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LOS
ANGELES -- Ford
Motor Company is celebrating 25 years as the home of America's
best-selling SUV. The 2016 Ford Explorer made its world debut
at the L.A. Auto Show. It comes with a choice of three engines:
a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder; a 3.5-liter, V6 or a 3.5-liter, EcoBoost
V6. Changes include revised exterior lighting, a new engine choice,
updated safety features and a new trim level.
A
new 2.3-liter, EcoBoost four-cylinder engine producing 270 horsepower
and 300 lb.-ft. of torque replaces the outgoing 2.0-liter, EcoBoost
four-cylinder engine on the previous model. It will improve highway
passing times by 10 percent at speeds between 55 mph and 75 mph.
Fuel economy numbers have not yet been announced by the EPA.
"This
is the new 2016 Ford Explorer that we're really excited about,"
said Matt Zuehlk, brand manager of the Ford Explorer. "We
have a new look, a new engine and a new series. Those are the
three high points for the vehicle. Lots of new sheet metal. Basically
the A-pillar forward is all new. New hood, new fenders, new lamps.
Obviously, see the LED signature lighting here at the top. New
fog lamps, new fascia and front and rear skid plates to add to
that SUV-ness. The entire back end of the vehicle is new as well."
For
the first time, the automaker will offer a Platinum top-of-the-line
luxury model of the Explorer. It features intelligent four-wheel
drive with Terrain Management System, dual-panel moonroof, satin
chrome lower bodyside cladding insert, satin chrome mirror caps,
20-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control and collision warning
with brake support. Additional features of the platinum model
include a 500-watt Sony Audio System, an all-digital instrument
cluster, enhanced active park assist with park-out assist and
perpendicular park, and lane-keeping system.
"For
our customers on a platinum, what they expect is authentic materials
and that's what they're going to get," said Craig Patterson,
utility marketing manager at Ford Motor Company. "You start
with a leather-wrapped and stitched dash. Leather door roll overs.
Quilted leather door panels. Heated steering wheel made of real
wood. One of the things that sets this vehicle apart is a platinum
oval instead of the blue oval for Ford. This is the only use we've
had of a platinum oval. It signifies that this is something special."
The
2016 Ford Explorer starts at $30,700, the same exact price from
the previous model year. Look for it to hit dealer showrooms next
summer.
The
2014 Los Angeles Auto Show opens to the public on November 21
and runs through November 30. Tickets are $12 for adults (ages
13+) Mon-Thurs and $15 for adults Fri-Sunday. Children (5 and
under) are $5 at all times. Seniors aged 65 and up are $10. Group
tickets can be purchased by Julian Lile at julian@laautoshow.com
or 310-444-1850. The L.A. Convention Center is located at 1201
S. Figueroa Street in Los Angeles. Click
here to order your tickets online.
Related
Stories: PREVIEW:
Nearly 60 world and North American debuts coming to the 2014 L.A.
Auto Show;
2016
Ford Explorer to be revealed at L.A. Auto Show this week;
Chrysler
debuts all-new 300, 300S and 300C luxury sedans at 2014 L.A. Auto
Show; Hyundai
to roll out Apple CarPlay on its 2015 Sonata midsize car;
Honda
introduces the 2016 HR-V small crossover at L.A. Auto Show;
2016
Mercedes-Maybach S600 revealed at L.A. Auto Show
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| PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com |
It
comes with updated front redesign fascia, hood and bottom
bumper, optional LED, redesigned headlights, and LED fog lamps
that was inspired by the all-new Ford F150.
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| PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com |
Furthermore,
the rear of the Explorer also seen a redesign rear fascia
with restyled, LED tail lamps and dual exhaust, and accordingly
