Ford PH to launch 365 hp Explorer Sport SUV

Ford Philippines is about to make the premium SUV market more exciting with its introduction of the Explorer Sport. Explorer Sport is the high-performance variant of the popular SUV, featuring a twin-turbo version of the 3.5-liter V6. With direct injection and a 10.0:1 compression ratio, the all-aluminum engine produces 365hp and a healthy 474Nm of torque. Explorer Sport will feature a stiffer chassis, sport-tuned electric power steering, larger brakes, and (finally) a paddle-shift six-speed automatic.

The four-wheel drive system features Terrain Management, with settings for sand, snow, rutted mud, and hill descent. There’s hill start assist, which keeps the brakes on for about a second after the driver releases the pedal for easier climb on uphill grades, and curve control, which slows the vehicle by up to 16kph when it senses that it is on a curve.

Interior features include two-tone leather seats, power-folding third row, and Sync audio system with wifi capability. Roll stability control and side-curtain airbags are standard.

The Explorer Sport will probably launch by early 2015. The good news is that the US Explorer Sport carries a price premium only five percent, so we estimate the local price may be in the P2.9 million range—quite a bargain for a powerful, well-equipped SUV.