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Ford spent big bucks to give updated '06 Explorer stiffer frame, more features - - By RICHARD TRUETT | Automotive News - - Source: Autoweek

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. - Ford Motor Co. spent big bucks redoing the 2006 Ford Explorer, but officials say the vehicle probably never will be the cash cow it once was because of the crowded market and its effect on SUV prices.

'We've been making less money for a while' on the Explorer, said Ford Division President Darryl Hazel. 'We don't expect to make even … less, but as we keep working at things, it's always inevitable.'

The 2006 Explorer arrives in dealerships in about a month, with new standard features and with prices for comparably equipped models that average about $1,750 less across the model range.

The basics: The 2006 Explorer gets its second new frame in four years. The new one shares some features with the F-150 pickup. To increase stiffness and rigidity, the Explorer frame has cross-members that run through the frame rails. Judy Curran, Explorer chief engineer, said the frame enables the Explorer to meet safety standards on the books through 2010.

The old frame would have needed substantial upgrades to meet those standards, she said. Because of price pressure from Ford, Tower Automotive Inc., maker of the old frame, refused to bid on the new one. Cosma, a business unit of Magna International, makes the new frame, but Curran would not say if Ford is paying more for it.

The new frame, which Ford says is 63 percent more resistant to twisting and 55 percent more resistant to bending when compared with the previous frame, is the centerpiece of the 2006 model. It has enabled the engineers to tune the Explorer's four-wheel independent suspension system for a smooth and quiet ride on road and off.

Two engines are available. The base model 4.0-liter V-6 is rated at 210 hp and is teamed with a five-speed automatic transmission. Ford says the V-6 produces 74 percent less smog-forming emissions than the 2005 model and runs as cleanly as the Escape Hybrid. The optional 4.6-liter V-8 has three valves per cylinder, is rated at 292 hp and is pretty much the same as the engine in the Mustang GT. That engine is bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission, a first for the Explorer.

The starting price of $27,175, including shipping, means many buyers will spend $30,000 before they get out the door. And that's for a V-6 model.

Notable features: With the Explorer tire recall still in Ford's rearview mirror, safety has been given a high priority in the 2006 model. Ford says the Explorer's 10 standard safety systems are the most in its class. All models come with a tire pressure monitoring system, stability control, a new energy-absorbing steering column and an occupant classification system that senses the size and position of the person in the seat and tailors the airbag deployment for that occupant.

Ford's interior decorators also took cues from the F-150 for the instrument panel and console-mounted shifter. The 2006 model features a luxurious look, with some models sporting faux wood trim and a chrome trimmed instrument panel. A power third-row folding seat is optional.

What Ford says: 'It is still the best selling SUV, and we expect it to continue to be that way,' says Hazel. 'Certainly the competition continues to increase, and we will just see what happens. You can look at the sales rate for the first six months of the year or the last six months, and I think the last six months will be quite a bit better.'

Compromises and shortcomings: The new instrument panel is nicely designed and conveys class, but that effort is marred some by the plastic panels. The door handles are low on the inside of the front doors, which makes it awkward to close the doors.

Nuts and bolts: The 2006 Explorer is technically excellent. The V-8 engine delivers better fuel economy than last year's model. It makes a lovely muted hum under full acceleration. The transmission goes about its business without fuss.

Ford won't give volume projections. But Explorer sales, down about 18 percent this year, are being hurt by tough competition, the move to car-based crossovers and high gasoline prices.

The skinny: The styling changes are minor, and that could be trouble in a market that seems to get excited by bold new designs. But Ford has sold 5.4 million Explorers since the vehicle's 1991 debut, and fans of the old model will love the new one.

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Ford spent big bucks to give updated '06 Explorer stiffer frame, more features - - By RICHARD TRUETT | Automotive News - - Source: Autoweek

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. - Ford Motor Co. spent big bucks redoing the 2006 Ford Explorer, but officials say the vehicle probably never will be the cash cow it once was because of the crowded market and its effect on SUV prices.

'We've been making less money for a while' on the Explorer, said Ford Division President Darryl Hazel. 'We don't expect to make even … less, but as we keep working at things, it's always inevitable.'

The 2006 Explorer arrives in dealerships in about a month, with new standard features and with prices for comparably equipped models that average about $1,750 less across the model range.

The basics: The 2006 Explorer gets its second new frame in four years. The new one shares some features with the F-150 pickup. To increase stiffness and rigidity, the Explorer frame has cross-members that run through the frame rails. Judy Curran, Explorer chief engineer, said the frame enables the Explorer to meet safety standards on the books through 2010.

The old frame would have needed substantial upgrades to meet those standards, she said. Because of price pressure from Ford, Tower Automotive Inc., maker of the old frame, refused to bid on the new one. Cosma, a business unit of Magna International, makes the new frame, but Curran would not say if Ford is paying more for it.

The new frame, which Ford says is 63 percent more resistant to twisting and 55 percent more resistant to bending when compared with the previous frame, is the centerpiece of the 2006 model. It has enabled the engineers to tune the Explorer's four-wheel independent suspension system for a smooth and quiet ride on road and off.

Two engines are available. The base model 4.0-liter V-6 is rated at 210 hp and is teamed with a five-speed automatic transmission. Ford says the V-6 produces 74 percent less smog-forming emissions than the 2005 model and runs as cleanly as the Escape Hybrid. The optional 4.6-liter V-8 has three valves per cylinder, is rated at 292 hp and is pretty much the same as the engine in the Mustang GT. That engine is bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission, a first for the Explorer.

The starting price of $27,175, including shipping, means many buyers will spend $30,000 before they get out the door. And that's for a V-6 model.

Notable features: With the Explorer tire recall still in Ford's rearview mirror, safety has been given a high priority in the 2006 model. Ford says the Explorer's 10 standard safety systems are the most in its class. All models come with a tire pressure monitoring system, stability control, a new energy-absorbing steering column and an occupant classification system that senses the size and position of the person in the seat and tailors the airbag deployment for that occupant.

Ford's interior decorators also took cues from the F-150 for the instrument panel and console-mounted shifter. The 2006 model features a luxurious look, with some models sporting faux wood trim and a chrome trimmed instrument panel. A power third-row folding seat is optional.

What Ford says: 'It is still the best selling SUV, and we expect it to continue to be that way,' says Hazel. 'Certainly the competition continues to increase, and we will just see what happens. You can look at the sales rate for the first six months of the year or the last six months, and I think the last six months will be quite a bit better.'

Compromises and shortcomings: The new instrument panel is nicely designed and conveys class, but that effort is marred some by the plastic panels. The door handles are low on the inside of the front doors, which makes it awkward to close the doors.

Nuts and bolts: The 2006 Explorer is technically excellent. The V-8 engine delivers better fuel economy than last year's model. It makes a lovely muted hum under full acceleration. The transmission goes about its business without fuss.

Ford won't give volume projections. But Explorer sales, down about 18 percent this year, are being hurt by tough competition, the move to car-based crossovers and high gasoline prices.

The skinny: The styling changes are minor, and that could be trouble in a market that seems to get excited by bold new designs. But Ford has sold 5.4 million Explorers since the vehicle's 1991 debut, and fans of the old model will love the new one.

http://i.tnpv.us/2005/FRD200507/FRD2005073141531_PV.jpg

http://i.tnpv.us/2005/FRD200507/FRD2005073141620_PV.jpg

http://i.tnpv.us/2005/FRD200507/FRD2005073141695_PV.jpg

http://i.tnpv.us/2005/FRD200507/FRD2005073142556_PV.jpg

http://i.tnpv.us/2005/FRD200507/FRD2005073142624_PV.jpg

Ford spent big bucks to give updated '06 Explorer stiffer frame, more features - - By RICHARD TRUETT | Automotive News - - Source: Autoweek

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. - Ford Motor Co. spent big bucks redoing the 2006 Ford Explorer, but officials say the vehicle probably never will be the cash cow it once was because of the crowded market and its effect on SUV prices.

'We've been making less money for a while' on the Explorer, said Ford Division President Darryl Hazel. 'We don't expect to make even … less, but as we keep working at things, it's always inevitable.'

The 2006 Explorer arrives in dealerships in about a month, with new standard features and with prices for comparably equipped models that average about $1,750 less across the model range.

The basics: The 2006 Explorer gets its second new frame in four years. The new one shares some features with the F-150 pickup. To increase stiffness and rigidity, the Explorer frame has cross-members that run through the frame rails. Judy Curran, Explorer chief engineer, said the frame enables the Explorer to meet safety standards on the books through 2010.

The old frame would have needed substantial upgrades to meet those standards, she said. Because of price pressure from Ford, Tower Automotive Inc., maker of the old frame, refused to bid on the new one. Cosma, a business unit of Magna International, makes the new frame, but Curran would not say if Ford is paying more for it.

The new frame, which Ford says is 63 percent more resistant to twisting and 55 percent more resistant to bending when compared with the previous frame, is the centerpiece of the 2006 model. It has enabled the engineers to tune the Explorer's four-wheel independent suspension system for a smooth and quiet ride on road and off.

Two engines are available. The base model 4.0-liter V-6 is rated at 210 hp and is teamed with a five-speed automatic transmission. Ford says the V-6 produces 74 percent less smog-forming emissions than the 2005 model and runs as cleanly as the Escape Hybrid. The optional 4.6-liter V-8 has three valves per cylinder, is rated at 292 hp and is pretty much the same as the engine in the Mustang GT. That engine is bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission, a first for the Explorer.

The starting price of $27,175, including shipping, means many buyers will spend $30,000 before they get out the door. And that's for a V-6 model.

Notable features: With the Explorer tire recall still in Ford's rearview mirror, safety has been given a high priority in the 2006 model. Ford says the Explorer's 10 standard safety systems are the most in its class. All models come with a tire pressure monitoring system, stability control, a new energy-absorbing steering column and an occupant classification system that senses the size and position of the person in the seat and tailors the airbag deployment for that occupant.

Ford's interior decorators also took cues from the F-150 for the instrument panel and console-mounted shifter. The 2006 model features a luxurious look, with some models sporting faux wood trim and a chrome trimmed instrument panel. A power third-row folding seat is optional.

What Ford says: 'It is still the best selling SUV, and we expect it to continue to be that way,' says Hazel. 'Certainly the competition continues to increase, and we will just see what happens. You can look at the sales rate for the first six months of the year or the last six months, and I think the last six months will be quite a bit better.'

Compromises and shortcomings: The new instrument panel is nicely designed and conveys class, but that effort is marred some by the plastic panels. The door handles are low on the inside of the front doors, which makes it awkward to close the doors.

Nuts and bolts: The 2006 Explorer is technically excellent. The V-8 engine delivers better fuel economy than last year's model. It makes a lovely muted hum under full acceleration. The transmission goes about its business without fuss.

Ford won't give volume projections. But Explorer sales, down about 18 percent this year, are being hurt by tough competition, the move to car-based crossovers and high gasoline prices.

The skinny: The styling changes are minor, and that could be trouble in a market that seems to get excited by bold new designs. But Ford has sold 5.4 million Explorers since the vehicle's 1991 debut, and fans of the old model will love the new one.

Ο χρήστης charmak66 έγραψε:

Πώς το κάναν έτσι! Πολύ 'βαρύ' μπροστά με χρώμιο, μεγάλη μάσκα, φώτα από Land Rover και ΠΟΛΛΕΣ τρύπες...Και από πίσω τέρμα συντηρητικό!

Μακρυά! Χίλιες φορές το υπάρχον μοντέλο!

Δυστυχως οι φωτο το αδικουν οπως και τα περισσοτερα μεγαλα οχηματα. Ιδιαιτερα οι μικρες φωτο οπως αυτες που εβαλα πιο πανω. Φενοντε πολυ δυσαναλογα.

Εδω η προηγουμενη γενια Εξπλορερ

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Ο χρήστης titsataki έγραψε:
Εξωτερικα δεν φαινεται πολυ διαφορετικο απο το παλιο. Πιο πολυ χρωμιο. Το εσωτερικο/μηχανικα ειναι εκεινο που εχει αλλαξει σε μεγαλο βαθμο. Πουλαει πολυ καλα εν ΗΠΑ και η Φορντ εχει βαλει τα δυνατα της για αναβαθμιση χωρις να ξενισει τους τωρινους ιδιοκτητες.

Νικος

Οντως εχει αλλαξει το εσωτερικο εντελως ομως υπαρχουν τεραστιες αλλαγες και στο πατωμα οπως και τα μηχανικα μερη (drivetrain) ειναι εντελως καινουργια. Με τον καινουργιο V8 που ειναι αυτος του Mustang GT by the way (με 8 λιγοτερα αλογα) το Εξπλορερ τωρα παει 0-60 μ/ω σε 7.8 δευτερα.

Τελος πληροφοριακα για ολους, η Φορντ πουλησε 339,333 Explorers το 2004 και 239,788 το 2005. Ειναι το νουμερο ενα SUV απο πλευρας πωλησεων εαν δεν κανω λαθος.

Ο χρήστης titsataki έγραψε:

Εξωτερικα δεν φαινεται πολυ διαφορετικο απο το παλιο. Πιο πολυ χρωμιο. Το εσωτερικο/μηχανικα ειναι εκεινο που εχει αλλαξει σε μεγαλο βαθμο. Πουλαει πολυ καλα εν ΗΠΑ και η Φορντ εχει βαλει τα δυνατα της για αναβαθμιση χωρις να ξενισει τους τωρινους ιδιοκτητες.

Νικος

Έχεις δίκιο!
Το μπέρδεψα με το Maverick!
Απορώ που έχω το μυαλό μου...

Φερνουν το Explorer στην Ελλαδα;
Εχω δει πολλα Grand Cherokee αλλα δεν εχω δει Explorer.

Νικος

Οχι. Το Μαβερικ πωλητε εκει το οποιο ειναι το Escape στις ΗΠΑ.

Ο χρήστης titsataki έγραψε:
Δεν πιστευω οτι θα πουλαγε ετσι και αλλοιως. Θα προτιμουσα το Maverick (Εν ΗΠΑ Escape η το πολυ κοντινο Mazda Tribune) η θα εδινα λιγουλακι παραπανω και θα επαιρνα ενα Forester XT και θα τελειωνε εκει. Συγνωμη για το 'οφ τοπικ'.

Νικος

Το Mazda Tribute εννοεις?