It may not utilize electric or solar power, but the 2011 Ford Explorer equipped with an optional 2.0 EcoBoost I-4 engine will help you save money at the gas pump. And when considering a certain catastrophic event taking place in the Gulf of Mexico, the more cash in your pocket and the less flowing to big oil the better.

According to Ford, the EcoBoost I-4 engine delivers V6 power with four-cylinder efficiency. In fact the new power plant achieves nearly a 30% increase in fuel efficiency when compared to the current V-6 Explorer models.

The 2011 Explorer is also the first North American Ford to use a variable-displacement air conditioning unit. That may sound like gibberish to most but the bottom line is the new compressor allows for improved drivability and increased fuel efficiency.

Not surprisingly Ford is quite excited about their new offering.

"The all-new Explorer will give a huge universe of existing and prospective customers the capability they expect and the luxury and convenience they want, all combined with the fuel economy they need," said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas.

The 2011 Ford Explorer is expected to hit showrooms later this year.

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