http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/s...plorer-cometh/

 

Some may sniff at a unibody truck, but given how 90% of them are actually used, it makes sense (lighter, more rigid, space efficient, etc.).

Now about this new "draped cloth" styling direction Ford seems to be launching with the Explorer...

 

Looks big.

 

It should be big. It's a full size crossover.

 

if its FWD, then i smell fail sauce...

enough of the crossovers jeez....thats just me.

 

FWD standard, AWD at extra cost.

 

well then i like the current explorer better despite the front end...but that can be fixed (ADRENALIN). i dont have a problem with the engines its just the fact its no longer a mid size SUV with somewhat off road capability. i just cant see the explorer as a FWD CUV. but hey maybe itll grow on me like the 2006 explorer did....any info on when it will debut?

 

Probably Detroit auto show in January.

 

And I also would prefer for Explorer to remain as SUV. Even with sales of SUV's being down, in 2008 Ford still sold 138,000+ Explorers, which is more than both Edge and Flex.

 

Based off the same platform as the Flex, huh? Wonder how heavy this bad boy will be when all's said and done. IMO, AWD should be standard. Leave the FWD to the smaller crossdres- er, crossover vehicles.

 

It looks like Its going to have a "fusion" esq front end.

 

I'll stick with my 96 Explorer XLT.

 

A better guess is the Chicago Auto Show, since it will be built at the Chicago Assembly Plant.

 

I'm with redstar on this.....They better be careful. The explorer is still one of there bigger sellers, and they are diverging very far away from what its buyers are used to. I wish it much success, but I just don't know.......


Please don't go FWD....RWD/AWD or bust. Is anyone else concerned on this thing being to similar to the Flex. With the exception of styling ofcourse.

Is the expedition going to get smaller but still be on a truck frame...cause that might work well. Engines being 3.7L and 5.0 V8

 

I'm fairly sure alot of the buyers will still buy it just because of the name. after all, so few people actually use explorers offroad anyway..

and for those that do want that vehicle, theres the smaller expedition, so i think fords got their bases covered pretty well. full time AWD would be cool still, and it'd make for a very nice competitor to the X5

 

Smaller Expedition? I've been trying to find info on the next gen Expedition, but haven't found anything yet. Do you know anything?

 

Likewise

Again same here. Trying to talk the wife into trading her Escape for an Adrenalin. She's getting closer to doing it too.

 

Is the Adrenalin a vehicle that's actually offered? If so, awesome!

 

Yep.

 

I believe we are looking at the Lincoln actually. If you look at the nose very carefully. You can see the waterfall grilles. Take another look. Am I right or wrong?