The CAMROSE BOOSTER, October 1, 2013 – Page 19
2014 Ford Explorer Packed full of features
Matt McLeod By Dan Jensen
The 2014 Ford Explorer has arrived at Lamb Ford Sales Camrose. "It has been receiving a lot of positive reviews," said Lamb Ford sales manager Brett Read. "It's a vehicle that is packed full of features." Capable The 2014 Explorer structure is strong and supportive – thanks to high-tech materials and advanced forming technology. For starters, the A and B pillars are constructed of high-strength boron steel for greatly increased roof crush strength. The frontend support structure is constructed using a lightweight composite, which matches the lateral stiffness of magnesium while reducing weight. The easy-to-use Intelligent 4WD system is fully automatic, instantly delivering traction to the wheels with the most traction when wheelslip is detected. The Terrain Management System included with the available Intelligent 4WD system allows you to easily shift on the fly into one of four settings to match the terrain in which you are driving. Normal biases torque to the front wheels and sends it to the rear only as needed. Mud/Ruts
switches the throttle to a more aggressive mode, limits upshifting and desensitizes stability control, allowing the tires to spin as needed. Sand throws maximum torque to the wheels, placing the transmission in lower gears for as long as possible, which allows the wheels to spin aggressively. Grass/gravel/snow places the throttle in a setting to minimize wheel grip. Comfort/convenience The Explorer can carry up to seven passengers. The second row features a 60/40 split-fold-bench, while the third row has a 50/50 splitfolding seat with generous passenger space. Behind the third row there is up to 595 litres of cargo volume. For cargo space on demand, the second and third rows can fold flat for 2,285 litres of cargo room. The power liftgate can be opened and/or closed by pushing the vehicle key fob or pressing a button located on the instrument panel or on the bottom of the tailgate. Additionally, you can program the extension height of the liftgate, which is useful if you park in a space with a low ceiling. The available Remote Start/Automatic Climate Control system provides a comfortable interior. In hot weather conditions,
the cabin is cooled to 22 degrees Celsius. Even the rear defrost/heated mirrors will be activated. Performance The standard 3.5 litre twin independent variable camshaft timing V6 engine in the Explorer can be easily described in two words: no compromise. It delivers an impressive 290 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. That means you have the power for merging, accelerating and pulling a trailer. The available 2.0 litre EcoBoost inline four-cylinder engine combines two different technologies – turbochargiing and twin independent variable cam timing – to deliver the performance of a much larger engine. It churns out 240 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 270 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm. With towing capacity of up to 2,268 kg when properly equipped, the Explorer can haul a boat, camper or trailer. The Class III Trailer Tow package required for towing includes an engine oil cooler and wiring harness. Technology Curve Control will slow you down as much as 16 kmph a second if it senses you are going too fast for a particular curve. Employing throttle reduction and
four-wheel braking intervention, it's always active in helping you maintain control around the curves. Additionally, it can function on dry or wet pavement and is expected to be particularly useful when entering or exiting freeway off- or on-ramps with too much speed. A lane-keeping alert warns you through haptic feedback (a series of steering wheel vibrations that mimic a rumble strip) should the system detect an unintentional lane departure. A lane keeping aid actively applies steering torque which directs your vehicle back into the target lane should the system detect an unintended lane departure. The available BLIS with cross-traffic alert uses sensors in the rear quarter panels to monitor your blind spot and will illuminate an alert display on the appropriate exterior mirror if another vehicle is detected there before changing lanes. Adaptive cruise control functions similarly to cruise control but with one exception. When its sensors detect traffic slowing, your vehicle also slows down to maintain your pre-selected gap setting from the
car in front. After traffic has cleared, your vehicle resumes its preset speed. Collision warning with brake support will alert you if it senses a potential collision with the car in front of you. A heads-up display, which simulates brake lights, flashes on the windshield. If you don't react in time, the brakes will precharge and increase brake-assist sensitivity to provide full responsiveness when you brake. The available rear view camera provides a video image on the centre console screen of the area behind your vehicle. The screen has guides and a zoom feature that help you align your vehicle with a trailer when you want to tow. The available voiceactivated navigation system provides turn-by-turn directions, giving you your choice of fastest, shortest and another option – EcoRoute. In this mode, the navigation system instantly calculates the most fuelefficient route and can help you achieve better fuel economy. You can see the 2014 Ford Explorer at Lamb Ford Sales, 3771-48 Avenue, Camrose. Phone 780672-2411 and ask for one of the friendly sales professionals.