2002 Ford Explorer

A closer look at the rearend reveals several creative solutions to the problem of setting an IRS on a frame chassis. The axle halfshafts aren't located below the frame's longitudinal members, which is the way body-on-frame vehicles are typically built today. Instead, they run directly through the frame, allowing Ford engineers to build the Explorer atop a straighter, more structurally robust backbone and providing more room for the new third-row seat (which is the nifty engineering we mentioned earlier)

It's an ingeniously simple answer that will leave GM and Dodge engineers scratching their heads and muttering, "Why didn't we think of that?" Of course, as always, the proof will be in the product, and how the independent rear works on the '02 Ford Explorer still has to be determined. Just a note: Two-door Explorers and Sport Trac models will retain the standard solid rear axle/leaf spring setup.

Going tooth and gear with the new chassis is an improved Control Trac four-wheel-drive system that promises to be far less intrusive than the current iteration. Torque split is determined by a computer that not only monitors axle speeds and throttle position, but also will automatically sample wheelslip front-to-rear before spinning the tires. Thus, the system figures out which end has the best traction before getting itself into more trouble by blindly sending power to where it may not necessarily be needed. Low-range gearing remains the same at 2.48:1.

Moving all this nifty new technology on the high-end Eddie Bauer model is an equally new all-aluminum 4.6L SOHC V-8 purloined from the Mustang and tinkered with accordingly to pump out 230 hp (15 more than the 302 V-8 in the current AWD Explorer and Mountaineer) and a stout 285 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm which, incidentally, is 3 lb-ft of torque less and 700 rpm higher on the tach than today's 5.0. Lower trim-level Explorers will offer a standard 4.0L/200-hp V-6 that'll eventually make an appearance in the smaller, lighter Escape. Either engine will be mated to an improved five-speed automatic transmission.

So there you have it. The gauntlet has been thrown, and now it's up to you to decide how well the Explorer development team has done. From our brief look, the guy in the dark suit with the serious brow and the weight of the world on his shoulders can take a few days off to relax.