Enough of the formula.

The new Ford Explorer America, set to debut at the 2008 Detroit auto show, successfully broke away from the typical body-on-frame system. Ford’s latest addition to its line-up adapted a car-like unibody familiar to crossover watchers.

The shift in body design wasn’t purely for aesthetic gratification. The Explorer America’s design is claimed to result in 20 to 30 percent fuel economy improvement, depending on the mounted engine. The 150 lb weight loss was made possible by lightweight yet reliable materials, suspension and chassis.

Ford Motors offers two types of engine for the Explorer America. One is the 4 cylinder, 2 liter engine equipped with EcoBoost technology. This power engine aims to maximize fuel efficiency with direct injection method, smaller engine block built and turbocharging. Purportedly responsible for the 20 percent increase in fuel economy, the EcoBoost also lower carbon dioxide emissions. This, subsequently, improves driving performance with 275 hp and 280 lb of torque. The other engine option is a 6 cylinder, 3.5 liter engine that delivers 340 hp.

The Ford American Explorer is equipped with an auto shift control with its fuel saving 6 speed transmission. This system allows the driver to hold a lower gear easily when condition permits.

Aside from the upgraded mechanical dynamics, Ford also managed to incorporate style and reliability to the body. The three-bar grille, a wrap-around rear glass window, dome hood and sliding rear doors add up to give the Explorer America a stylish, yet ready-to-rug-it-out look. This design philosophy includes the interior which prides itself of: sliding seats, single-touch stackables and a work table with seats that could be pulled out from the tailgate. True blue travelers would be enthused to learn that the Explorer also mounted a three dimensional compass and a topographical map into the vehicle’s panel.

Asked about their inspiration behind the design, Jim Farley, Ford vice president for Marketing and Communications replied, “Customers are smart. They value vehicles – the more efficient, the better.”

Ford got that right with the Explorer America.

Yet another reason to get that Ford ride you are looking for. Ford Motor Company announced yesterday its plans to integrate HD Radio technology as an optional feature on Ford trucks, Lincolns and Mercury vehicles.

The installation of a HD Radio will be a dealer-installed option. The announcement of the move is part of Ford’s commitment to delivering the latest technology in entertainment. Ford director for Electrical System Engineering, Jim Buczkowski, added that:

“Our goal is to offer drivers the best new features and the most choice. The great local content, the crystal-clear sound quality and the variety of channels and data services offered by HD Radio is exactly what customers are beginning to expect in their vehicles. Moving forward, a radio will no longer be considered competitive if it doesn’t include digital technology.”

HD Radio is seen as the most significant innovation in the radio broadcast industry. Before the introduction of this technology AM and Fm stations use analog broadcasting methods. With the HD Radio, AM and FM stations can now transmit their signals digitally, making for a clearer broadcast. HD Radio technology enable car radios to play FM stations in CD quality. AM radios are also treated to an upgrade in quality. This technology offers clear transmissions without any interference. It also offers more than one broadcast from a single station. This means that listeners with HD Radio get treated to a large array of new HD2/HD3 multicasts.

Listeners of HD Radio will surely be treated to more of what they’re listening. An estimated number of 1,500 stations in the U.S. are already broadcasting in digital HD Radio frequency. This figure includes about 700 stations with HD2/HD3 capabilities. These stations are the latest in the music scene, offering new formats and genres. It also offers more in-depth news, traffic and stock information. Best of all, HD Radio is free of charge.

Ford will be offering this feature in 2009.