Ford's '04 Explorer gets Electronic Throttle-Control SystemFord Motor Company has made a bold statement with its '04 Explorer in regards to electronic engine control by installing the first-ever drive-by-wire system to be used on a truck. Designed to enhance throttle feel as well as fuel economy, Ford's Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) will be standard equipment on both the 4.0L V-6 and the 4.6L V-8 engines.
The key to the Explorer's drive-by-wire throttle is Ford's advanced Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and Electric Controller Area Network (ECAN), which work together to seamlessly respond to the driver's throttle input, delivering power and highly responsive off-idle throttle response.
Ford claims the ETC system will increase the Explorer's fuel mileage by approximately five percent; the popular SUV will also receive a number of high-tech upgrades intended to reduce internal engine friction and parasitic power loss, such as coated pistons, an electronic returnless fuel system, synthetic rear axle lube, and an advanced Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system.
Chevrolet and Ford Trucks Rated High in Rollover Risk Two popular trucks from General Motors and Ford Motor Company have been rated by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as having a low resistance to rollover during certain types of single-vehicle crashes.
The Chevrolet Avalanche and the 4x4 version of the Ford SuperCrew received a rating of two stars out of a possible four in standard NHTSA rollover resistance ratings, meaning both four-door trucks have a 30 to 40 percent risk of rollover when driven in a manner consistent with crash avoidance, according to the NHTSA.
Two SUVs, the two-door Ford Explorer and the Land RoverDiscovery, also received two-star ratings in the controversial government test, which is opposed by the Big Three automakers. The NHTSA ratings are based on a computer analysis of a vehicle's track width, height, center of gravity, wheelbase, weight, and other dimensions, and don't involve actual driving tests. Most late-model trucks and SUVs are rated two or three stars by the NHTSA.
2nd Annual
State 2 State Cruise
It's back, and it's bigger, better, and badder than last year's event. Yes, the 2nd Annual State 2 State Cruise is upon us. Brought to you by the World's Leading Truck Publication as well as several title sponsors, including Dealer's Sport Truck & Automotive, Gibson Performance Exhaust Systems, Line-X, AIM Industries, Stylin' Concepts, Autobahn Wholesale, Godfather Customs, Stull Industries, and Boyd Coddington Wheels. Mark your calendars for October 18, 2002, for this exciting cruise to Phoenix in anticipation of the weekend's festivities at Firebird Raceway for the Truckin' Nationals. This year's event promises even more trucks and SUVs, a lot more door prizes, and a chance to win a custom flame paintjob by renowned painter Steve Van Demon. In addition to numerous stops for open houses at several of the leading custom truck manufacturers and shops, there will also be plenty of exciting photo opportunities during the cruise from the editors of magazines such as Truckin', Sport Truck, Mini Truckin', Truckin's SUV, Custom Classic Trucks, and OFF-ROAD.