Wasn't sure where to put this but does anyone know if Ford plans to put the 5.0 in the explorer for 2012? If so i'm in on this one for sure.

 

No they aren't. They plant to keep it to the 3.5L or the 4cyl Ecoboost. I forgot the displacement on the Ecoboost.

I dont think Ford puts a V8 in a vehicle with a transverse mounted engine.

 

I can't think of any currently, but they did with the 1996-1999 Taurus SHO.

-Rod

 

IIRC the talk of the 4cyl EB is the 2.0L

 

that sucks. I sure would have been buying one next year for sure.

 

I drove a Dodge Durango today and man they are sure improved over the old ones. Very nice vehicle but would prefer to buy a Ford with the Coyote.

 

There's really no reason to have the 5.0 in the Explorer, because that engine is most likely slated to drop right into the Expedition.
IMHO I think Ford's formula for engines is working out nicely. The 3.7L may not be a rocket, but it's a stout performer for its intended use. And the 4cyl EB should provide plenty of torque to move 5k lbs. IIRC the small EB is supposed to be more potent than the outgoing 4.0 6cyl that they have used for decades.

 

I would expect that since the new Explorer is built on the Taurus platform, it won't be very long before they drop the 365HP, 350 ft-lb torque, 3.5L EcoBoost V6 from the Taurus SHO in to Explorer.

-Rod

 

I really don't like that Ford decided to reduce power output from the Explorers........ I have the 5.0 and it sure is nice to have. Ecoboost and Explorer shouldn't go in the same sentence. If people are so concerned with the environment and MPG then don't get one! Maybe a RX400h or a Civic Hybrid would better suit you.....

 

Right now Ford is trying to restart the Explorer sales and is pushing fuel economy over power.

The new V6 makes as much HP as the 4.6 3V V8, its down on torque of course.

Expect the 3.5 twin turbo in a year or two, my bet is mid 2012.

Have head a Lincoln version of the new Explorer is being worked up. You can bet that will have the twin turbo standard.

 

FWIW, even the stock 4-cylinder EcoBoost of the new Explorer has more power than the stock 5.0L in your 1997. It lacks the stock 5.0L in torque by about 30 ft-lbs. The 3.5L V6 has about 25 ft-lbs less torque stock than a stock 5.0L in 1997.

-Rod

 

Why do you think Ford has reduced power in the Explorer? Compare the output of the 3.5 to the old 5.0. With two more gears you will get similar performance and far better mileage. The Ecoboost V6 would be a good fit in a Lincoln version - a real animal.

 

Umm yeaaaaaaa reality check time. Look at all the other technology that went in there with it to gain more power (237hp for the 4 cyl. and 290 hp for the V6). IMO those aren't huge gains but again, just my opinion. My 97 was just sheer displacement that made 215 hp and gobs of torque. Lets see either new Explorer reliably tow 7000 - 9000 pounds on a regular basis as well. Oh yea one more thing, look at that price point for the 2011 4X4 XLT which is as similar to mine as I can get - $33,000!!! My 1997 AWD XLT was $23,000!!! Thats a $10,000 difference!!! Some of you guys on here may be too young to remember the old 5.0 engine.... we love our engines and would take them anyday over any ecoboost or turbo!!!

 

Well for one, the 5th gen Explorer has an optional 4-cyl engine which didn't ever exist before. And also the 6-cyl duratec engine makes less power than the 8-cyl 4th gen that its replacing. I would take the 8-cyl 4th gen engine over any 6-cyl that they put out now.....

 

I had that slow reving 5.0 in my '99. While it was a good engine, it fails to compare to the new options available. Ford in my eyes is making awesome innovative strides in the marketplace. When you remain tied to older technology and things that may have worked in the past, you will ultimately fail. This is a good thing for Ford.
Not to mention, less than 1% of Explorer owners ever hauled anything more than grocery bags or even a bag of mulch from a home improvement store. Ford has adapted to meet the needs of the majority of it's owners. It's still a "capable" off road hauler, but that's likely going to be for your beach trips and camping excursions. Which this new vehicle is perfectly suited for.