Filed under: New York Auto Show, Performance, Crossover, Ford

No one may have asked Ford to drop the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 found in the Taurus SHO behind the headlights of the Explorer, but that doesn't mean we're complaining. Ford has just debuted the higher-performance crossover at the 2012 New York Auto Show, complete with its full 350 horsepower. Ford says the newly menacing softroader will be good for around 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, and the nudge in power shouldn't do anything but help the vehicle's ability to tow up to 5,000 pounds. Engineers have also thrown in bigger brakes and a little extra bracing to help the chassis cope with the additional muscle, not to mention a quicker ratio steering rack for a slightly more responsive cornering.

The available horsepower drops to the pavement via a paddle-shifted six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive system. The Sport features a unique version of the Terrain Management System found on lesser Explorers, though the software has been uniquely calibrated to handle the additional power on hand.

A handful of aesthetic tweaks are also part of the package, including blacked-out bodywork on the mesh grille, side-view mirrors and lower fascia. Unique wheel choices are also part of the package. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Continue reading 2013 Ford Explorer Sport mugs for the camera in NYC

2013 Ford Explorer Sport mugs for the camera in NYC originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6>Permalink | Email this | Comments

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looks like a Landrover/Rangrover

Hard to believe the outdated crapbox the Exploder evolved to this.

looks like a Landrover/Rangrover

Definitely had to do a double take, definitely thought it was a LandRover. Had to look back at the thread title cause I knew I clicked on something for Ford

Better than the old Explorer.

Very true

I want a new Explorer in Ginger Ale Metallic.

Looks pretty awesome!

looks like a Landrover/Rangrover

exactly!

Sat in one at the Chicago Auto show, VERY nice.