Are We Seeing the Beginning of Another Sub-Brand?

The number of automakers that have created sub-brands in recent years is amazing. While we’re familiar with the BMW M lineup, and the AMG models from Mercedes-Benz, we now see Hyundai creating the N sub-brand, the BMW i brand, and the Buick Avenir lineup. This leaves us to wonder if Ford is now creating a new sub-brand with the ST models that are being added to the market to offer us more of the performance we want when it’s time to head out on the road and take a drive.

Recently we’ve seen a teaser image of the next of the ST models that have been confirmed from Ford. We already have the Focus ST, and the Fiesta ST, along with the Edge ST and now Ford will add to this mix the Explorer ST model for us to enjoy. It seems fitting to take the most popular SUV name in the Ford brand and added a performance model for the drive we want to enjoy when it’stime to have some fun out on the roads that we travel and want to enjoy when we get behind the wheel of this new impressive SUV.

What Will the Explorer ST Bring?

When the Ford Explorer ST makes it way to the market later this year, it will be powered by an engine that gives this SUV a full 400 horsepower for the drive. Along with this power, the expectation of this SUV is that we will see an ST-style grill on the front and a subtle spoiler on the rear hatch to allow us to admire the look and feel of this new SUV. The Ford Explorer ST will be added to the mix with the Ford Performance group and help deliver on the promise of 12 new models by 2020, allowing this division to continue to grow.

We don’t have any of the technical details regarding the new Explorer ST yet, but it will likely have a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine under the hood to add 400 lb.-ft. of torque to the horsepower stated. This version of the Explorer will have a stiffer suspension and a loud exhaust to make sure you can capture the attention of those you drive past when you take a ride. The wheels, brakes, and other performance items will come from the ST family to give you the look and control you want.

While no official word has been offered as to when we will actually see this new SUV at one of the auto shows, the hope is that this vehicle will make its debut at the New York International Auto Show later this month. If so, we’ll have a lot more to talk about when the Explorer ST is finally offered with its details. This new model of the Explorer leaves us with one question; which one of the Ford models will be the next to be added to the new ST sub-brand that Ford has created?

But what if you’re not in the market for a brand-new vehicle? Not to worry, there are plenty of wonderful used Ford models out there on the market now, ready and waiting for you to take them on a test drive.