When Ford’s redesigned 2011 Explorer SUV goes in to production later this year, it will feature an advanced terrain management system that “takes the mystery out of four-wheel drive” by optimizing powertrain behavior for specific situations and road conditions.
“Talking with customers told us that flexibility and freedom to tackle any road, anytime is important to them,” says chief engineer Jim Holland. “We saw the opportunity to eliminate a compromise by adding an intuitive and efficient terrain management system that can demystify four-wheel-drive control and enable the driver to properly match 4WD traction to the situations and road conditions they encounter.”
Anecdotal customer feedback indicated the potential for driver confusion with previous systems regarding the best use of 4x4 high- and low-range engagement, he notes.
The new system reportedly eliminates guesswork, using icons depicting various climate or surface conditions to help drivers choose the correct setting at the turn of a dial:
• Snow – For snow and slippery conditions.
• Sand – For deep sand and rutted conditions; optimizes torque for increased traction.
• Mud – For slippery, muddy conditions; allows wheel spin for momentum build.
• Hill Descent – For creeping down steep inclines without using the brake pedal.
• Normal – For regular driving under normal road conditions.
“One of our goals with the new Explorer is to deliver four-wheel-drive capability with easier and intuitively operated control,” says Holland. “The selectable settings are contingent upon weather and conditions, so the system is easily operated and understood. Ford terrain management makes it easier for SUV veterans, while making confidence-building Explorer capability even more accessible to segment newcomers.”
The system allowed engineers to deliver the “any road, anytime” capabilities that SUV buyers expect while eliminating weight. Less driveline mass helps a V6-equipped version deliver an estimated 25 percent better fuel economy than the 2010 model, according to Holland.
“Intelligent 4WD with terrain management works by optimizing Explorer powertrain and braking systems to best suit a variety of situations, allowing vehicle behavior characteristics to provide appropriate traction and driver control,” he says. “We anticipate the system will really be a stress-reducer and confidence-builder, especially when driving in adverse conditions.”
For more information, visit www.ford.com.
