Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
Page 19 · column 4 of 4 · from the scan, no model involved
*96 Explorer gets V-8
This engine, based on Ford’s 4.9 L (302 cid) V-8, will deliver 210-h.p. The V-8 will be available in the upper-level ’96 Explorer XLT models.
Why did FoMoCo wait until ’96 to offer a V-8 in the Explorer, one of its most popular models since it was introduced in 1991?
Part of the reason is that the new front suspension design introduced in ’95 allowed for the needed space for a V-8. Another reason is that the public really wanted it. The optional engine adds only $1400 to the price of a ’96 Explorer.
Mercury will introduce its own sport utility vehicle, the ’96 Mountaineer, later in the year. It will be based on the Explorer, but only come with the V-8.
FoMoCo’s full-size rear wheel drive twins, the Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis, will be available in some new colors and have some trim refinements. It’s likely that Ford will sell a lot of base/performance Crown Vies to police departments.
The ’96 Thundcrbird and ’96 Cougar XR7, two traditional rear-whefel drive “personal luxury cars,” get minor facelifts (and tail-lifts). The standard 3.8 L V-6 gets a 5h.p. boost, to 145.
91.3%