Every sound in its place: Clear Phase technology
When music is recorded, is live or in a studio, the best sound engineers always take care to establish a full sound stage. In other words, they make sure each instrument occupies specific areas in the "space" in front of the listener.
In the context of a vehicle, imagine occupants are listening to a live concert with instruments strategically placed in distinctive and acoustically correct "zones" on the vehicle's dashboard.
Clear Phase technology optimizes the sound stage inside Explorer Platinum to make the music sound as though it's coming from a stage larger than the vehicle itself. Every instrument is located in its proper place, and vocals are clarified instead of lost behind distorted sound.
The technology also eliminates sound dispersion, which allows music to be properly focused in specific areas of the sound stage. By flattening amplitude and correcting phase characteristics to attain linearity, music will open up for a crystal-clear listening experience.
Now, owners of the new Ford Explorer Platinum can get the Clear Phase and Live Acoustics experience previously reserved for customers of Sony's high-end home audio system.
New Explorer Platinum - the best of Sport and Limited editions
The high-end Sony audio system is a perfect fit for the new Platinum edition - which takes the attributes of both Sport and Limited series for the most refined and upscale offering in the Explorer lineup. Home audio sound quality meets material and craftsmanship standards that rival the most premium home furnishings.
The Explorer Platinum interior incorporates brushed aluminum and satin-finished ash wood in multi-piece appliqués on all door panels and instrument panel. The wood-trimmed, leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel includes unique stitching that matches the stitching used throughout the interior.
Nirvana leather wraps the instrument panel, armrests, quilted door bolsters and upper door trim. The instrument cluster features a large 10-inch digital display supported with analog displays.
"Bringing Explorer Platinum to market is a natural extension of the Explorer lineup, giving our customers even more of what they want," says Zuehlk. "There's a market for more upscale SUVs, as 90 percent of today's Explorer Sport buyers purchase the most expensive package available. That's a strong signal customers are ready for Platinum."
Explorer Platinum also gets advanced technology features including enhanced active park assist, lane-keeping system and rain-sensing wipers as standard equipment.
For the exterior, signature lighting surrounds the LED headlamps, giving Explorer Platinum a continuous glow. Other standard features include a dual-panel moonroof, premium silver-painted front and rear skid plate elements, and 20-inch wheels with bright machine face and tarnished dark painted pockets.
Explorer sales are up 17 percent, with sales of 20,765 vehicles last month. This marks the best March sales for America's top-selling midsize SUV since 2005.
Ford Explorer is built at Chicago Assembly Plant, as well as in Venezuela and Russia. It is sold in more than 100 markets across the globe. Ford expects to export 56,000 Explorers from the United States this year alone.
The new Explorer goes on sale this summer.
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