I just noticed this on Straightline's Automotive News update:

http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/1920
I don't get it. They're trying to differentiate between their crossovers and SUVs, and yet they go and turn one of their SUVs into a tall crossover?? Probably built on the big volvo platform... So unless they ditch the Freestyle, there's gonna be even more overlap between those two models. But wait! They couldn't possibly get away with a FWD explorer could they? I mean obviously it'd offer AWD, but you'd think the 2WD version would be spinning the rear wheels wouldn't you? Maybe that means this Explorer will be based on a large RWD car?!
On paper, doesn't sound to smooth to me, but who knows...

 

This is quite curious... I'm really not sure what to think

 

doesnt sound like a good idea.

 

This is what I heard...

Apparently, the next-gen Explorer will be an egg-shaped, 7 passenger SUV/CUV which will be the big brother to the Edge.

In the lineup, you will have the Edge & Explorer in 5 and 7 passenger, egg-shaped design, with the Escape & Freestyle being 5 and 7 passenger, boxy shaped designs.

On top of all of this sits the Expedition, with its' two sizes...

Basically, just like GM is doing, Ford is downsizing their SUV lineups in favor of CUV lineups. (and the reference to GM means their decision to drop the trailblazer in favor of the new crossovers that are coming...)

 

Well the Freestyle isn't doing that well, so I could see it getting dropped and being renamed the Explorer...

 

But that's totally backwards of what they've been saying. That 2008 Vehicle flyer with all the vehicles had a section for crossovers with the Edge and Freestyle, and then a section with SUVs with the Escape, Explorer, Sport Track and Expedition. I really doubt they would go and reverse that now. Some messages are getting mixd up or something.

 

No, no, no....

The Explorer will remain a SUV, but it will be severely cut down in production and made to "look" like a crossover, to get the attentions of all those CUV fans...

Just as the Escape is car-based but is sold as a SUV, the Explorer will be too. These are long-term plans, as in 2010+, not 08. That 08 flier has absolutely nothing to do with the future plans...

Also, the Freestyle is selling well, and will sell better when they unveil the new styling and pick-up model. You will see...

If you've been reading the news, Explorer sales have completely dropped off and Ford is going to do whatever they need to do to keep sales.

Just like they let the Taurus die and take one of the great Ford names with it, they are NOT going to let it happen to the Explorer. The name spells Ford SUV and they know it. There is capital in the name, even if the packaging is changed.

Escape(5), Freestyle(7), Expedition(5-7) - All boxy, trucky, classic SUV looking.

Edge(5), Fairlane(7), Explorer(5-7) - All round, egg shaped, modern CUV styling.

 

yeh but why wouldnt they keep the explorer as an SUV and just amp up the freestyle as a totally new CUV, why switch them? I dont know that lineup just doesnt seem to make too much sense.... i understand it but i just dont really agree with it

 

same here. I wasn't saying that i thought this was all gonna happen in 2008 and that clashed with that flyer. What i was saying was that these apparent plans for the future don't mesh at all with the current organization of their vehicle lines. What somebody on BON pointed out which makes a lot more sense to me is that maybe this person who reported "car based" was really seeing a Unibody Explorer, rather than body on frame, and took that to mean "car based". Could be a sign that Ford wants to share some Land Rover platforms with lower end but capable off roaders.