Ford Explorer 2011 with impressive fuel economy

The 2011 year model of the Ford Explorer was revealed yesterday, and I have to say I was impressed. The old Explorer looks like it was designed in the early 80's (which it probably was...), whereas this new model basically looks on par with the European and Asian competitors. Who would have though.

As if that wasn't enough, the Explorer has another ace up its sleeve: The 4-cylinder 2.0 liter Ecoboost engine delivering 240 hp and 340 nm torque. Not the most impressive figures perhaps, but the impressive part is the fuel consumption. Ford says it will do 19 mpg in city driving, around 12,4 l/100km. That means it will probably end up somewhere around 8 l/100km (close to 30 mpg!) in rural driving, and a combined consumption under 10 l/100km. For a full-size 4WD SUV. Wow! For the record there will be a 3,5 liter V6-enigine available as well, marginally more power and way higher fuel consumption.

My only question is: When will we get an Ecofuel version of the Ecoboost engine? I wouldn't mind driving a Ford Explorer on E85 doing 14 l/100km. Hell, that's less than my petrol-fuelled SUV uses today.

So Ford, pretty please, give us a 2.0 Ecoboost Ecofuel, thank you so much.