The Ford Explorer Sport will be reintroduced to showrooms next month, having ceased production in 2003. Ford touts the newly-developed top-of-the-line Explorer as having best-in-class gas mileage combined with exceptional power and performance.

The Sport is powered by a 365-horsepower EcoBoost engine, joined to a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission intended to combine quick acceleration with low-rpm cruising for better fuel efficiency.

The SUV gets 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, which Ford claims is several mpg better than the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango, and Range Rover Sport.

The Sport has received a number of enhancements over the standard Explorer. Its chassis tunnel has been reinforced, and its steering and pedal feel have been improved. It has larger brakes and superior performance while towing, as well as a special "Terrain Management System" that Ford says gives it greater power and torque on-road and off-road.

"Explorer Sport hits a sweet-spot combination of power, usable torque, 4WD capability, with class-leading fuel efficiency," Bill Gubing, chief engineer for Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor vehicles, said in a statement. "The Explorer Sport EcoBoost engine matches Taurus SHO for output and the Terrain Management System has been specifically calibrated to optimize increased power - regardless of the road or conditions.

 "Explorer Sport is an uncompromised high-performance SUV. From making changes to the chassis and suspension, uniquely calibrating the Terrain Management System for added power, we're delivering an SUV that delivers great dynamics and performance - while towing up to 5,000 pounds."

Several design elements differentiate it from the regular Explorer, including 20-inch painted wheels, blacked-out headlamps and taillamps, a black roof rack, sideview mirror skull caps, and a special grille. It is available in Ruby Red Metallic Clearcoat, White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat, Tuxedo Black Metallic, and Ingot Silver Metallic.

Standard features include rearview cameras, a compass and exterior temperature display, and the SYNC hands free communication and information system with MyFord Touch driver connect technology.

Options include a blind spot information system with cross traffic alert, inflatable rear seatbelts, remote start, push-button start, and a Class III towing package.

The Explorer Sport starts at $40,720, almost $12,000 more than the standard Explorer.

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