2011 Ford Explorer Unveiled Page 2

By Tim Healey

Tim Healey

Contributing Writer BIO

Tim Healey was formerly an associate editor at Consumer Guide Automotive in Chicago. Before that he worked in the automotive industry as a service... More

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2011 Ford Explorer

Other family-friendly safety features include a blind-spot monitoring system, cross-traffic alert, and a radar-based adaptive cruise control system that can apply the brakes at speeds above 25 or 30 mph in the event that a crash can't be avoided. Ford's new curve-control system will also be available--that system applies the brakes lights and slows the vehicle by up to 10 mph a second if a driver enters a curve too fast.

The airbags have pressure sensors to allow for faster deployment, and the side-curtain airbags will deploy if the Explorer rolls over, and stay inflated for 6 seconds after the crash.

One other safety-oriented touch: Ford's Sync multimedia-suite can now dial emergency numbers through a Sync-connected phone, and Sync's Post-Crash Alert system will trigger the horn and hazard flashers after a crash until a door is opened or the ignition key is cycled. Sync is not available on base models.

Ford's MyFordTouch system will be offered, and every trim level will come standard with some version of MyFordTouch. This system allows drivers to use voice commands to adjust the radio or air-conditioning controls. Controls are separated into four groups: Phone, Navigation, Climate, and Entertainment, and owners can use a combination of voice commands and touch screens to make the needed adjustments with less distraction, or so claims Ford. The 2011 Explorer also will be available with a "Do Not Disturb" feature, which will send incoming calls on Sync-enabled phones directly to voicemail, and will hold incoming text messages to be read a later time.

The list of available features will also include Ford's parking-assist system, ambient interior light, and an cap-less fuel filler.

Ford's MyKey system, which allows limits for radio volume, maximum speed, and seatbelt usage, will come standard.

The Explorer will start at $28,995 when it goes on sale this winter.

The challenge for the new Explorer is to retain its off-road roots, while still appealing to suburban strip-mall shoppers. It also needs to be unique enough from the Edge and Flex to justify the presence of three mid-size SUVs in the Ford family. Finally, it needs to erase any bad memories from the rollover scandal once and for all.

Based on early reports, it's a start. Check out all of High Gear Media's coverage here.

[The Car Connection]