Ford Imported to India for Testing
It has been announced that a unit of the new 2016 Ford Endeavour aka the new Ford Everest has been imported to Chennai, India for various research and development tests. It has also been announced that this model will roll out in Australia, China, South Africa, New Zealand, and India sometime this year.
The first time this new-gen model was seen, it was presented as the ‘Everest concept’ in Sydney, Australia in 2013, and was officially unveiled at the Bangkok Motor Show the following year. The concept version and production-ready model of the Everest look identical except for new Alloy wheels on the final product.
The new Endeavour is being marketed as more upscale than its predecessor, based on Ford’s Edge design philosophy. The new version will have enhanced off-roading capabilities with its newly developed ladder frame chassis. Additionally, making the truck even more drivable, is the new independent coil-spring layout being placed at the rear instead of the way it is set up in the current model, which is as a leaf-spring system. Another new thing is the ‘Terrano Response’ four wheel drive scheme that controls traction control, engine torque, as well as other components to help it have the best off-road performance.
The cabin of the new version is most likely to be based off of the Ford F-105 pickup truck. It will have Ford’s SYNC2 multimedia setup as well as an 8-inch touchscreen system, so nothing new is being introduced here.
This particular model is fitted with the 3.2 liter five cylinder diesel engine, which is one of three possible engines announced for the brand-new SUV.
The new Ford Endeavour will be made at the Rayong plant in Thailand as well as in China. Production is expected to start soon. The research and development team are also being imported to India to help iron out any kinks.
All of the potential motors for the new Ford Endeavor are import motors, imported from Thailand or China. All of the endeavors have limited slip diffs. The new Endeavor also comes complete with automatic gearboxes.
In addition to the 3.2 liter diesel engine, the other possible engines for this model are the 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine as well as a 2.2 liter four-cylinder diesel engine. The Endeavour will be produced in both two and four wheel drive, depending on the market requirements.
Ford has not yet disclosed the power outputs of the engines, nor have they disclosed its dimensional specifications. It is rumored that the dimensional specifications are that it is 488 centimeters in length, 186 centimeters in width, 183 cm in height, and 285 cm in wheelbase.
Competitors for the new Endeavor include the Toyota Fortuner, Sangyong, Rexton, Hyundai Santa Fe, the Honda CR-V, and the Isuzu MU-7. It is expected to launch in India in mid to late 2015.