Ford Explorer America Concept
1/5/08, 10:06 PM
#1
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1/6/08, 12:04 AM
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1/6/08, 03:36 AM
#3
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Great. Add it to the long list of other concepts this company will never build, leastwise not anything like what you see above. 
Either way: Escape, Edge, Taurus X, Flex, Expedition...Mariner, MKX, Mountaineer, Navigator.
Anyone think we need another 'truck'?
Either way: Escape, Edge, Taurus X, Flex, Expedition...Mariner, MKX, Mountaineer, Navigator.
Anyone think we need another 'truck'?
1/6/08, 05:57 AM
#4
Merged Threads . . .
Some highlights that are of interest.
All great, great "stuff" . . . does it need to be in the Explorer nameplate? Maybe, maybe not. I'd rather see the above in a sedan application, and leave the Explorer to a body-on-frame application. I actually used my past Explorer to camp, trail ride, etc. I suppose given that I didn't "push" the 4x4 to the limits a unibody would be sufficient, but I agree, how many darn unibody SUV, Crossovers does FMC need?
I do (as with most FMC concepts) like this Explorer Concept. I'd give this a look if I were in the market and it stayed true to concept version.
Some highlights that are of interest.
- A powertrain lineup that includes a 4-cylinder 2-liter engine with EcoBoost technology delivering 275 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque or, as a premium engine, a 3.5-liter V-6 delivering about 340 hp. Depending on engine selection, fuel-efficiency will improve by 20 to 30 percent versus today's V-6 Explorer
- Migration from current body-on-frame to unibody construction, reducing weight and delivering superior driving dynamics
- A fuel-efficient 6-speed transmission with auto shift control, allowing the driver to select and hold a lower gear with just the turn of a dial when conditions warrant it
- A weight reduction of 150 pounds for the V-6 version thanks to its downsized – yet superior performing – engine, as well as more lightweight materials, suspension and chassis components
- Fuel-saving electric power assisted steering (EPAS) and other engine actions that deliver a fuel savings benefit of about 5 percent. Between 80 to 90 percent of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles will have EPAS by 2012
I do (as with most FMC concepts) like this Explorer Concept. I'd give this a look if I were in the market and it stayed true to concept version.
1/6/08, 07:19 AM
#6
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I liked the Reflex, too. Didn't build it.
I really liked the 427 concept. Didn't build it.
I liked the Interceptor concept. Whoops, didn't build that either.
Ford's strategy is beginning to remind me of a Britney Spears song.
Oops!... I Did It Again.
I really liked the 427 concept. Didn't build it.
I liked the Interceptor concept. Whoops, didn't build that either.
Ford's strategy is beginning to remind me of a Britney Spears song.
Oops!... I Did It Again.
1/6/08, 09:08 AM
#7
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You forget that Mulally hates building concepts that never see the light of day. I have a little more confidence in this one. My only question: how much will change? Obviously the interior will but 95% of the exterior is doable.
1/6/08, 09:12 AM
#8
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Traditional truck-like SUVs: Escape/Mariner, Explorer, Expedition
Car-like CUVs: Edge/MKX, Flex/Lincoln Flex
1/6/08, 09:32 AM
#9
Don't forget the Bronco concept and the the GR1....
At the dealer I work at, TaurusX is moving at the same rate as Explorers.
1/6/08, 10:53 AM
#12
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Ford mentioned earlier that next Explorer will be a crossover. So production model may be very similar to this concept.
1/6/08, 11:03 AM
#13
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2 responses to the serial pessimists:
1 - The Autoblog article and the Ford press release pretty much annoint this thing as the next Explorer. Sure, some stuff will change to make it more producable, but this hing is getting built.
2 - Just becuase its not BOF doesn't mean its incapable of being an SUV. Look at the Merc GL and LR2. Lets see what capabilites they dial into it before we mourn the not exactly king of the dirt current Explorer.
Bonus: This could be the luanch vehicle for the GRWDP. Stil waiting to see what the BON insiders have to say on it.
1 - The Autoblog article and the Ford press release pretty much annoint this thing as the next Explorer. Sure, some stuff will change to make it more producable, but this hing is getting built.
2 - Just becuase its not BOF doesn't mean its incapable of being an SUV. Look at the Merc GL and LR2. Lets see what capabilites they dial into it before we mourn the not exactly king of the dirt current Explorer.
Bonus: This could be the luanch vehicle for the GRWDP. Stil waiting to see what the BON insiders have to say on it.
1/6/08, 11:19 AM
#15
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The only difference is that next Explorer won't be SUV. I read somewhere a while ago that next Explorer will be crossover.
1/6/08, 11:20 AM
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1/6/08, 04:48 PM
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I understand where you're coming from but I try to be one of the "glass-half-full" kind of people. As a counterpoint to you, I REALLY DON'T wanna be wrong here.
1/6/08, 07:45 PM
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Oh and BTW, the thread on Blueovalnews.com on this vehicle is over 6 pages long and 95% positive (which is hard to believe on that site). Everyone loves it. Thank you Ford for building a cool looking vehicle that grabs people's attention.
And another thing, the motors touted for this are as interesting as the vehicle itself. VERY impressive HP & Torque ratings for a 4-cylinder and V6!! And these things are coming too, guaranteed!!
1/6/08, 07:50 PM
#20
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Blue II says this is a D3 vehicle, though he doesn't say whether that's both production and concept or just concept. Possible he's wrong, though he's right more often than not.
