2011 Ford Explorer spy photos

[vztrt]

http://www.caradvice.com.au/50410/20...er-spy-photos/

2011 Ford Explorer spy photos

December 9, 2009 by Matt Brogan

Our spy photographers have today caught a 2011 Ford Explorer prototype with some of the camouflage peeled away and managed to get off a few frames before it was hastily recovered.

We’re now able to see the cutline of the rear door, the shape of the rear glass and the chrome door handles you can expect to see on all four doors. We can see the rear doors on the new Explorer are not nearly as squared-off as the current (US) model. The cutline of the rear door also seems to reinforce the rumours we’ve heard of the new Explorer having a C-pillar very similar to the recently discontinued Taurus X.

Code-named “U502,” this all-new Ford Explorer is in for a big change. While Ford’s iconic SUV has always ridden on a body-on-frame chassis, the 2011 model will switch to the D4 unibody platform. Ford’s D4 platform, a moderately updated version of the D3, currently underpins the Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT.

Ford is hoping for a significant weight drop, and in turn, 20-25 per cent better fuel economy, by switching the Explorer to a unibody setup. The two powertrains we have confirmed for the Explorer are the 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ecoboost and the regular, naturally aspirted 3.5-litre V6. While the twin-turbo, Ecoboost V6 could still find its way into the Explorer sometime after launch, it may only be part of police of package.

Under the camouflage, we can see a typical Ford three-bar grille. You also get a look at an impressive pair of projector headlights and trick set of LED taillights. On the inside, expect three rows of seats, with the third row being jump seats.

One thing you should not expect with this new Explorer is a Mercury or Lincoln variant. We’ve also learned there will be no Sport Trac model. Watch for production to start in the second half of 2010 at Chicago’s Torrence Avenue assembly plant.

[1TUFFUTE]

unless its something good enough to challenge landcruisers and patrols why bother bringing this into the aussie market.

[phillyc]

Originally Posted by 1TUFFUTE

unless its something good enough to challenge landcruisers and patrols why bother bringing this into the aussie market.

Because it will be priced well and be a more serious off road effort than Territory. Again, even if it sells 500/mth they will most likely be conquest sales.

Toyota hammer everyone because they have an entry in most segments. Sometimes multiple. Like Rav4 (should really be Rav6 considering it's size and engine these days), Prado, Kluger & Landcruiser. Between them, there is about 3500-4000 sales a month.

PS Chances are new Explorer won't be made in RHD anyway. I'd much rather the compact SUV Kuga if we had to choose.

[phillyc]

Originally Posted by vztrt

http://www.caradvice.com.au/50410/20...er-spy-photos/While Ford’s iconic SUV has always ridden on a body-on-frame chassis, the 2011 model will switch to the D4 unibody platform. Ford’s D4 platform, a moderately updated version of the D3, currently underpins the Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT.

Well, if this has a life-cycle of a few years, then maybe this and Territory could spin off the same platform. Hopefully that platform will be GRWD. ie Mustang, Falcon, Terri, Explorer, Crown Vic, Utes.

[FPV8U]

Hrrm 2011 you say?

Confirmed Australia Release?

Explorer > Territory IMO.

[RedHotGT]

I didn't realise you could get sleeping bags for SUV's...

maybe they'll be the HATCH HUTCH of the 2000s....

[Fev]

Is that load bearing velcro? hehe

[SM1DY]

I wonder if we'd find something like this under the disguise -

[barbarian]

You know what,

It aint a bad looking SUV






and the interior is just as good






You can see the front end closely resembling this cgi, including flared guards