2011 Ford Explorer reportedly to be built in Chicago on Taurus X platform
Ford Explorer America Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
At the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Ford unveiled the Explorer America concept. It was a car-based crossover concept that, in theory, would improve efficiency versus the once popular body-on-frame Explorer SUV. According to union officials at Ford's Chicago plant, the next Explorer will be produced at the Torrence Avenue assembly plant in 2011. Union officials claim that Ford promised the Explorer to Chicago as part of the recently reworked UAW contract.
The next Explorer will reportedly be built on the outgoing Taurus X platform, which also underpins the Ford Flex, Taurus and the Lincoln MKS and MKT. The Flex, MKS and MKT are all built at Ford's Oakville, Ontario plant, while the pending cancellation of the Taurus X and Mercury Sable left the recently overhauled Chicago plant twisting in the wind. Ford has not officially confirmed that it will build the Explorer at Chicago, but the Blue Oval did say that a new product would be assembled at the plant.
Ford is expected to unveil the new Explorer crossover with efficient new Ecoboost engines that utilize turbochargers and direct injection to offer large powertrain power with the fuel economy of a smaller engine. The Explorer America concept featured a turbocharged 2.0L Ecoboost four-cylinder engine producing 275 hp and 280 lb-ft or a 340-hp Ecoboost 3.5-liter V6 with fuel savings of up to 30% versus the current Explorer.
[Source: Chicago Breaking News via Jalopnik]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Sektor 9:03AM (3/31/2009)
It looks squashed.
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Yikes 9:14AM (3/31/2009)
Looks kinda Honda Elementie.
the_MVP_X 9:17AM (3/31/2009)
I like it.
Rick C. 10:19AM (3/31/2009)
I think there's a slow move in the design area to back away from high profile vehicles.
j 10:58AM (3/31/2009)
Yikes-
More like Honda Element XL
Judy Zik 10:59AM (3/31/2009)
This design is not my thing but then for the record I like the Flex and the final product isn't likely to look much like this anyway. It looks smaller than a Flex to me but bigger than an Edge. I don't see the need for such a beast but maybe Ford is hedging their bets in case the Flex doesn't catch on. Personally if I was shopping in this segment right now I would go looking for a sweet deal on a Taurus X.
Randy 3:41PM (3/31/2009)
This kicks a@@ on so many levels! It's the right path for the Explorer!
iamhoff 4:54PM (3/31/2009)
FWD, though? I thought that despite going crossover, it would remain RWD with optional 4/AWD. Weird thinking about a FWD Exploder.
Dan Cowden 6:16PM (4/01/2009)
Looks Great - Don't change a thing.
It screems out for a Diesel-Hybrid powertrain to give it 65 MPG. With that it would be a monster hit!
ParticleMan 9:13AM (3/31/2009)
Oh, cool deal. I was wondering how Ford was going to replace the outgoing Taurus X (which is a really nice, if anonymously styled, overall package.) I'm going to need a family hauler soon and the Taurus X was on my list...good to see that Ford recognizes the market.
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superman211 11:46AM (3/31/2009)
Get a SHO Taurus. Then you'll have a family hauler that hauls!
ParticleMan 12:00PM (3/31/2009)
I've already got a fast sedan...a growing family precludes another one (although I really do like the new SHO and would consider one if a regualr sedan met my needs) and I DON'T want a truck-based SUV.
Cash 3:04AM (4/01/2009)
I'm surprised to see Ford cancel the Taurus X. It was a popular car here in Alaska, both in it's current form and older Freestyle badge, and was offering something new for the usual Subaru buying crowd to consider. While we are bigger on functionality then looks up here, I guess the rest of the country couldn't get over it's average styling. I guess that means there will be more cars looking fabulous as they stick out of the ditches next winter.
MemphisNET 9:14AM (3/31/2009)
Ford concepts always have that... lack of detail and fisher-price-plastic-roundedness -- luckily, the end products usually turn out well. Glad to see they can squeeze out so many vehicles on one platform. It's like a modern day K-Car!
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StickShift 9:15AM (3/31/2009)
So, the new Explorer is going to be a butch Flex/Taurus X? Or will it be sized closer to the Edge? It all seems redundant to me either way.
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Jj 11:18AM (3/31/2009)
If they do it right the new Explorer will have more ground clearance and a proper 4WD system with a low range (at least as an option).
C.W. 12:39PM (3/31/2009)
platform sharing does not mean that it is a bastardization of all other vehicles using the platform. You take the platform and use unique EVERYTHING to get the vehicle you want. Much the same way as a Focus platform being used for a C-max, etc. The idea is to globally reduce the amount of platforms, while utilizing a higher number of varying 'top hats' (everything including the wheels that is not the steel frame).
I dont know if you recall but the Bronco concept was originally intended to be built on the global Fiesta platform.... does that mean it would look anything like a Fiesta or be less off-road capable? of course not.
it's a smarter way of doing business.
Scott K. 9:21AM (3/31/2009)
Admittedly it's weird looking in concept form, but I'd guess it'll be more mainstream by the time it gets into production form. I think they did a great job with the next Taurus and even the new Mustang is nice (dated engines and all), so I hope they are as successful with this.
But the big question is what's it's place in their lineup? I mean, I am really curious about what they'll do to it, but I am also concerned about Ford having Edge, Flex, Explorer all competing against each other (and whatever versions Lincoln and Mercury get).
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Rob 9:21AM (3/31/2009)
I don't see why they need the Flex AND another car based crossover. What market will this reach that a Flex won't? Maybe it's for those who don't like the Flex styling, or those who just want an Explorer because they had one before.
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Jakesnake1294 9:46AM (3/31/2009)
The styling on the Flex is a bit polarizing, and I am one of those people that dont like it.
However, I do like the look of this new Explorer. It kind of reminds me of a futuristic Nissan Pathfinder.