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Automobiles

2013 Ford Explorer Sport Review & Test Drive

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By Malcolm Hogan

The complete redesign of the 2011 Ford Explorer set in motion a new movement by Ford to re-exemplify where they stand in the ever-so-growing and extremely competitive SUV segment. Having a successful run for new Explorer in the past 2 years, Ford ups the ante with a Sport version of the Explorer featuring re-worked chassis components, unique sport trim details and Ford’s powerful yet efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine.

The new 2013 Ford Explorer is the best it has ever been touting its unibody construction first introduced as a 2011 model. The all-new 2013 Ford Explorer Sport, as the top-level trim much like the Limited version, comes packed full of amenities and features but adds the well-endowed 365 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine.

As a fan favorite, Ford’s new 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost (turbocharged) engine is utilized in many vehicles, and for good reasons. The powerful and efficient boosted engine making its way into the new Ford Explorer only makes sense in the eyes of enthusiasts and those new-age baby boomers who want a bit more oomph in the family hauler. Not only did Ford drop the V6 EcoBoost engine into the new Explorer Sport, but they changed up many chassis components to stiffen the body structure, improve handling and add stability to handle the extra power along with a unique sporty look.

The all-new 2013 Ford Explorer Sport is a complete package where all components mesh together and work in harmony to give consumers that sporty edge desired in many SUVs that are otherwise boring econo-SUV-crossover-wagon-types with a plethora of seats and cargo space. Undeniably, the new Ford Explorer Sport spices things up a bit without losing its SUV-esq versatility and comfort.

2013-ford-explorer-sport

Powering the new 2013 Ford Explorer is the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine with 365 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque directed through its standard four-wheel-drive system. On the open road the new Explorer Sport is a menacing SUV that adapts well to spirited driving provided you do not have much cargo in the back bouncing around. The Explorer Sport gets a unique set of 20-inch wheels, wider than what is available on the standard Explorer trim levels, making way the 265/45 20-inch performance summer tires selection. Having a wider tire patch only added to the Explorer Sport’s handling abilities along with its sport-tuned suspension, which adapts well to back roads without much harshness transmitted into the cabin.

The electric power steering is among the best in its class providing a decently weighted wheel and just the right amount of feedback from the road. Thanks to the new strut tower brace, stiffer springs and dampers, and a solidly mounted steering rack, the new Explorer Sport always feels firmly planted on most surfaces. Managing torque through all 4 wheels was left to the program-selectable terrain management system, which transmitted a small amount of torque steer through 1st gear but by 2nd it seemed to straighten things out. …read more

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Automotive Addicts

Automobiles

Quick Spin: 2013 Dodge Durango R/T

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By Jeffrey N. Ross

2013 Dodge Durango R/T - front three-quarter view

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Not too long ago, Chevrolet got itself into some trouble by throwing the SS badge on just about everything it produced, so I’ve always been a little hesitant about the seemingly excessive use of the R/T nameplate on Dodge vehicles. For the 2013 model year, every model in Dodge’s lineup has an R/T trim level from Dart all the way up to the Durango. Although the R/T name used to signified models made for road and track, I doubt anyone would be delusional enough to assume the Durango – and some of the other models wearing this badge – are suited for any sort of track duty.

Still, when this 2013 Dodge Durango R/T rolled up for me to drive for the week, I couldn’t help but take in its big, mean and imposing stance. Sure, if I had my choice of buying any of the Dodge R/T products, the Charger and Challenger would be my top picks for sure, but it’s easy to say that the Durango would be a close third – far above the R/T versions of the Avenger, Journey and Grand Caravan.

Driving Notes

  • Not that the current Durango was a bad-looking SUV to begin with, but the R/T package gives it more aggressive styling thanks to a monochromatic look. With the removal of just about all the chrome that comes on a Durango, this tester even looked good in what would normally be a boring shade of silver thanks to the body-colored front fascia, smoked headlights, 20-inch wheels and the sporty-looking rear fascia with dual exhaust outlets.
  • The styling might be there to back up the badge, but there is no extra power under the hood of the R/T. In possibly one of the best moves Dodge made with this particular model, the only engine offered is the 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The 360-horsepower, 390 pound-feet of torque engine feels adequate perfectly for this 5,331-pound utility. This is the only model of the Durango lineup that comes standard with the six-speed automatic transmission, too.
  • Fuel economy is about what you’d expect from a V8-powered SUV weighing as much as the Durango does, with EPA estimates of 13 miles per gallon in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. During my week with the R/T, this tester returned 15.5 mpg.
  • The Hemi is equipped with cylinder deactivation, which feels clunky at times when it switches from V8 to V4 power, with an ever-so-slight delay when the cylinders reengage once again. The only bypass for the system is just to be sure that you’re right foot stays planted whenever possible.
  • Chrysler says the Durango R/T comes with a sport suspension, but aside from the bigger standard wheels, I felt no difference between this and any other Durango I’ve driven in the past. If you’re really looking for a sporty, family-sized (three-row) SUV, you’re probably going to want to check out the new Explorer Sport.
  • The …read more
    Source: FULL ARTICLE at Autoblog
Automobiles

2013 Ford Explorer Sport Tested: Twin Turbos, 5.9 to 60, Seven Seats

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By Alexander Stoklosa

2013 Ford Explorer Sport

With the introduction of the Explorer Sport, Ford’s stable of sleeper family trucksters has doubled to two. The sportiest iteration of the blue oval’s biggest three-row crossover shares its 365-hp powertrain with the company’s other hot-rod three-row crossover, the lower-slung Flex EcoBoost, as well as the Taurus SHO sedan. We really like the Flex EcoBoost, which reminds us of a late ’60s-era Country Squire big-inch V-8 wagon digitally remastered for the 21st century; it’s not overtly sporty, but strikes a nice balance between being fun to drive and comfortable. The Explorer follows a similar path, delivering a more relaxed brand of sportiness.  READ MORE ››

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Car & Driver