CHICAGO — Ford said its redesigned 2011 Explorer will shift from body-on-frame to unitized construction and will feature its fuel-saving EcoBoost direct-injection engines and six-speed transmissions.
The 2011 Explorer will go into production late this year at Ford's Chicago assembly plant, on the same line as the Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS sedans. The company is spending $400 million to retool for the Explorer.
The lighter construction method, along with EcoBoost engines, will enable the new Explorer to get at least 25 percent better fuel economy than the 2010 Explorer.
Mark Fields, Ford president of the Americas, said the new Explorer "will redefine the SUV for the modern era."
Ford said the vehicle also will feature the industry's first-ever production inflatable rear seatbelts.
After Explorer production shifts to Chicago, Ford said it will retool the current Explorer plant in Louisville, Kentucky, to produce a new range of small vehicles based on the Focus.
Inside Line says: The redesigned Explorer will join the Edge, the Escape and the Flex in Ford's ever-growing portfolio of crossover vehicles. But in this crowded arena, will it be able to enjoy the incredible sales volume of the past? — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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recoiloperated says:
10:02 PM, 02/18/2010
I was hoping Ford would take the 2011 Explorer in the direction of the Raptor instead of the Edge. Between the Escape, Edge, Flex, and underpowered Expedition they already have the 5 to 8 passenger light-duty SUV segment locked down. What will another soft, unibody vehicle offer that those four vehicles don't already?
They should redesign the Explorer to compete with real SUVs like the Xterra, Wrangler, and FJ Cruiser; the Sport Trac would become an affordable version of the H2 SUT. Return to a solid rear axle, drop in the new Mustang V6 with an option for a turbo diesel, and make an off-road package available with skid plates, locking differentials, HDC, and all the other trimmings. Anything less will be a sad waste of the Explorer name.
rnahapetian says:
10:20 PM, 01/26/2010
From what I understand the Explorer will still maintain it's towing capabilities in light of moving to a unibody platform. So basically it will be a conservatively styled version of a Flex that sits higher and can tow a small boat. Seems like a winning strategy to me. My only hope is that they offer some impressive styling to differentiate it for everything else out there. And please no 3-bar grille either...
hybris says:
06:22 PM, 01/26/2010
So Ford dumps their light truck based SUV...
I can't help but think this is going to be a mistake not unless they are going to expand on either the Ranger (Which this year is really hurting in terms of usefulness) or the Explorer sport trac.
I too would like to see Diesel anything come from the blue oval in anything smaller than a F250.
wjtinatl says:
02:10 PM, 01/26/2010
Another crossover??? Just what the world needs, a jacked up hatchback with worse mileage and driving dynamics than a comparable wagon. How about instead of spending 400 mil to retool factories plus the huge amount to engineer, validate and launch a new car, a nice quiet, smooth and responsive V-6 diesel for the Expedition/Explorer instead? There's still a huge market for frame-based SUV's whether they are used for towing, cargo carrying, off-road or just to get the higher ride height and "truck" feel that accompanies body on frame construction. The argument of "America doesn't like Diesel" is hard to validate when VW sells every TDI Jetta and Golf they import, there are waiting lists for Audi A3 diesels and Mercedes sells a fair share of their SUV line with Diesel. An Explorer/Expedition with 250 HP and 400 lb. ft. of torque that would get 25 mpg on the highway would be a very popular vehicle, I believe. Bring on the Diesels!