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Ford unveils fuel-sipping Explorer Concept in America

Ford Motor is hinting at a more fuel-efficient direction for its iconic Explorer sport-utility vehicle which will debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The concept is built on a more car-like unibody frame, rather than the traditional truck frame, to reduce weight by 150 pounds and improve drivability. But Ford says the Explorer America is still roomy enough for six passengers and gear, and can tow 3,500 pounds.

One of the most impressive aspects of Explorer America concept is its ability to offer a 20 to 30 percent fuel saving compared with today’s V6 Ford Explorer. The new EcoBoost gas turbocharged direct-injection engine, a four-cylinder, two-liter engine, provides 205kW whereas the V6 puts out 254kW.

Ford product development vice president Derrick Kuzak says the direct-injection turbo route is less expensive than hybrid or diesel power trains while producing excellent power and fuel economy gains and reduced emissions.

In the Explorer America concept, the engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 275 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, but a premium 3.5-liter, 340-hp, 340-lb-ft V6 will be offered when the Explorer goes into production. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the new Explorer engines are expected to improve fuel economy by 10 percent to 30 percent over normally aspirated engines producing similar power.