2000 Ford Explorer

Ford's Smart Automatic
Ford's Explorer is unusual because it's a truck with a five-speed automatic. But what may be even more unusual is the way in which it got its five-speed auto. Ford cleverly tweaked the original 4R55E four-speed automatic with some minor mechanical, but major electronic, changes. Ford calls it "swap-shift" technology. Without adding any real cogs, but by shifting the overdrive drum back and forth between 1:1 and 0.75:1 during the 1-2 shift, engineers effectively created a second gear of 1.86:1 between the 4R55E's 2.47:1 first gear and 1.47:1 third gear. This change can be felt as a shorter, more precise shift between ratios with an improved ability to accelerate, climb, and tow loads. Ford is not alone in "computer-generating" an extra gear. Other makers like Lexus are using similar technology in their transmissions.
-Jack Keebler

Range Rover's Air Ride
Perhaps the most noteworthy bit of technology on the Range Rover is its impressive electronic air-spring suspension. With this system, the body is literally suspended on four heavy-duty air-spring bladders that are electronically controlled and can vary the height of the vehicle over five settings and 5.2 inches of adjustment. When it comes to a stop and is shifted to Park, for instance, the suspension lowers the vehicle to make it easy to get in and out. Once underway, it automatically raises to its normal driving height. When the vehicle goes over a specified speed, indicating highway use, the suspension dips to provide better aerodynamics and a slightly lower center of gravity. Finally, the air springs can raise the vehicle extra high for tackling serious off-road conditions; and if you become high-centered, it will even rise a little more to help you get unstuck. All but the last of these modes can also be manually activated.
-Rik Paul

Lexus Gets More From Less
Small-displacement overhead-cam, multivalve engines are not known for producing mountains of torque-too bad, as that's a desirable commodity in any kind of sport/utility vehicle. Lexus' VVT-i variable valve timing technology is an effective solution. Here's how it works: The computerized engine management system continually monitors engine load, vehicle speed, even engine temperature, then adjusts intake valve timing to provide optimum combustion under varying driving conditions. It's sort of like having one set of camshaft profiles for low-rpm use, and another configured to make high-rpm power. The net result is a wider powerband, more useable power, and in this case, a fairly high specific output-220 horsepower from just 3.0 liters is impressive. BMW's Double VANOS system is quite similar, though it manipulates both intake and exhaust valve timing. Look for expanded use of this technology over the next few years.
-Matt Stone

Breathe Deeply
More isn't necessarily better. But in this case, it certainly is. Lincoln Navigator started the '99 model year with the 5.4-liter two-valve-per-cylinder, SOHC Triton V-8 making 260 horsepower. It will finish up the year powered by a 5.4-liter four-valve-per-cylinder DOHC Intech V-8 that produces 300 horses. Despite retaining the same displacement, those 16 extra valves and two additional camshafts help increase the engine's ability to ingest greater amounts of air per given period of time. This improved volumetric efficiency coupled with more intake charge and a freer-flowing exhaust system are a time-tested recipe for greater output.
-Jack Keebler