Ford Adds Explorer Sport to its Crossover Line
Ford’s Explorer has been a popular model for the Ford Motor Company, reaching peak sales above 400,000 units annually in the 1990s as the sport utility vehicle craze took hold. Sales eventually dropped as consumers switched to more fuel efficient models, but the Ford Explorer has always been a good seller for this manufacturer.
In 2011, Ford updated its popular SUV, switching from a body on frame design to a unibody construction, a move that improved agility and gas mileage, but at the expense of off-road utility. For 2013, Ford resolves the off-road limitations of this model by introducing the Explorer Sport, a model equipped with full-time four-wheel-drive and a more powerful engine.
Powerful Engine
A 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine powers the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport, a top of the line model that goes on sale later this year. This engine employs twin turbocharger technology and brings in direct fuel injection to deliver more power in a smaller footprint. Ford estimates that this model will make at least 350 horsepower and deliver a near equivalent foot-pounds of torque.
A six-speed shiftable automatic transmission is standard, with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters enabling Explorer fans to enjoy a more engaged drive as they head down the highway. Ford estimates that the Explorer Sport will achieve 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, numbers that are better than the competing Dodge Durango R/T, the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Land Rover’s Range Rover Sport.
The Ford Explorer Sport seats up to seven adults and sits on a 112.6-inch wheelbase. This model is 197.1 inches long, 90.2 inches wide and is 71.0 inches tall. The Explorer Sport offers 151.7 cubic feet of passenger volume and can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Besides the EcoBoost engine offered in the Explorer Sport, a standard 3.5-liter V-6 is found elsewhere and a smaller 2.0-liter EcoBoost four is available with some models.
Improved Handling
Among the significant differences found in the Explorer Sport are its chassis as it has been specially reinforced, making this model stiffer and improving its handling. Also, a solid-mounted electric power-assisted steering rack is included, providing an improved feel and more responsiveness to drivers both around town and off-road. Larger brakes ensure that this vehicle comes to a certain stop and a new terrain management system helps drivers work their way through snow, mud, sand and up hills.
On the outside, the changes most notable with the Explorer Sport can be seen in its black grille. What isn’t as readily noticeable, but is still quite functional, is the opening in the lower fascia designed to allow for additional cooling. This model is equipped with unique, painted 20-inch wheels and offers blacked-out treatments to roof rails, side mirrors and light housings.
Cabin Amenities
Inside, the cabin features a black charcoal theme as evidence across the seating surfaces with cloth or leather materials offered. Unique steering wheel stitching, special door appliques and Explorer Sport badging can also be found.
Notably, the changes inside also bring in the highest level of amenities found across the Explorer line. These include a dual zone climate control system, a 10-way power driver’s seat with power recline and lumbar, 6-way power front passenger seat with recline and lumbar, heated front row seats, a rear view camera, SYNC with MyFord Touch driver connectivity and a 12-speaker Sony audio system with HD radio.
Popular Options
Available options for this model include active park assist, a blind spot information system, unique inflatable rear seat belts, power folding side mirrors, a 110-volt outlet, remote access with push button start, adjustable driver pedals with memory settings, a dual-panel moonroof, a power liftgate and a trailer towing package.
Ford has not announced pricing yet for this model built at its Chicago assembly plant. That information will be released shortly before the model arrives in Ford showrooms this year. Given that the Ford Explorer Limited retails from $37,855, a $40,000 price tag for the Explorer Sport seems likely.
Author Information
Matt Keegan writes for FordHood.com, a Ford enthusiast website. FordHood offers the latest product information including the Ford Explorer Sport and other upcoming models.
Photo: Courtesy of the Ford Motor Company.
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Intelligent Hybrid: 2013 Lexus GS 450h
Lexus is a luxury brand that is in transition, and those changes are in response to two factors beyond its control: customer perceptions and geological forces. With the former, Lexus has responded by changing its design language from restrained to bold. With the latter, Lexus and parent Toyota are now well on the way to recovery from a series of earthquakes and a tsunami that undermined its ability to produce and ship cars. Evidence of these changes can be seen in the 2013 Lexus GS 450h sedan, the hybrid version of the GS and a car that may just convince you that Lexus is back and in a significant way.
New Design Language
The refinements Lexus has made to its design language will be evident beginning with each of its 2013 models. The Lexus LX570, a large sport utility vehicle, initiated the updates when it was introduced just ahead of the GS series in February 2012. These changes include an hourglass sport grille that is flanked by arrowhead-styled daytime running lights to provide a more aggressive face. Additional modifications over the first generation edition built from 2007 to 2011 include 9-spoke 17-inch chrome wheels, LED treatments on the tail lamps and updates to the wheel wells, bumper edges and windows.
Under the hood, the same 3.5-liter 24-valve gas engine that powered the first generation hybrid has returned. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission and produces 286 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. Torque is another of its strong suits too as this five-passenger sedan offers 254 foot-pounds at 4,600 rpm.
The GS 450h also derives power from its nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery system. The current iteration is lighter and more efficient, and allows this large sedan to get 29 mpg city, 34 mpg highway. Those numbers put the GS 450h at the top of the range among executive cars and places some serious distance between gas station stops. Indeed, when taking those long interstate trips, drivers will find that they’ll be able to go nearly 600 miles between fill ups. That is certainly welcome in these days of elevated gas prices. Performance is noteworthy too: this hybrid goes from 0 to 60 in just 5.6 seconds.
Sumptious Interior
Inside, Lexus luxury is evident everywhere. A padded instrument panel, stitched leather seating, wood trim and chrome highlights provide the look and feel you’d expect in this sedan. A 10-way power driver’s seat is plush and bolstered, offering height adjustment and lumbar support as well as heating and ventilation. Other special treatments in evidence include a bamboo and leather heated steering wheel, aluminum alloy scuff plates and ambient lighting.
All GS 450h models come equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen driver’s information center. An electronically-enhanced instrument panel, an LCD climate control display and remote touch interface are among the technological features offered. Its standard 5.1 surround sound audio system features 12 speakers, an automatic sound levelizer, voice recognition and text to speech SMS. You can also upgrade to a 17-speaker Mark Levinson package that includes distortion adjustment and DVD/audio capability.
By choosing its luxury package, the GS 450h offers an optimally appointed sedan that retails for under $70,000. That package includes the Mark Levinson audio package; semi-aniline leather; a contoured 18-way power driver seat; passenger seat memory; wood embellishments; rear air-conditioning and audio controls; and rear manual side sun shades.
Sedan Notables
Safety features include driver and front passenger knee airbags; front and front seat-mounted side airbags; and a side curtain airbag unit with rollover notification. This sedan comes with four-wheel anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, traction control and stability control. Optional safety features include a blind spot monitor, a head up display, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, park assist, a night vision system and a pre-collision warning system.
The 2013 Lexus GS 450h dispenses with the notion that hybrid power and a weighty sedan are mutually exclusive. Weighing in at nearly 4,200 pounds, the GS 450h provides the security some drivers prefer when taking to the open road. It also delivers in fuel economy and luxury appointments, offering a level of all-around driving satisfaction that is still quite rare today.
Author Information
Matt Keegan is a freelance writer and owner of the online Auto Trends Magazine. Please visit his site for industry news including Lexus and other luxury brands. Photos: Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A, Inc. (Lexus)
3 Tourist Driving Scams to Avoid
from our BLOG-magazine
Whether you’re traveling somewhere across the country or whether you’re traveling internationally, unfamiliar territory can be an opportunity for scam artists. If you’re not careful, you can find yourself bilked out of a sizable chunk of cash. Not only that, some scammers are more nefarious, threatening or causing personal harm.
at our Money Management BLOG
View more money management ideas at our Money Management BLOG
How to Find Your Vehicle’s History Report
from our BLOG-magazine
Whether you want information on the car you currently own or on the used car you want to purchase for your teenager, you can find out its history through certain history reports developed by private vendors. These vendors have computer access to tens of thousands of repair shops around the company, department of motor vehicle records and other company records and are able to put together fairly comprehensive reports about most cars, trucks, vans and other passenger vehicles.
at our Money Management BLOG
SUV Elegance:
2013 LX 570
The largest of all Lexus models is the LX 570, a three-row sport utility vehicle that seats eight. Introduced in 2008 and sold through 2011, the LX 570 returns for 2013 with many updates evident. Those changes include advancing Lexus’ new design language and offering a refreshed interior. Its stalwart V-8 engine returns, delivering optimum power to move this three-ton SUV with authority.
Exterior Embellishments
The Lexus LX 570 is a massive vehicle, just the sort of premium model prized by families that require maximum interior room and need a vehicle that offers ample storage possibilities as well as trailering capabilities. This vehicle features a 2+3+3 seating layout and can tow up to 7,000 pounds. Quite easily, this SUV has the ability to take a large family on vacation and pull a boat or a camper with ease.
Changes on the exterior include an all-new trapezoid grille, reflecting the design language of Lexus vehicles effective with the 2013 model year. That new look is meant to put some pizzazz in Lexus-styling, casting off the bland for a more grand look. Other changes evident with this model are HID headlamps, large chrome bezels for foglamps, wider bodyside moldings, turn signal indicators on the side mirrors and new 20-inch split five spoke wheels. Two paint finishes are added bringing the total to six.
Advanced Technologies
Inside, the LX 570′s bright and cavernous cabin receives dark chrome finish for center cluster and front side air-conditioning vents, a dark chrome highlight above the glovebox and optional parchment leather seats. That leathering extends to the door inserts, to the shift knob and to the steering wheel. Mahogany wood trim is new for 2013, providing a visually appealing look to a cabin replete with leather, chrome and digital accents.
Place yourself behind the steering wheel of this SUV and you’re treated to a 10-way adjustable power driver’s seat. This seat offers height adjustment and lumbar support, and is well-bolstered and supportive. The front passenger has an 8-way adjustable seat. The instrument panel feature a brightly lit four analog panel display that flanks a digital driver’s information center. The center stack offers an in-dash CD changer with an AM/FM radio, automatic sound levelizer, digital sound processing and an HD SiriusXM satellite radio receiver. Nine speakers are included.
A standard HDD navigation system offers Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity; Lexus Enform navigation with turn by turn instructions, and Lexus Insider voice command with NavTraffic, NavWeather, stocks and sports. The Lexus Enform software package allows you to search the Internet with Bing, order movie tickets, make restaurant reservations and receive product reviews. A zoned climate control system, 12-volt outlets and storage compartments round out the center stack and console display.
Cabin Amenities
As you would expect, the Lexus LX 570 offers numerous amenities and convenience features throughout its cabin. These include illuminated entry, bottle holders in all four doors, second and third row cup holders, power accessories, a middle row power outlet, a 120-volt power outlet behind the third row seat, door courtesy lights, a first-aid kit and a power tailgate.
Also available are heated and air-conditioned front seats, heated middle row seats, a luxury package that offers semi-aniline trim and a cool box, a DVD entertainment system, a 19-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and a rear backup camera.
Safety Features
Every LX 570 comes equipped with a host of safety features. New for 2013 is trailer sway assist, joining four-wheel antilock brakes, brake-force distribution, brake assist, traction control and stability control with helping you keep your SUV firmly planted. Adaptive headlamps, daytime running lamps and a tire pressure monitoring system are standard.
Inside, this SUV offers front airbags, first and second row seat-mounted side airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, and a side curtain airbag system. Also available are park assist and a pre-collision warning system.
SUV Miscellany
The 2013 Lexus LX 570 will take you from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. Its 5.7-liter 32-valve V-8 engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and offers 383 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 403 foot-pounds of torque at 3,600 rpm. This Lexus offers a 24.6-gallon fuel tank and is EPA-rated at 12 mpg city, 18 mpg highway.
Author Information
Matt Keegan is a freelance writer who writes for The Auto Writer. Please visit this site for industry news including details about Lexus and other premium brands. Photos: Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A, Inc. (Lexus)
Facts About Hybrid Cars
from our BLOG-magazine
The market for hybrid vehicles has certainly changed and matured since the first vehicles were sold stateside beginning in the late 1990s. Back then, the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight were the sole models available, vehicles offering outsized fuel economy and good value.
at our Money Management BLOG
How to Lower the Rate on Your Car Loan
from our BLOG-magazine
Just as homes can be refinanced, car loans can also be refinanced. The financing is different, however, as home loans extend for many years and houses usually appreciate in value. Auto loans are for shorter terms and all cars depreciate in value except for rare classics. Thus, lenders treat these loans differently, basing financing on a number of factors including future value.
If your car loan rate was high, then now can be a good time to refinance. You’ll need to keep a few things in mind as you seek refinancing, by taking the following steps:
1. Know your credit rating — You won’t receive car refinancing if you are out of work or your income is not sufficient to repay the loan. You also need good credit with consumer credit bureau Experian noting that a score of at least 700 “reflects good credit management.” Experian also notes that a score below 598 means that you have bad credit. Thus, a score from 598 on up means your credit is at least okay. Visit MyFico.com to learn what your credit score is. If your score is high, then seek refinancing. If it is low, then keep your current loan.
2. Talk with your current lender — You may be able to get your current lender to refinance your loan, saving you the necessity of having to apply for a loan with a new lender. Your present lender will need several things from you including one or more recent pay stubs, a W-2 form and possibly your most recent tax filling. You may be granted a lower rate if your credit, your job situation or both improved dramatically since you got your loan. If your credit was bad and you received financing, then you may be dealing with a lender that specializes in sub-prime loans. This means that you’d do better to seek refinancing elsewhere.
3. Shop around — Most lenders prefer to work with people seeking new loans, but there are some that specialize in working with borrowers who have existing loans. You can check with your bank or credit union for loan deals, asking whether loan refinancing is available. You can also find lenders by googling “car loan refinance” and viewing the results. A number of large banks and finance companies are involved in auto loan refinancing, therefore view the offers and select the best one that meets your needs. Limit your application to just one company, however, as your credit score could take a hit if you apply for too many.
4. Resist extending your loan — If you took out a 48-month loan and have 37 months remaining, a lender may be all too willing to give you a new 48-month loan. This is not a good choice for you as you’ll be financing your car longer and you’ll pay a higher rate than a 36-month loan. Besides, lenders know that your car is depreciating and they’ll be certain to protect their own interests as you seek refinancing. Chances are if you shave one or more months off of your future loan, then you’ll come away with payments that are lower and pay less interest going forward.
5. Choose your loan and switch — Once you receive approval for a car refinancing, then quickly get together your paperwork to close on this loan. You may be able to close within 48 hours if your paperwork is in order and the lender is ready to process your loan. Your lender will pay off your current loan and assume title of your car. Only when your new loan has been paid off will you be able to obtain your title.
Final Thoughts
To receive approval for a new loan, a lender may require you to come up with a down payment. That’s because your car is declining in value and the lender may want you to assume more risk in exchange for a better rate on your auto loan.
Author Information
Matt Keegan writes as The Article Writer. He operates The Auto Writer car blog, covering industry news, car models and product information.
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