Range Rover

• The all-new Ford Explorer features an intelligent four-wheel-drive
  (4WD) control system that optimizes vehicle capability to specific
  situations
• The Ford terrain management system integrates powertrain and braking
  controls to provide appropriate traction for any driving conditions the
  roads and climate present
• Terrain management is activated by a console-mounted, switchable
  knob, enabling 4WD control through an intuitive choice of settings for
  various conditions
• Terrain management helps Explorer deliver increased fuel economy by
  eliminating heavy transfer case and driveline components, while making
  4WD capabilities more accessible

When the all-new Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle goes in to
production later this year, it will offer 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," said Explorer Chief Nameplate
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 as to the best use of 4x4 high- and low-range
engagement.

Ford Explorer with intelligent 4WD and terrain management eliminates
guesswork, using simple icons to help drivers choose the correct setting at
the simple turn of a dial for the climate or surface situation they may be
driving. The icons depict the various settings to best suit driving
conditions:

Snow: For snow and slippery conditions. Limits torque to wheels
to prevent

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 all 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," said 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."

Employment of intelligent 4WD with Ford terrain management allowed
Explorer engineers to deliver the "any road, anytime" capabilities that SUV
buyers expect, while eliminating weight.

Less driveline mass helps the new Explorer with V-6 power deliver an
estimated 25 percent better fuel economy than the 2010 model.

"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," said Holland. "We anticipate the system will really be
a stress-reducer and confidence-builder, especially when driving in adverse
conditions."

The re-engineered Ford Explorer goes in to production later this year.