Earlier this year we discussed the specs of the 2015 Ford Explorer, and while most of it remains unchanged from 2014, we found out this week about new features coming to the SUV. After making its official global debut at the Los Angeles Auto show, Explorer enthusiasts were excited to learn about a new engine and trim that position the high-end SUV as a luxurious and high performance beast. Let’s find out what Ford Explorer, America’s best selling SUV for 25 years, has to offer.

2015 Explorer: A New Definition Of Performance

For the 2015 model year, Ford engineers focused on making Explorer more capable and decided to give it a new engine, the 2.3 liter EcoBoost. Although it is still a four-cylinder engine, the new configuration outperforms its predecessor, now producing 270 horsepower and at least 300 lb. of torque. 2015 Explorer customers now get an all.around better engine, improving on horsepower by 12 percent, torque by 11 percent, and highway passing times by 10 percent. Hence, the new EcoBoost engine is a winner on the highway.

So how does the 2015 Explorer achieves this? Besides the .3 liter increase in the engine’s displacement, Explorer uses a unique technology that allows it to optimize performance in real time. The active oil control system acts as a regulator and allows more or less oil pressure as needed; the engine uses a higher compression ratio, which burns fuel efficiently at a higher pressure; an active wastegate allows for better fuel consumption when carrying lighter loads.

Other engine configurations carry over from 2014, including the 3.5 liter V6 with its 290 horsepower, and the 3.5 V6 EcoBoost, standard in Explorer Spot and Platinum. The V6 EcoBoost produces 365 horsepower and its coupled with the latest in transmission technology: a six-speed SelectShift Automatic.

2015 Explorer Platinum: Luxury, The Ford Way

Throughout its whole line-up, Ford defines the most luxurious models as Platinum, and they truly elevate the looks and feel to a new level. After seeing most Explorer Sport customers purchased the highest trim available, Ford decided to give them the next luxury level. Explorer Platinum introduces significant changes to both exterior and interior. Let’s take a look.

The exterior gets a new continuous lighting look for its LED headlamps, along with a two-panel moonroof and silver painted elements. Explorer Platinum also gains 20-in wheels with bright machine face pockets. The new integrated exhaust, although beautiful in appearance, was designed to reduce the amount of soot to keep it bright and shiny.

Explorer platinum gets an amazing new interior: multi-contour micro-perforated leather seats, specially quilted stitching, a new aluminum and wood look throughout, leather-wrapped steering wheel and for the first time, an all-new 500-watt Sony Audio System with Live Acoustics and Clear Phase technology, which eliminates unnecessary sound dispersion.

By far, this is the most luxurious Explorer ever, and it will come to Lamarque early next year. Visit us today to look at our inventory.

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Lamarque Ford is proud to be one of the premier dealerships in New Orleans, LA. Located in Kenner, LA, Lamarque Ford is committed to providing you the best customer service and vehicle service for the life of your vehicle. Whether you’re on the market to purchase, finance, or service a new or used Ford vehicle, you’ve come to the right place.