ve been taunting consumers with for the past few months. Teaser shots, vague information posts, contests – they’ve all been used in a social media campaign to drum up excitement for what could be Ford’s biggest premier under the watchful eye of Alan Mulally.
Ford has embraced their core models, such as the Taurus, and has vowed to redefine and make them cars that people want to drive. The new Explorer looks to be no different as it has gone through a chassis platform change, powertrain revisions, and interior and exterior styling redesign.
There was a lot wrong with the old Explorer, I know – I have one. It is a gutless heap that couldn’t move out of its own way and the interior feels like it would be better suited in a boat. The declining sales numbers show that it went from being popular, to an afterthought.
Fortunately the 2011 Ford Explorer has a muscular, athletic styling to the exterior; they’ve replaced the old dumpy 4.0L with a 4-cyl EcoBoost engine that easily exceeds horsepower numbers of that old V6; they’ve also got a new V6 lined up as the standard option that has numbers closely resembling those of the 4.6L V8 that it is replacing. Not to mention an estimated 30% increase in fuel efficiency for both options.
Ford has also identified their target audience, adventurous families, and has put a lot of thought into the safety systems – like rear seatbelt airbags, compression sensors in the vehicle sides. They’ve also made the features, like four wheel drive, easy to use without having to consult a manual.
It’s all about bringing back a premier model that has always had potential but never had the chance to live up to it. Ford may have finally allowed the Explorer to be what it was, and was always meant to be.
If you’re interested in checking out a new 2011 Explorer, Ford already has a configuration tool up on their site (HERE) and it shows the base model 3.5L v6 starting at $28,190 with the whole enchilada, sans optional accessories, going for $48,075.
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Category: Ford Motor Company, New Products, News, Reviews
