Editing Ford Explorer (section)

==Fourth generation (U251; 2005)==
{{Infobox automobile
| layout = [[Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|Front engine]], [[rear-wheel drive]] / [[four-wheel drive]]
| assembly = United States: [[Louisville, Kentucky]] ([[Louisville Assembly Plant]]); [[St. Louis, Missouri]] ([[St. Louis Assembly]])<br />Venezuela: [[Valencia, Carabobo]] ([[Valencia Assembly]])
| name = Fourth generation
| image = 2006-2010 Ford Explorer -- 01-07-2012.jpg
| model_code = U251
| production = July 2005 – December 2010<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.autonews.com/article/20101209/OEM01/101209818/ford-to-build-new-escape-in-kentucky-adding-1-800-jobs|title=Ford to build new Escape in Kentucky, adding 1,800 jobs|date=December 9, 2010 |work=Automotive News}}</ref>
| model_years = 2006–2010
| body_style = 4-door [[SUV]]
| engine = '''Gasoline:'''<br/>4.0&nbsp;L ''[[Ford Cologne V6 engine#SOHC|Cologne SOHC]]'' [[V6 engine|V6]]<br />4.6&nbsp;L ''[[Ford Modular engine#3-valve|Modular 24-valve]]'' [[V8 engine|V8]]
| transmission = 5-speed ''[[Ford C3 transmission#5R55E|5R55S]]'' [[automatic transmission|automatic]]<br />6-speed ''[[Ford 6R transmission|6R]]'' [[automatic transmission|automatic]]
| wheelbase = {{cvt|113.7|in|mm|0}}
| length = {{cvt|193.4|in|mm|0}}
| width = {{cvt|73.7|in|mm|0}}
| height = 2006–07: {{cvt|71.2|in|mm|0}} <br />2008: {{cvt|72.8|in|mm|0}}<br />2009–10: {{cvt|71.9|in|mm|0}}
| related = [[Ford Explorer Sport Trac#Second generation (2007–2010)|Ford Explorer Sport Trac]]<br />[[Mercury Mountaineer#Third generation (2006–2010)|Mercury Mountaineer]]
| designer = Jeff Nowak (2003)
}}
{{Multiple image | align = left | direction = vertical | width =
| image1 = US Ford Explorer import (15288811352).jpg
| caption1 = Ford Explorer
| image2 = Ford Explorer XLT interior.jpg
| caption2 = Interior
}}
The fourth generation Explorer entered production in July 2005 for the 2006 model year. While the Mercury Mountaineer also returned for 2006, the fourth generation Explorer did not have a Lincoln Aviator counterpart, as it was dropped following the 2005 model year. Bearing large similarities to the outgoing model, the fourth generation Explorer was marketed as all-new by Ford despite sharing its roof line, overall body, glass, drive-train, and several other major components with its predecessor. In contrast, it rides on a new, stiffer frame produced by ''[[Magna International]]'' rather than ''[[Tower Automotive]]''. Along with this new chassis, Ford updated the front and rear fascias, side profile, interior, and redesigned the rear suspension. Moreover, the problematic two-piece tail gate design from the outgoing model was replaced with a one-piece tail gate design. Also, a [[tire pressure monitoring system]] and [[electronic stability control]] became standard equipment for improved safety. Unlike previous generations, there was no [[right hand drive|right-hand drive]] option available for order, causing Ford to market Explorers in Japan in [[left hand drive|left-hand drive]] configuration. The LHD Explorers were desirable there, because LHD vehicles are considered prestigious in Japan.

This generation Explorer would be the last to use [[body on frame]] construction as future Explorers, beginning in 2011, would use [[unibody]] construction. Additionally, it was the last generation to be produced in Louisville, Kentucky.

The {{cvt|210|hp|kW|0}} 4.0&nbsp;L [[multi-valve|12-valve]] [[SOHC]] V6 was once again the standard engine. The {{cvt|292|hp|kW|0}} 4.6&nbsp;L [[multi-valve|24-valve]] [[SOHC]] V8, similar to the [[Fifth-generation Ford Mustang]]'s engine, was available as an option. The 6-speed [[Ford 6R transmission|6R]] [[automatic transmission]], built by Ford and based on a [[ZF Friedrichshafen|ZF]] design, was made standard equipment with the V8 engine as well. The five-speed [[Ford C3 transmission#5R55E|5R55W]] automatic transmission was advanced and became the 5R55S. It was the only transmission available for the V6 engine, because the [[Mazda]] five-speed [[manual transmission]] was dropped in the previous generation.

The 2006 Ford Explorer was nominated for the ''[[North American Car of the Year|North American Truck of the Year]]'' award for 2006.

The fourth generation Explorer was the last generation to also have a Mercury Mountaineer counterpart as Mercury was dissolved in 2011.

===Model year changes===
'''2007:''' The Explorer received a few minor updates including a standard AUX input on all stereos, a heated windshield, an Ironman Package, an XLT Appearance Package, and a heated leather seat package. The XLS trim was also dropped for 2007, and the XLT became the base model. Additionally, the leather-wrapped steering wheel, power driver seat, and dual illuminated vanity mirrors were deleted as standard equipment on the XLT trim. Side curtain airbags were optional on Eddie Bauer and Limited trims, while XLT models were only offered with seat-mounted side torso airbags as standard equipment. Moreover, power-deployable [[running boards]], like the ones from the [[Lincoln Navigator]], were also made available for Eddie Bauer and Limited trims; the running boards lower to allow easier access when entering the vehicle, then retract upon door closure. In addition, the [[Ford Explorer Sport Trac]] was also re-introduced for the 2007 model year after skipping 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://auto.howstuffworks.com/ford-explorer5.htm |title=How The Ford Explorer Works |website=howstuffworks.com |date=February 21, 2007 |access-date=March 16, 2021}}</ref>

'''2008:''' Ford added standard side curtain airbags on all Explorers. Notably, the 2008 Ford Explorer also became the first Ford vehicle to utilize the cap-less fuel filler system, though Explorers were not equipped with it until mid-year 2008. Three new colors were added for the 2008 model year: Stone Green clearcoat metallic, Vapor Silver clearcoat metallic, and White Suede clearcoat metallic. All Explorers now came standard with body-color fender lip and bumper cladding, while Eddie Bauer models received standard Pueblo Gold cladding. In a minor change, the AdvanceTrac badge on the trunk door was replaced with a "4X4" badge on 4WD models. In a reversal from the 2007 model year, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a power driver seat, and dual illuminated vanity mirrors were once again standard on the XLT. In addition, XLT models also now received puddle lights, and a standard overhead console.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.motortrend.com/cars/ford/explorer/2008/2008-ford-explorer-first-look/ |title=2008 Ford Explorer First Look |work=MotorTrend |date=June 10, 2008 |publisher=Motor Trend |access-date=March 16, 2021}}</ref> Furthermore, [[Ford SYNC]] was now optional on all Ford Explorer models and the optional satellite navigation system was upgraded with voice control.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.edmunds.com/ford/explorer/2008/review.html |title=2008 Ford Explorer Review |publisher=Edmunds |access-date=October 7, 2010}}</ref> The Ironman appearance package was dropped after the 2008 model year.

'''2009:''' The Explorer received a trailer sway control system as standard equipment, and the navigation system received [[traffic]] flow monitoring with updated gas prices from nearby stations. Revised front headrests, which improve protection in rear end collisions, were also standard for the 2009 model year. The torque output of the V8 engine increased from {{Convert|300.|lbft|Nm|abbr=unit}} to {{Convert|315|lbft|Nm|abbr=unit}}, while power numbers remained the same.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.edmunds.com/ford/explorer/2009/review.html |title=2009 Ford Explorer Review and Specs |publisher=Edmunds |access-date=October 7, 2010}}</ref>

'''2010:''' Ford's MyKey became standard on all Explorers equipped with the Sync system, while V8s were restricted to 4-wheel-drive models. The last fourth generation Explorer rolled off the assembly line on December 16, 2010.

===Engine specifications===
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;"
|-
!colspan=2|''[[Ford Cologne V6 engine#4.0|Ford Cologne 4.0 L]]'' [[SOHC]] V6
|-
| Model years || 2006–2010
|-
| Power (SAE net)|| {{cvt|210|hp|kW|0}} @5100{{Nbsp}}rpm
|-
| Torque (SAE net)|| {{cvt|254|ft.lbf|N.m}} @3700{{Nbsp}}rpm
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;"
|-
! colspan="3" |''[[Ford Modular]]'' 4.6 L [[SOHC]] V8
|-
| Model years || 2006–2008
|2008-2010
|-
| Power (SAE net)|| colspan="2" | {{cvt|292|hp|kW|0}} @5700{{Nbsp}}rpm
|-
| Torque (SAE net)|| {{Convert|300.|lbft|Nm|abbr=unit}} @3950{{Nbsp}}rpm
|{{Convert|315|lbft|Nm|abbr=unit}} @4000{{Nbsp}}rpm
|}

===Explorer Ironman===
In 2005, Ford signed a three-year deal to sponsor the [[Ironman Triathlon]]. Ford Explorer marketing manager Glen Burke compared the Explorer and the Ironman Triathlon; noting that both had the same attributes of strength, endurance, and passion. The Explorer Ironman debuted on June 25, 2006, for the 2007 model year was an interior and exterior appearance package for the XLT trim. It featured a blacked-out front grille, a protruding silver lower grille with rivet patterns and "Ironman" embossing, a unique rear fascia, Ironman badging, smoked headlights, amber fog lights, blacked-out fender flares with rivet patterns, and unique 18-inch wheels. The interior featured unique heated ten-way power-adjustable two-tone black and stone leather seats, as well as silver trim around the radio and climate controls. Additionally, a leather-wrapped steering wheel was standard. The Explorer Ironman was available in only five colors: Oxford White, Ebony, Redfire, Silver Birch, as well as Orange Frost; which was a unique color only available with the Ironman package. The Ironman could be had with either the standard 4.0&nbsp;L SOHC V6 or the 4.6&nbsp;L V8, and in either standard RWD or 4WD configurations. The Explorer Ironman went on sale in September 2006 as a 2007 model, and it was discontinued after the 2008 model year.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/25/ford-explorer-dons-ironman-armor/ |title=2007 Ford Explorer Dons Ironman Armor |website=autoblog.com |date=July 25, 2006 |access-date=March 19, 2021}}</ref>

===Ford Explorer Sport Trac===
The second generation '''[[Ford Explorer Sport Trac|Sport Trac]]''' came out in early 2006 for the 2007 [[model year]]. Unlike its predecessor sold through 2005, it featured the V8 engine as an option and was based on this generation Explorer's platform. ''AdvanceTrac'' with ''Roll Stability Control'' was made standard on the Sport Trac.

===Sport Trac Adrenalin===
[[File:2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Adrenalin, front 11.3.19.jpg|thumb|2009 Sport Trac Adrenalin]] 
In 2006, for the 2007 model year, the Ford [[Special Vehicle Team]] built the ''Sport Trac Adrenalin'' concept with a [[supercharged]] version of the 4.6&nbsp;L ''[[Ford Modular engine|Modular]]'' V8, with {{cvt|390|hp|kW|0}}, and featuring {{convert|21|in|mm|0|adj=on}} wheels. The model was planned by Ford SVT to be the successor to the [[Ford F-Series#SVT Lightning|F-150 Lightning]] [[sport car|sports]] [[pickup truck]]. However, the SVT version of the Adrenalin was cancelled in a cost-cutting move as part of ''[[The Way Forward]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=109191 |title=Death Row: Ford Pulls Plug on GT Supercar, Lincoln LS and Explorer Sport Trac Adrenalin |work=Edmunds Inside Line |date=February 6, 2006 |access-date=October 15, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090624041928/http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId%3D109191 |archive-date=June 24, 2009 }}</ref> The Adrenalin was subsequently sold as an appearance package from 2007 until 2010. It had blacked-out headlights, black grill, monochrome color interior, unique front and rear bumpers, front fender vents, and molded-in running boards. It also came standard with 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, and the fender flares that came on the Explorer and standard Sport Trac were deleted.

===Explorer America concept===
[[File:Ford Explorer America NY.jpg|thumb|Ford Explorer America concept]]

Ford unveiled the '''Explorer America''' concept vehicle at the 2008 [[North American International Auto Show]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.autospies.com/news/photo.aspx?photoId=29326&galleryId=1285 |title="Tags: 2010 Explorer" – 6&nbsp;January 2008 |website=Autospies.com |date=January 5, 2008 |access-date=October 7, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Neff |first=John |url= http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/23/spy-shots-next-gen-unibody-ford-explorer-mules-caught/ |title="Spy Shots: Next Gen Unibody Ford Explorer Mules Caught" from Autoblog (October&nbsp;23, 2008) |website=Autoblog.com |date=October 23, 2008 |access-date=October 7, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|url= http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=27456 |website=Media.Ford.com |title=Ford to reveal new fuel-saving concept in Detroit |date=January 6, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121005174016/http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=27456 |archive-date=October 5, 2012 }}</ref> The concept design uses a unibody platform to reduce weight and improve driveability, migrating from the body-on-frame platform of the fourth generation Explorer. It has room for six passengers while improving fuel economy by 20 to 30 percent relative to the current V6 Explorer. The [[powertrain]] in the concept include a 2&nbsp;L four-cylinder turbocharged direct injection ''[[Ford EcoBoost engine|EcoBoost]]'' gas engine with {{cvt|275|hp|kW|0}} and {{cvt|280|ft.lbf|N.m|0}} of torque or a 3.5&nbsp;L V6 version ''EcoBoost'' with {{cvt|340|hp|kW|0}} and up to {{cvt|340|ft.lbf|N.m|0}} of torque.<ref>{{cite press release|url= http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=27455 |website=Media.Ford.com |title=Ford to equip half a million vehicles with EcoBoost engine technology for up to 20% better fuel economy |date=January 6, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130728152234/http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=27455 |archive-date=July 28, 2013 }}</ref>

{{clear}}