The 2011 Ford Explorer has been fully rede signe d. To do so, Ford has replaced the Explorer's truck-related mechanicals with unibody construction similar to that of the Ford Flex. In terms of size, the new Explorer is nearly 4 inches longer in overall length and 5 inches wider.
For even better mpg, front-drive Explorers can be optioned with a turbocharged four-cylinder (yes, really) rated at 237 hp and 250 pound-feet of torque. Overall, the new 2011 Ford Explorer is much more in tune with what today's crossover shoppers are looking for. The 2011 Ford Explorer is a large crossover SUV available in base, XLT and Limited trim levels (nope, no more Eddie Bauer).
The Limited includes the XLT's Rapid Spec items, plus 20-inch wheels, keyless ignition/entry, remote engine start, a 110-volt power outlet and a 12-speaker Sony sound system with HD radio. The Rapid Spec 301A package includes a power liftgate and a navigation system, along with the Luxury Seating package that adds an eight-way power passenger seat, ventilated front seats and a power-folding third-row seat. The Rapid Spec 302A package includes an automatic parallel-parking system, adaptive cruise control, collision warning and brake support, a blind-spot warning system, xenon headlamps and automatic wipers. The 2011 Ford Explorer comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 290 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard. Ford-estimated fuel economy with two-wheel drive is 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway -- also average for the class. Ford estimates fuel economy will be in the range of V6-powered family sedans. Safety Every 2011 Ford Explorer comes standard with stability and traction control, trailer sway control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and MyKey, which allows parents to specify limits for vehicle speed and stereo volume. The Explorer's stability control system also includes Ford's Curve Control, which can reduce the vehicle's speed if it senses that it's travelling too fast for a particular corner. The 2011 Ford Explorer ushers in a new era of interior quality for not only the Explorer, but for the Ford brand entirely. Driving Impressions The 2011 Ford Explorer no longer drives like a truck and that's a great thing.
A new Titanium Sport package adds black trim and 19-inch wheels to the regular Sport package, while the Prestige trim picks up a standard rearview camera and parking sensors, plus an optional power rear-window shade. The 2011 Audi A5 is one sexy coupe and convertible. The A5 coupe comes standard with all-wheel drive (it's optional for the cabriolet).
For those who like the A5's looks but want greater performance, Audi offers the high-performance S5 coupe and convertible. The 2011 Audi A5 is available in coupe and cabriolet (convertible) body styles. Both are available in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels. The options list includes heated front seats, Bluetooth and an iPod/USB audio interface. The Prestige can further be equipped with an optional blind-spot warning system (Audi Side Assist), Audi Drive Select (adjustable settings for suspension, steering and transmission) and adaptive cruise control. The Sport package available for the Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels adds 19-inch wheels, high-performance tires, a sport-tuned suspension, sport seats and shift paddles for the automatic transmission. The Coupe's Titanium Sport package is basically a Sport package with some dark exterior and interior trim. The cabriolet's Comfort package adds a neck-level heating system, ventilated front sport seats, adjustable lumbar for the passenger seat and upgraded leather upholstery. Powertrains and Performance The cabriolet comes standard with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Optional on the cabriolet is all-wheel drive connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Every coupe comes standard with all-wheel drive; a six-speed manual transmission is standard and the eight-speed automatic is optional. The front-wheel-drive Cabriolet achieves an estimated 22/30/25. Antilock brakes (with brake assist), stability control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags are all standard on the "2011 Audi A5". Driving Impressions The 2011 Audi A5 handles well, with impressive body control and tenacious traction from the all-wheel-drive system.
2011 Ford Expedition, the Ford Expedition gains a new entry-level XL model and loses the long-running Eddie Bauer edition. Actually there are two versions of Ford's flagship sport-utility vehicle: the regular Expedition and the long-wheelbase Expedition EL. Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2011 Ford Expedition is a full-size, body-on-frame SUV that's offered in four trim levels: base XL, midrange XLT, upscale Limited and top-of-the-line King Ranch edition. The new entry-level XL model comes standard with seating for five (or eight in the third-row-equipped EL), 17-inch alloy wheels (18-inch on the EL), automatic headlights, foglights, a roof rack, running boards, air-conditioning (with rear controls), cloth upholstery, a power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, cruise control, full power accessories and a six-speaker CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack and rear audio controls.
Upgrading to the XLT adds 18-inch alloy wheels and a third-row seat to regular-wheelbase versions, plus a reverse-sensing system, power-adjustable pedals, power rear quarter windows, the voice-operated Sync system and an upgraded stereo with satellite radio and steering-wheel-mounted controls. Other major add-ons, depending on trim level, include 20-inch alloy wheels, a load-leveling rear air suspension, a manually folding third-row seat for the regular-wheelbase XL (which increases seating capacity to eight), second-row captain's chairs (which reduce the maximum passenger count to seven), a sunroof and a new rear-seat video entertainment system that features two headrest-mounted screens. Properly equipped, the Expedition has a maximum tow rating of 9,200 pounds. The Ford Expedition comes standard with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, a rollover-sensing stability control system, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Second-row bucket seats are an option on all but the entry-level XL models. Both Ford Expedition body styles offer generous cargo room behind that third row, including an ample 18.6 cubic feet in regular-wheelbase models and a whopping 42.6 cubic feet in the EL version.
