The 2011 Ford Explorer's currently only available with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6, with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine on the way. But a page on Ford's website is hinting at a Ford Explorer SHO with the 3.5-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine.
Vehicles listed on the page advertising the availability of the EcoBoost V6 include the Ford Taurus SHO and Ford Flex, which both sport the engine. Missing is the EcoBoost F-150, but present is the mysterious Explorer SHO.
"I've never heard of it, either it's a major massive typo or someone's let the cat out of the bag years in advance," said Richard Truett, Ford's Powertrain Communications Manager. "As far as I know there is no Explorer SHO."
The idea of a high-powered SHO-branded Explorer to fight the upcoming 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT8 is appealing for enthusiasts, but ultimately inconsistent with the aim of the Explorer as leader in fuel economy.
Truett repeatedly expressed his belief this was a complete mistake in a tone stronger than Ford PR's response to our query about turbocharged EcoBoost Mustang.
Ford also denied it was planning to put a 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine, mid-mounted in a Transit Connect to create a SHOnnect. Granted, we have no intelligence this is going to happen, but figured while we had Ford on the phone it was worth an ask.
(Hat tip to Dave!)