NY 2012: Ford Launches Twin Turbo... Explorer?

Meet the Explorer Sport - the answer to all of you hoping for a twin-turbocharged SUV.  As bizarre as that sounds...  actually, it's not that bizarre.  We can stop feigning shock and awe at performance SUV's now; Porsche is deep into the second generation of the Cayenne already, and even Jeep does it.  Still, this is the first performance Explorer Ford's cooked up in the model's 22-year history, not including aftermarket specials like the Saleen Explorer.

So what is it?  Basically, it's an EcoBoost Explorer - it shares it's 3.5L DOHC V6 with twin turbochargers with the Taurus SHO, Flex and F-150 EcoBoost, and the Lincoln MKS/MKT.  That means at least 350 horsepower and 350lb-ft torque, and a six-speed automatic with a Haldex-esque AWD system.  Changes to the Sport include a shorter 3.16:1 final drive ratio and paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eBZHOg2M7o

Other changes include a solid-mounted steering rack with a quicker ratio, a reinforced chassis (which will be a running change on all 2013 Explorers), larger brakes, and revised programming to Ford's Terrain Management system as well.  Besides these changes and the twin-turbo engine, it's largely the same as an Explorer Limited.  Ford says the Sport will be able to tow 5,000lbs as well.  The big calling card will be the fuel mileage: the Sport doesn't take much of a hit compared to the regular Explorer, with an estimated 16/22 - compared to 17/23 for the regular version.  More importantly, it's significantly better than other comparably powerful SUV's.  The Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 5.7L Hemi does 15/20, the Audi Q7 does 16/22, the BMW X5 xDrive50i is 14/20, etc.

On the outside, the Sport gets the typical go-faster trimmings.  The blacked-out treatment spreads from the headlight housings and grille to the mirror caps, roof rails, and badging.  There are also unique front and rear lower fascias, but the most noticeable thing are the painted and polished 20" 5-spoke wheels, which give the Explorer a bit more of an aggressive look.  Changes inside are minimal, and will be spread across the rest of the line as well: special stitching on the steering wheel and seats, stainless-appearance trim, and available brown/black contrast seating surfaces.  The black-on-polished aluminum look is quite modern, and Ford's new corporate steering wheel is here as well.

Does the world really need another overly powerful SUV?  Was there a line of customers clamoring for a twin-turbo Explorer?  Probably not, but they'll sell a bunch anyway.  If nothing else, it makes the weird-looking MKT EcoBoost redundant.  Sales start fall of this year, and pricing hasn't been announced yet.