Watching the twenty-six second video supplied by Ford, the only thing that’s certain is that a new model of Explorer is coming, and it will likely be in a trim level not seen before. From the sound of the engine, it’s not powered by the 5.0-liter Coyote V-8, either, which means the most lively drivetrain will be the EcoBoost 3.5-liter V-6 that’s packed into the Taurus SHO.
That would give this new model some 365 horsepower, likely sent through all four wheels. Since the most powerful Explorer you can buy today packs just 290 horsepower, a 75 horsepower gain would yield a substantial improvement in acceleration. It still wouldn’t stack up against the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8’s 465 horsepower, but then again the EcoBoost engine doesn’t suck down gas quite like Chrysler’s 6.4-liter HEMI V-8, either.
We’ve heard through a reliable source that the new Explorer won’t come wearing an SHO badge, as Ford doesn’t want to dilute the brand created around its range-topping Taurus model. While we know what it won’t be called, Ford isn’t giving any clues as to what badging the truck will get.
Ford will reveal the new Explorer model on Wednesday at 1:00 EST. You can see the reveal live on Ford’s Explorer Facebook page.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
