I finally got a chance to drive the new platinum without the backseat driver AKA wife. This thing is really fast and handles like its on rails. I was impressed with the overall luxury of this vehicle, but the performance and handling was awesome. my god the explorer has come a long way.

 

Pretty sure the platinum engine may be the same as the sport, but think the sport is lowered and has some suspension handling mods....

either way, you are correct - it scoots and turns pretty well especially considering with a tune alone you could really make it a handful and it's sorta portly, > 5000 lbs (but that adds to the 'substantial' feel of the car...)

Unless they changed it since 2013, watch that 1 to 2 shift - it will rip the steering wheel out of your hands with torque steer

 

I've added the afe intake and a borla exhaust. I'm sure this helped some in the seat of the pants dept. the exhaust made a big difference in the sound, nice rumble but not to loud. The intakes opened up the turbos and that nice whistle all the tuner punks like. You're right the 1-2 shift is pretty harsh and will definitely get your attention. I would like to play around with the engine tuning but I guess I'll wait for the warranty to run out first. I do know ford is putting this engine in the 17 ford GT with around 600 hp so there is some room to play somewhere.