NatG Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 So I was reading a Motor Trend the other day at an office and I spotted an article for the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport. I went home and checked out the internet for information and it was all over the place. http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2013-ford-explorer-sport-photos-and-info-car-news I found this intriguing. I love my Edge, but a part of me wanted the Explorer for the additional space (cargo), the rear AC controls, and some of the AWD upgrades (not so much the terrain select, but some of the hardware upgrades I've read about). My biggest gripe with the Explorer was the additional cost, the somewhat reduced MPG (particularly the highway), and the fact it used the same 3.5 as the edge (the Edge seemed noticeably quicker). I did consider the Flex for a brief period, but between the older 3.5 and the limited stock of Ecoboosts in my area, it never became an option. Among the competition, I decided against the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango given the lower MPG ratings and since the V6 felt sluggish compared to the Fords. The Hemi V8 was a little to thirsty for my tastes, and would have driven up the price tag. The Journey was nice, but it was a bit more shy in passenger space than the Edge, and I didn't have the same faith in its capabilities as I did with the Edge. I didn't exactly love the GM models (Traverse and the equivalents), and again felt they were a bit slower than the Fords. But now the Explorer gets the Ecoboost 3.5. Mileage doesn't look that bad, and it's going to move noticeably better than before. Price would be more of an issue, but this would have been an interesting option at the least. It makes me wonder if the Edge will get an SHO or SVT treatment with this powertrain given the Explorer has it. I know the platforms are not identical, but it would be interesting to see if they do it despite the Sport 3.7's. Thoughts anyone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exodus Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 So I was reading a Motor Trend the other day at an office and I spotted an article for the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport. I went home and checked out the internet for information and it was all over the place. http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2013-ford-explorer-sport-photos-and-info-car-news I found this intriguing. I love my Edge, but a part of me wanted the Explorer for the additional space (cargo), the rear AC controls, and some of the AWD upgrades (not so much the terrain select, but some of the hardware upgrades I've read about). My biggest gripe with the Explorer was the additional cost, the somewhat reduced MPG (particularly the highway), and the fact it used the same 3.5 as the edge (the Edge seemed noticeably quicker). I did consider the Flex for a brief period, but between the older 3.5 and the limited stock of Ecoboosts in my area, it never became an option. Among the competition, I decided against the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango given the lower MPG ratings and since the V6 felt sluggish compared to the Fords. The Hemi V8 was a little to thirsty for my tastes, and would have driven up the price tag. The Journey was nice, but it was a bit more shy in passenger space than the Edge, and I didn't have the same faith in its capabilities as I did with the Edge. I didn't exactly love the GM models (Traverse and the equivalents), and again felt they were a bit slower than the Fords. But now the Explorer gets the Ecoboost 3.5. Mileage doesn't look that bad, and it's going to move noticeably better than before. Price would be more of an issue, but this would have been an interesting option at the least. It makes me wonder if the Edge will get an SHO or SVT treatment with this powertrain given the Explorer has it. I know the platforms are not identical, but it would be interesting to see if they do it despite the Sport 3.7's. Thoughts anyone? I hope this engine makes it to the Edge at least on the Sport model it's a 3.5L EcoBoost with 350HP & 350 torque...I believe it's the same EcoBoost engine from the F-150 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NatG Posted April 4, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 4, 2012 I hope this engine makes it to the Edge at least on the Sport model it's a 3.5L EcoBoost with 350HP & 350 torque...I believe it's the same EcoBoost engine from the F-150 The F-150 is also tuned for 420 lb/ft of torque, and the F-150 motor is mounted longitudinal versus transverse mounts in the Taurus, Flex, and now Explorer. Save for those differences, it is the same motor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waldo Posted April 5, 2012 Report Share Posted April 5, 2012 The F-150 is also tuned for 420 lb/ft of torque, and the F-150 motor is mounted longitudinal versus transverse mounts in the Taurus, Flex, and now Explorer. Save for those differences, it is the same motor. The F150 also has 4 adjustable cams (TiVCT) and the others only have 2 (iVCT). Also the F150 has completely different turbos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NatG Posted April 5, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 5, 2012 The F150 also has 4 adjustable cams (TiVCT) and the others only have 2 (iVCT). Also the F150 has completely different turbos. I had read the turbos were different, but hadn't heard about the additional Cams. Interesting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted April 5, 2012 Report Share Posted April 5, 2012 I had read the turbos were different, but hadn't heard about the additional Cams. Interesting. Same number of cams (4). Ti-VCT means all 4 cams are variable (adjustable). iVCT means only 2 are variable (intake cams only IIRC) and the other 2 are fixed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiterockpony Posted July 7, 2012 Report Share Posted July 7, 2012 have a friend who works for ford and tells me the turbos are slightly diffrent and the numbers are about right with 350hp in the ecoboost. i got a 2013 3.7L sport and drove a long distance last weekend with a freind from vancouver to calgary, and despiite only having 305hp rated with my 3.7L the only time i had a problem was when i was in D and on a steep incline and got into the gas WAY after he did from behind, then i would have a problem but once i caught up really i dont see the extra 45hp shinning through like i thought. i do give the ecoboost credit, it sure sounds freaking nice. first trip on this hwy not in my 2012 or previous 2010 f350 and i was expecting a slugish ride or that i would be into the mid to higher rpm range through the whole drive but i was quit surprised how nice and smooth it was and i wasnt in a high rpm range rarely ever unless i was trying to b Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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