Explorer Hybrid
Differing little aesthetically from the regular Explorer, the hybrid will only be offered in Limited spec and swaps the 2.3 EcoBoost petrol engine for the same 3.3-litre V6 used in the F150, albeit teamed to a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack for a claimed total system output of 237kW.
Sending its grunt to the rear wheels only via the standard issue rotary dial controlled 10-speed automatic gearbox, the hybrid will reportedly have a range of 805km and mirror the list of standard equipment of the conventional Explorer Limited.
Explorer ST
The second SUV model after the Edge to wear the fabled Sport Technology moniker, the Explorer ST differs itself from the Platinum by swopping the chrome grille for a blacked-out setup with a honeycomb mesh design, in addition to black roof rails, mirrors, side cladding, skidplates and prominent EXPLORER badging on the bonnet.
Optionally available with what the Blue Oval refers to as the ST Street and ST Track packs, the Explorer receives bigger 21-inch alloy wheels, vented disc brakes with red calipers and upgraded brake pads to improve stopping times.
While spec level is carried over from the Platinum, the ST’s bespoke interior touches are made of a ST branded, flat-bottom heated leather steering wheel, ST specific floor mats, City Silver interior detailing, leather trimmed perforated sport seats with ST embossed seat backs and a smattering of ST badges.
Providing fire power is the same 3.0 EcoBoost V6 as the Platinum, but with the addition of a second turbocharger for an output of 298kW/563Nm. Hooked to the aforementioned 10-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters and boasting a Sport mode, Ford claims the ST will reach a top speed of 230km/h though oddly declined to reveal its acceleration time.
Availability of the Explorer Hybrid and ST will take place at the same time as the regular model, although as indicated before, neither are due to arrive in South Africa anytime soon.
