The recall covers units of these two models manufactured between July 5, 2021 and February 15, 2023
The recall is due to a possible fault in a part of the steering rod tie of these vehicles.
The defective part may break or affect the vehicle’s handling
Maruti will call the owners of the affected units to conduct the inspection.
The defective part will be replaced free of cost.
Maruti Suzuki India has issued a recall for a total of 87,599 units of the Maruti S-Presso and Maruti Eeco. The recall specifically pertains to vehicles manufactured between July 5, 2021 and February 15, 2023.
The recall comes as a result of a potential fault in a component of the steering rod tie that could impact the vehicle’s handling and may even break in rare cases. Maruti Suzuki India will be contacting the owners of the affected units and conducting inspections. The faulty component will be replaced at no additional cost.
Previous Recalls
The Maruti S-Presso and Maruti Eeco were previously subject to a recall in January 2023 due to a suspected issue with the airbag control module. Maruti Suzuki India resolved that problem without any cost to the owners.
The Maruti S-Presso is a compact hatchback positioned above the Alto in the Maruti lineup. It is equipped with a 1.0-liter petrol engine (68PS/90Nm) paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT transmission. Additionally, a CNG variant is available, which delivers reduced power outputs of 56.69PS and 82Nm and can only be paired with the 5-speed manual.
On the other hand, the Maruti Eeco is a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) and is equipped with a 1.2-liter petrol engine that produces 81PS and 104.4Nm. The CNG variant of the Eeco offers a slightly reduced power output of 72PS and 95Nm. Both the petrol and CNG versions are paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Prices
The Maruti S-Presso is priced between Rs 4.26 lakh and Rs 6.12 lakh, while the Maruti Eeco is priced between Rs 5.27 lakh and Rs 6.53 lakh. The Maruti S-Presso competes directly with the Renault Kwid, while there are no direct rivals for the Maruti Eeco in the Indian market.
All 25 units of the McLaren Solus GT, an extreme track machine with a price tag of over £3 million each, have already been sold. Owners will also receive a travel case for transporting the car to events organized by McLaren.
The CEO of McLaren Automotive, Michael Leiters, described the Solus GT as a realization of a radical concept vehicle originally designed for virtual racing. He emphasized that the car was engineered without any restrictions and represents McLaren’s pioneering spirit.
These engineering freedoms influenced the design of the Solus GT. It features various aerodynamic elements, including a wide front splitter, ground-effect venturi tunnels in the structural floor, a fixed high-downforce rear wing, and individual wheel pods.
According to McLaren, the wheel pods help reduce weight and control airflow, minimizing turbulence and pressure build-up in the wheel well. They also serve as reference points for the driver when positioning the car on the track.
The Solus GT features double-wishbone suspension arms at the front and back, similar to those used in Formula 1. These arms are enclosed in aerodynamic carbon fiber shrouds.
The carmaker is still offering benefits on both MY22 and MY23 units of all models
Customers can save up to Rs 77,000 on Renault Kiger.
The Triber is being offered with discounts of up to Rs 62,000.
Customers can save up to Rs 57,000 on Renault Kwid.
The MY23 units of all three models are also being offered with an additional loyalty bonus of up to Rs 20,000.
All offers are valid till the end of July.
Renault has rolled out its range of benefits across all its models for the month of July, including both MY22 and MY23 units. Most perks are being offered on Kiger, followed by Triber and Kwid. Additionally, benefits like rural and scrappage discounts are also being offered on all three models. Let’s have a look at model-wise offer details.
Disclaimer: MY22 units (manufactured in 2022) may have a lower resale value than MY23 units.
Kwid
Offers
Amount
BS6 Phase I MY22
BS6 Phase II MY23
Cash Discount
Up to Rs 25,000
Up to Rs 15,000
Exchange Bonus
Up to Rs 20,000
Up to Rs 20,000
Corporate Discount
Up to Rs 12,000
Up to Rs 12,000
Loyalty Bonus
N.A.
Up to Rs 10,000
Total Benefits
Up to Rs 57,000
Up to Rs 57,000
For BS6 phase I MY22 units of the Kwid, the cash discount of Rs 25,000 mentioned in the table is only applicable on AMT trims of the hatchback. The same is reduced to Rs 20,000 for manual transmission variants.
The MY23 units of the Renault Kwid also get a loyalty discount of Rs 10,000.
Renault retails the Kwid in the price range of Rs 4.70 lakh to Rs 6.33 lakh.
Triber
Offers
Amount
BS6 phase I MY22
BS6 Phase I MY23
BS6 Phase II MY23
Cash Discount
Up to Rs 25,000
Up to Rs 15,000
Up to Rs 10,000
Exchange Bonus
Up to Rs Rs 25,000
Up to Rs 25,000
Up to Rs 20,000
Corporate Discount
Up to Rs 12,000
Up to Rs 12,000
Up to Rs 12,000
Loyalty Bonus
NA
NA
Up to Rs 10,000
Total Benefits
Up to Rs 62,000
Up to Rs 52,000
Up to Rs 52,000
The BS6 phase I MY22 units of the Renault Triber comes with the highest benefits, which includes the highest cash discount of Rs 25,000.
For the BS6 phase I MY23 models, the cash discount is reduced to Rs 15,000, while the other benefits remain the same.
The BS6 phase II MY23 units of the Triber come with the least cash discount of Rs 10,000, however it gets a loyalty bonus of Rs 10,000, which is not offered with BS6 phase I units of the Triber.
Renault Triber is priced from Rs 6.33 lakh to Rs 8.97 lakh.
Kiger
Offers
Amount
BS6 Phase I (MY22 and MY23)
BS6 Phase II MY23
Cash Discount
Up to Rs 25,000
Up to Rs 25,000
Exchange Bonus
Up to Rs Rs 25,000
Up to Rs 20,000
Corporate Discount
Up to Rs 12,000
Up to Rs 12,000
Loyalty Bonus
N.A.
Up to Rs 20,000
Total Benefits
Up to Rs 62,000
Up to Rs 77,000
The cash discount mentioned for BS6 phase I models is only valid on the Energy AMT variants, and reduces to Rs 15,000 for the Energy MT and Turbo variants.
For the BS6 phase II compliant models, the cash discount of Rs 25,000 is only applicable on RXT and RXT(O) turbo variants, and reduces to Rs 10,000 for the RXZ trims.
The BS6 phase II units of the Kiger also come with the highest loyalty bonus of Rs 20,000.
The Kiger is priced between Rs 6.50 lakh and Rs 11.23 lakh.
Note
Renault is also providing a rural offer of Rs 5,000 on all cars.
If you wish to pick a base-spec RXE variant of any of these models, it can only be availed with a loyalty bonus.
A discount of Rs 10,000 is also offered on all cars as a scrappage benefit.
Offers mentioned above may vary depending on the state and city, please contact your nearest Renault dealership for more details.
The carmaker is still offering benefits on both MY22 and MY23 units of all models
Get maximum savings of up to Rs 77,000 on Renault Kiger.
The Triber is being offered with discounts of up to Rs 62,000.
Savings of up to Rs 57,000 are being offered on Renault Kwid.
The MY23 units of all three models are also being offered with an additional loyalty bonus of up to Rs 20,000.
All offers are valid till the end of July.
Renault has rolled out its range of benefits across all its models for the month of July, including both MY22 and MY23 units. Most perks are being offered on Kiger, followed by Triber and Kwid. Additionally, benefits like rural and scrappage discounts are also being offered on all three models. Let’s have a look at model-wise offer details.
Disclaimer: MY22 units (manufactured in 2022) may have a lower resale value than MY23 units.
Kwid
Offers
Amount
BS6 Phase I MY22
BS6 Phase II MY23
Cash Discount
Up to Rs 25,000
Up to Rs 15,000
Exchange Bonus
Up to Rs 20,000
Up to Rs 20,000
Corporate Discount
Up to Rs 12,000
Up to Rs 12,000
Loyalty Bonus
N.A.
Up to Rs 10,000
Total Benefits
Up to Rs 57,000
Up to Rs 57,000
For BS6 phase I MY22 units of the Kwid, the cash discount of Rs 25,000 mentioned in the table is only applicable on AMT trims of the hatchback. The same is reduced to Rs 20,000 for manual transmission variants.
The MY23 units of the Renault Kwid also get a loyalty discount of Rs 10,000.
Renault retails the Kwid in the price range of Rs 4.70 lakh to Rs 6.33 lakh.
Triber
Offers
Amount
BS6 phase I MY22
BS6 Phase I MY23
BS6 Phase II MY23
Cash Discount
Up to Rs 25,000
Up to Rs 15,000
Up to Rs 10,000
Exchange Bonus
Up to Rs Rs 25,000
Up to Rs 25,000
Up to Rs 20,000
Corporate Discount
Up to Rs 12,000
Up to Rs 12,000
Up to Rs 12,000
Loyalty Bonus
NA
NA
Up to Rs 10,000
Total Benefits
Up to Rs 62,000
Up to Rs 52,000
Up to Rs 52,000
The BS6 phase I MY22 units of the Renault Triber comes with the highest benefits, which includes the highest cash discount of Rs 25,000.
For the BS6 phase I MY23 models, the cash discount is reduced to Rs 15,000, while the other benefits remain the same.
The BS6 phase II MY23 units of the Triber come with the least cash discount of Rs 10,000, however it gets a loyalty bonus of Rs 10,000, which is not offered with BS6 phase I units of the Triber.
Renault Triber is priced from Rs 6.33 lakh to Rs 8.97 lakh.
Kiger
Offers
Amount
BS6 Phase I (MY22 and MY23)
BS6 Phase II MY23
Cash Discount
Up to Rs 25,000
Up to Rs 25,000
Exchange Bonus
Up to Rs Rs 25,000
Up to Rs 20,000
Corporate Discount
Up to Rs 12,000
Up to Rs 12,000
Loyalty Bonus
N.A.
Up to Rs 20,000
Total Benefits
Up to Rs 62,000
Up to Rs 77,000
The cash discount mentioned for BS6 phase I models is only valid on the Energy AMT variants, and reduces to Rs 15,000 for the Energy MT and Turbo variants.
For the BS6 phase II compliant models, the cash discount of Rs 25,000 is only applicable on RXT and RXT(O) turbo variants, and reduces to Rs 10,000 for the RXZ trims.
The BS6 phase II units of the Kiger also come with the highest loyalty bonus of Rs 20,000.
The Kiger is priced between Rs 6.50 lakh and Rs 11.23 lakh.
Note
Renault is also providing a rural offer of Rs 5,000 on all cars.
If you wish to pick a base-spec RXE variant of any of these models, it can only be availed with a loyalty bonus.
A discount of Rs 10,000 is also offered on all cars as a scrappage benefit.
Offers mentioned above may vary depending on the state and city, please contact your nearest Renault dealership for more details.
If you enjoy using Bluetooth communication devices when riding with friends, then you’ll be pleased to know that Cardo Systems has announced an exciting update. Starting from July 11, 2023, Cardo is releasing a new over-the-air software update that is compatible with all current 2023 Cardo devices, except for the Packtalk Slim.
So, what’s the good news? This update fulfills a major request from many users: one-touch Bluetooth connectivity between your Cardo device and Bluetooth communication units from Sena, Midland, and Uclear. With this update, frustrating and complicated pairing processes will be a thing of the past.
In a statement, Cardo’s Chief Marketing Officer, Dan Emodi, said, “In a recent survey conducted with motorcycle communicator users across the globe, Intercom connectivity with other brands was one of the most popular suggestions from respondents when asked what could be done to improve their communication experience. We’ve always strived to offer our own customers more and with this update we’re able to offer more independence for our users and friends using devices from other major brands, giving much greater choice, freedom, and flexibility.”
Riders can now freely choose any current-generation Bluetooth communicator without sacrificing phone connectivity, navigation, or connectivity with other Bluetooth devices. The only restriction is that music sharing won’t be possible over this connection. Nevertheless, this update is a significant step forward compared to the previous limitations of cross-brand Bluetooth communication.
To get the update, all you need to do is download the latest software through the Cardo Connect app on your smartphone if you have a current-gen Cardo communicator. Once installed, you’ll be able to pair your Cardo unit with your friends’ devices, as long as they are using current-gen comms from the compatible manufacturers.
When Bluetooth communication units first gained popularity, it seemed like a great idea. However, it quickly became frustrating when riders had to spend a significant amount of time trying to pair devices from different brands. Riding motorcycles is about enjoying the experience, not dealing with compatibility issues. Thankfully, with this update, Cardo is directly addressing the problem of Bluetooth connectivity and making it easier for riders to communicate with each other.
In 2011, Ford produced a total of 5,100 units of the Shelby GT500. Out of those, only 126 had a glass roof option, making them rare and hard to find on the market today. If you do manage to find one for sale, be prepared to pay a hefty price. Recently, someone purchased one of these 126 cars with approximately 83,000 miles on it and decided to test the engine’s power output.
The 2011 Shelby GT500 comes with a stock 550 horsepower and 515 pound-feet of torque at the flywheel. This model introduced a new aluminum 5.4-liter V8 engine that was lighter and more efficient than its cast-iron predecessor. These improvements also eliminated the US Gas Guzzler Tax for the sports car.
However, the particular car being tested is not completely stock. It has been modified with a cold air intake system, a VMP heat exchanger, and an upgraded Borla exhaust system. These enhancements allow the supercharged engine to breathe better. The car in the video is running on 93-octane fuel and has a TR-6060 six-speed transmission, which remains in its stock condition. The dyno runs are performed in fourth gear, which has a 1:1 ratio.
The best result achieved by this modified 2011 Shelby GT500 is 508 horsepower at the wheels. Taking into account the average 15-percent drivetrain loss, the peak output at the flywheel is estimated to be around 584 horsepower. This is a respectable result considering the mileage and the relatively minor modifications made to the engine. In terms of torque, it registered 484 pound-feet at the wheels, which translates to approximately 557 pound-feet at the engine, again surpassing the factory numbers.
While a dyno run is not the definitive indicator of an engine’s overall condition, it does suggest that this 5.4-liter supercharged V8 is in good health.
Only 500 units of the Matte Edition are available, so act fast if you want one
The new Skoda Kushaq Matte Edition is launched with a starting price of Rs 16.19 lakh.
It costs Rs 40,000 more than the top-end Style trim.
The Matte Edition is available with both 1-litre and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines, and comes with the option of manual and automatic transmissions.
It features a Carbon Steel matte paint finish, along with gloss black accents on the ORVMs, door handles, and rear spoiler.
The interior remains unchanged, but it is equipped with a larger 10-inch touchscreen system.
Car buyers who appreciate a matte finish on premium SUVs with powerful engines will be thrilled to know that the Skoda Kushaq now offers a Matte Edition in the striking shade of Carbon Steel. Positioned between the top-end Style and Monte Carlo variants, this limited-run edition is available in only 500 units.
Prices by Variant
Matte Edition
Manual
Automatic
1-litre TSI
Rs 16.19 lakh
Rs 17.79 lakh
1.5-litre TSI
Rs 18.19 lakh
Rs 19.39 lakh
The Matte Edition costs an additional Rs 40,000 compared to the corresponding Style variants but is Rs 30,000 cheaper than the top-spec Monte Carlo.
Changes in Styling
The Skoda Kushaq already offered the Carbon Steel shade, but the matte paint finish enhances its sporty appeal. The ORVMs, door handles, and rear spoiler are finished in gloss black, adding to its stylish look. However, it still retains some chrome finishing on the grille, trunk garnish, and window garnish. Additionally, the 1.5-litre TSI variants have an exclusive badge to differentiate them from the 1-litre TSI variant.
No Interior Changes
The interior of the Skoda Kushaq Matte Edition remains the same, featuring a blacked-out cabin with leatherette upholstery. However, it does come equipped with the 10-inch touchscreen system that was available at the time of launch. This system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and includes a 6-speaker sound system with a subwoofer.
In terms of features, the Skoda Kushaq Matte Edition retains an electric sunroof, automatic AC, an 8-inch digital driver’s display, a wireless charger, up to six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and a rear camera.
All Powertrain Options
The Kushaq Matte Edition offers the choice between a 115PS 1-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 150PS 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. The 1-litre engine comes with a 6-speed manual transmission and the option of a 6-speed automatic. The 1.5-litre engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG) unit.
Price and Competitors
The Skoda Kushaq is priced between Rs 11.59 lakh and Rs 19.69 lakh (ex-showroom). It competes with popular SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Astor, Toyota Hyryder, Maruti Grand Vitara, Volkswagen Taigun, as well as upcoming models like the Honda Elevate and Citroen C3 Aircross.
The last 50,000 units of the Mahindra XUV700 were delivered in the last 8 months
The Mahindra XUV700, Mahindra’s flagship SUV launched in 2021 as a successor to the Mahindra XUV500, has achieved a significant milestone. It has delivered 1 lakh units to customers in India. The XUV700 achieved this milestone in just 20 months, which is quite impressive considering its fairly premium offerings and popular variants priced around Rs 20 lakh. Since its launch, the XUV700 has faced a significant waiting period. Mahindra received 50,000 bookings in the first three hours, and it took 12 months to deliver those units. The next 50,000 units were delivered in 8 months. The waiting times for the XUV700 are still high, and Mahindra is now working on increasing production capacity to speed up the delivery of the next 50,000 units, according to their statement.
What does it offer
The Mahindra XUV700 comes with a host of features, including an integrated 10.25-inch screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, and a 12-speaker 3D sound system by Sony. In terms of safety, it offers seven airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), a 360-degree camera, reversing camera, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and high-beam assist.
The Mahindra XUV700 is available with two engine options: a 2-litre turbo petrol engine (200PS/380Nm) and a 2.2-litre diesel engine (up to 185PS/450Nm), both paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The top-spec diesel variants also come with an all-wheel-drive drivetrain.
Price & Rivals
The prices for the Mahindra XUV700 range between Rs 14.04 lakh and Rs 26.18 lakh (ex-showroom pan India). Its rivals in the market include the Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus, and Hyundai Alcazar. The lower variants of the XUV700 also offer a 5-seater configuration, competing with 5-seater SUVs like the Tata Harrier, MG Hector, and Hyundai Creta.
Aston Martin has announced a partnership with Lucid to develop their 2025 electric SUV. As part of the agreement, Aston Martin will have access to Lucid’s electric drive units. These units integrate the motor, invertor, and transmission and boast a power density of 9hp per kg. This is more than double Tesla’s power density and eight times that of Hyundai’s motors. Additionally, Lucid is working on motors for racing that have an impressive 17hp per kg.
Aston Martin’s electric cars will utilize four motors, potentially reaching power outputs of up to 1500bhp. Lucid CEO and Chief Technology Officer, Peter Rawlinson, highlighted the difference in their approach: “Aston will use four motors, we’re three. Aston Martin is taking it to the next level.” Aston Martin’s four motor technology will feature a twin-motor front axle that will be unique to their vehicles.
Lucid will also supply battery cells and modules, which Aston Martin will incorporate into a battery pack of their own design. All components will be manufactured at Lucid’s factory in Arizona and then shipped to the UK.
Rawlinson noted that the technology is derived from Lucid’s Air model but with significant software changes. The main differences lie in thermal integration and battery layout. Aston Martin’s technical chief, Roberto Fedeli, aims to have the first electric Aston drivetrain operational on a test bench by the end of the year and a prototype running on the roads by early 2024.
The powertrain will be installed in a “fully flexible BEV platform, modular in height and wheelbase” that is designed to endure until the 2030s, according to Fedeli. This platform will allow Aston Martin to create a sports car that is 2cm lower than their current Aston Martin Vantage, thanks to the compact size and design of Lucid’s cells. Fedeli emphasized the importance of maintaining Aston Martin’s tradition of producing low, sports cars.
However, Aston Martin’s first electric vehicle will not be a sports car but an electric SUV crossover, as hinted in a teaser sketch released alongside the news about the partnership with Lucid. It is expected that an electric GT model will follow by 2030, but for now, the focus is on the SUV crossover.
The Ford Explorer is the most-sold SUV in American history with over 8.4 million units sold since its debut in 1991. It was one of the first vehicles of its class to be called an SUV alongside the Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Suburban, and a few others. It was also the first four-door SUV built by Ford and needed to succeed to prove Ford had made the right decision. The Explorer did not only succeed but was a smash hit and was the SUV to own and helped kick-start the SUV revolution.
It has been around three decades and six generations, but all haven’t been rosy with the Explorer. From rollovers to lawsuits the Ford Explorer has been a marketing success and an engineering nightmare for the brand. But continuous improvements have gotten it to where it is today. It may be a lot different from when it first started, but the Explorer has served American families for years. We are looking back at the History of the Explorer to see how it started and where it’s headed.
3/4 shot of a 1993 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer edition
The first generation Ford Explorer hit the streets in 1991 and was a replacement for the Bronco II. It was a different offering since it was a four-door SUV whereas the outgoing Bronco was a two-door. When it went on sale it was a success as many families wanted to buy one because of its blend of utility and practicality. It was offered as a two-door sport and four-door SUV with the four-door being the preferred choice. It had a 160-horsepower V-6 paired with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.
You could also have it as rear-wheel drive or an optional four-wheel drive which meant a vehicle for your daily commute with off-road capabilities. Its off-road prowess was aided by the fact that it was based on the Ranger pickup. The Explorer was so popular that it was rebranded by Mazda as a Navajo but only as a two-door. It even featured as the tour vehicle in the Jurassic Park movie with that livery still being replicated today. Over a million first-gen Explorers were sold in the four years of production which gave Ford a reason to build another one.
1995-2001 Does Your Explorer Rollover?
Ford
3/4 of a 1996 Ford Explorer parked in front of a house
The Second generation Explorer still used the Ranger platform but had been redesigned to be more useful than the previous model. A host of mechanical changes had been made to make the car ride better on-road and still be capable off-road. It was also the first SUV to have dual airbags for added safety. The added height and width also gave it more usable space for people and luggage. A V-8 engine was now introduced as an option alongside the V-6 mill.
The five-liter V-8 made 210 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It carried over the V-6 from the previous generation with the same horsepower but later models from ’97 got an updated V-6. The new V-6 had overhead cams which bumped power to 205 horsepower and 250-pound feet of torque which were similar numbers to the V-8. Rear-wheel drive was standard with optional four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options available.
V-8 versions were automatic only but the V-6 version had the option of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Sales were high with over 400,000 units sold each year and other variants like the Eddie Bauer edition and Mercury Mountaineer were also available. Saleen also made go-fast editions known as the Ford Saleen XP8 supercharged. This was a supercharged version of the V-8 Explorer which now made 286 horsepower and 333 pound feet of torque. It received some aero body parts, Recaro seats, better brakes, and carbon fiber hood options.
Only 300 examples of the XP8s were made which was the agreement but Saleen also made lesser-known versions of the V-6 known as XP6. Ford later made a pickup version of the Explorer which ran from 2001-2005 only offered with the V-6 engine. But this generation also had a major flaw that threatened to end the Explorer.
They were more prone to rollovers than any other SUV, this problem was present in the first gen but got worse with the second gen and its bigger dimensions. The probable cause was linked to the Firestone tires fitted from the factory. This led to lawsuits from owners and a legal battle between Ford and Firestone with Ford winning the case. With this, the nearly 100-year relationship came to an end.
2002-2005 The Explorer Evolution
Net Car Show
3/4 shot of a 2003 Ford Explorer in front of a golf pond
The Third generation Explorer was all new with its platform which was developed specifically for this vehicle. It had also undergone a major redesign from the previous two generations. A decline in sales of two-door SUVs also meant this Explorer was four-door only. Better safety features and improvements were also made to combat the rollover hazards from previous generations.
The front and rear axles were widened for better stability with independent rear suspension for better road compliance. ABS, traction control, stability control, and YAW control to reduce rollover risk were all standard.
In addition, the Explorer had dual front and side curtain airbags and seatbelt tensioners for protection in the event of an accident. For the first time, the Explorer had third-row seats which meant sitting for seven people. Two engine choices were available, there was the updated four-liter V-6 from the previous generation and a new 4.6-liter modular V-8 used in the Crown Victoria and various Ford trucks.
The V-6 made 210 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque while the V-8 made 239 horsepower and 282 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic was the transmission of choice for this Explorer. A five-speed manual was available but only for the 2002 model year which was the last manual Explorer. The Explorer was also available in another variant the Lincoln Aviator.
Slow moving shot of a 2006 Ford Explorer on a dirt road
The fourth-gen Explorer seemed more like an updated vehicle than a new one. It had the same platform as before but with a beefed-up frame and revised suspension. Other updates were made to update the vehicle but it shared a lot of similarities with the previous. The Explorer sport trac pickup also came back for a second generation.
The four-liter V-6 from the previous generation was also carried over but there was a new optional 4.6-liter V-8 with 292 horsepower and 356 pound-feet of torque. The changes made were not enough to help the Explorer and that showed with sales dwindling to as low as 53,000 units in 2009. Sales were also affected greatly due to the downturn in the U.S. economy which led to less demand for SUVs. This was a sign that Ford needed to act fast or the Explorer would go extinct.
2011-2019 The Explorer Is Reborn
Ford
3/4 shot a blue 2012 Ford Explorer parked under a tree
In comes the fifth generation Explorer, and it had the most radical change ever seen since the first generation. Its design was similar to the Explorer America concept shown in 2008 at the North American International Auto Show. The Explorer moved from a full-size SUV to a family crossover that was based on the unibody of the Ford Taurus. This move was in response to the growing crossover trend and it paid off. Over 135,000 explorers were sold in its first year with sales climbing each year.
There was also a host of new tech added to the Explorer which included a push button and remote start, power tailgate, adaptive cruise control, active park assist, rain-sensing wipers, High-intensity discharge headlamps (HID) and LED tail lamps, and many more. It was an Explorer-like no other coming to reclaim its throne. This generation also saw the most engine choices (five) available from a 2.0-liter inline-four front-wheel drive to a 3.5-liter twin-turbo Ecoboost.
The four-cylinder made 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque while the 3.5 V-6 made 290 horsepower and 355 pound-feet of torque with all-wheel drive. All versions came with a six-speed automatic transmission. Everyone preferred the more powerful V-6 since it offered more power and not much sacrifice to fuel economy. This was a big benefit for the new Explorer since the previous versions weren’t so economical.
It managed 17/23 MPG for city/highway driving versus the inline four’s 18/25 MPG figures, the previous gen could only do 13/19 MPH city/highway. Also, there were now selectable drive modes which were: Normal, Mud and Ruts, Sand, and, Grass/Gravel/Snow mode all through a mode selector. Safety ratings for this model were also very high with the NHTSA giving it a five-star score and has maintained the standard to date.
An Explorer sport joined the lineup in 2013 with a more powerful 3.5 liter V6 from the Taurus SHO with 365 horsepower 350 pound-feet of torque and all-wheel drive. Ford even released a 60 MPH time below six seconds to show they were proud of this unit. A facelift version came in 2016 and updated the looks of the already good-looking and a new base 2.3 inline-four with 280 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This model also saw a new police interceptor which replaced the Crown Victoria which had been in service since 1992.
The latest generation Explorer is built on the already brilliant fifth-gen model with better tech and safety features. Towing capacity was also greatly increased with the ability to tow up to 5,300 pounds. A host of new engines were also made available with the option of a hybrid powertrain with rear or all-wheel drive all paired with a new 10-speed automatic. Engine choices are listed below:
Type
Model Years
Power
Torque
EcoBoost 2.3 I4
2020–present
300 horsepower
310 pound-feet
3.3L V6 Hybrid
2020–present, Police Interceptor Utility
318 horsepower
332 pound-feet
3.3L FFV V6
2020–present, Police Interceptor Utility
285 horsepower
260 pound-feet
EcoBoost 3.0 TT V6
2020–present, ST/Police Interceptor Utility
400 horsepower
415 pound-feet
EcoBoost 3.0 TT V6
2022- present, Platinum
400 horsepower
415 pound-feet
EcoBoost 3.0 TT V6
2020–2021, Platinum
365 horsepower
380 pound-feet
EcoBoost 3.0 TT V6 Hybrid
2020–present
444 horsepower
620 pound-feet
The New hybrid and ST models are a great addition as Ford is looking towards the future with better emissions and sporty models with a bit more grunt. The Interceptor is also very impressive and is currently the fastest police car in America and can keep up with Mustangs and Chargers until triple digits. Although it has been dethroned by other SUVs like the Toyota RAV 4 which outsell it, the Explorer is still one of the best all-round SUVs in history.
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