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This isn’t an official photo of the next-generation Ford Explorer, but we imagine it’s a facsimile of the forthcoming crossover.
For the most part, the rendering — crafted for an Australian website — bears a strong resemblance to the latest batch of Explorer prototypes we’ve seen running around Detroit, as well as the 2008 Explorer America concept. The headlamps resemble those used on the 2010 Fusion, but they look quite similar to the teaser image Ford released earlier this month.
Like that Explorer America show car, the new Explorer will be more crossover than SUV. Unlike previous Explorer generations, the new model will sport a unibody structure, and will be based upon a modified form of the platform that underpins the Taurus and Flex. Power will also be sourced from a range of Ecoboost engines — thus far, Ford has confirmed its new turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 will be offered, but it’s widely expected the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 found in its platform-mates will also be offered. The 306-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 is also under consideration, but a V-8 is highly unlikely.
Production of the new Explorer — which will be labeled as either a 2011 or 2012 model — is scheduled to begin at Ford’s assembly plant outside of Chicago, Illinois, later this year. What say you — would you want the finished product to look like this, or should Ford’s designers spend a little more time at the drawing table?
Source: TheMustangSource
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