Ford Adds Some Oomph to Explorer with +350HP Sport Edition Powered by a 3.5L Turbo [40 Photos]

This is the first ever performance version in the history of the Ford Explorer and it will arrive in U.S. showrooms later this year. Ford hasn’t said anything yet, but it’s only reasonable to assume that the new Explorer Sport will make its first public outing at next week’s 2012 New York Motor Show.

The new addition to the Explorer’s range justifies its Sport tag by employing the use of Ford’s 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine, which the company says makes “at least 350-horsepower” in this application. Ford has not released any other performance numbers.

“Adding an EcoBoost drivetrain to Explorer Sport delivers even more fuel efficiency and performance to the lineup,” said Bill Gubing, Explorer chief engineer. “This is our highest- performance, most capable Ford Explorer ever.”

The force-fed six-cylinder is matched to a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission with a unique 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio and four-wheel drive with a Terrain Management System.

Ford anticipates that the Explorer Sport will return a fuel economy of up to 16 mpg (14.7lt/100km) in city driving and 22 mpg (10.7lt/100km) on the highway, with the company comparing these numbers to some rivaling SUVs.

“That’s 3 mpg better in the city and 2 mpg on the highway than the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango R/T 5.7-liter Hemi engines,” said Ford in a statement adding, “It scores 3 mpg higher in the city and 4 mpg higher on the highway than the Land Rover Range Rover Sport.”

Along with the new powertrain, Ford says it has reinforced the chassis making the Explorer Sport stiffer and improving its handling, while the SUV also gets a faster, solid-mounted electric power-assisted steering and larger brakes.

The Sport is identified on the outside by some subtle design cues such as the unique 20-inch painted and machined wheels, blacked out grille, lights, roof rails and mirror housings. It also gets bespoke front and rear lower fascias.

Buyers will be able to choose from four exterior colors, including Ruby Red Metallic Clearcoat, White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat, Tuxedo Black Metallic and Ingot Silver Metallic.

Inside, the 2013 Explorer Sport has been dressed in Charcoal Black leather, which is available with and without contrasting Sienna inserts, unique steering wheel stitching and dashboard trim, plus Sport-logo floor mats and illuminated scuff plates.

Pricing has not yet been announced.

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