All-new Explorer and F-150 to pound the pavement this year
Ford will be unleashing some new beasts later this year, adding some excitement and performance to the local market. No, the lineup won’t include the Bronco yet, as production for this retro-SUV has been sold out for the next few months. What we will get, however, is a healthy helping of American SUV, pickup, and sports car power:
Ford Explorer
Perhaps you’ve already seen all-new Explorers cruising around the city. This redesigned and reengineered SUV is ready to defend its mantle as America’s best-selling SUV—and probably one of the top-selling American SUVs in the Philippines. The new Explorer features a lighter, stronger chassis to improve safety and driving performance. The rear-wheel drive platform also allows greater offroad capability and towing capacity.
Powering the new Explorer Limited 4WD is a 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine. The turbocharged unit produces 303ps and a healthy 420Nm. The engine will be mated to a 10-speed automatic. Explorer will have available four-wheel drive and Terrain Management System with seven selectable drive modes for driving on and off-road.
The Explorer will have more interior space than the outgoing model, and promises improved technology features. The driver and front passenger will enjoy an 8-inch digital touchscreen or available portrait-oriented 10-inch unit. Gauges will be rendered on a 12.3-inch digital display.
What we really want to see is the Explorer ST, which carries Ford’s high-performance brand. The ST will be powered by a 404-ps version of the 3.0 EcoBoost V6, with 563Nm, enabling robust acceleraiton and a top speed of 229kph.
Ford F-150 Lariat Diesel
Ford Philppines had one of its early hits in the full-size American pickup F-150. The storied nameplate made its return last year. Now comes the all-new version of Ford’s—and America’s—best-selling vehicle.
The major innovation of the all-new Ford F150 is the use of “military-grade” aluminum for its body, allowing greater strength and lighter weight. The underlying structure is a fully-boxed high-strength steel frame.
Inside, the F-150 will have a new 12-inch center screen that allows split-screen capability. The driver can display navigation, music, truck features for convenience and easy access. Sync 4 wireless voice command system integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. High-performance audio systems may be available.
The tailgate will have built-in cleats to enable one to tie down extra-long items. There are also clamp pockets and available Tailgate Work Surface with integrated ruler, mobile device holder, cupholder and pencil holder.
An exciting development is the availability of diesel power for the first time in the local F-150. The F-150 Lariat Diesel 4×4 will be powered by a 3.0-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel. The V6 diesel produces 253ps and a massive 596Nm of torque. The engine mates to a 10-speed automatic.
F-150 will feature Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 safety suite. Active safety features include auto hold, forward collision warning and brake support, hill start assist, and rear camera view with dynamic hitch support.
Ford Expedition Ford Mustang
Ford Expedition and Mustang
The Ford Expedition will also benefit from the Co-Pilot 360 safety equipment, possibly with Adaptive Cruise Control. The improved 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 delivers 378ps and 637Nm.
2021 may also see a new Mustang: the Shelby GT500. The fastback coupe is powered by a 5.2-liter V8. Power is a massive 768ps and torque a tire-churning 847Nm. Power goes to the rear wheels via a Tremec 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. If you want to see your 2021 go by faster, top speed of the Mustang Shelby GT500 is 288kph.
