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Spy Shots: 2011 Ford Explorer

 
12 34,883 views Mar 26, 2010
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Spy Shots: 2011 Ford Explorer

HI-RES GALLERY: Spy Shots: 2011 Ford Explorer

Ever since the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, SUV fans have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the 2011 Ford Explorer--previewed then as the Explorer America Concept--with its new design and promised EcoBoost power. Now we have the latest spy shots, revealing a familial Flex-like front end and an almost Land Rover LRX-like profile.

The spy images were snapped when a gust of wind blew the cover off an almost completely undisguised prototype vehicle as it sat on the back of a transport truck. As the photos show, there's perhaps a bit less Explorer America in the final product than had been predicted, but the overall proportions are more modern, and the lines cleaner than the current SUV. It'll also be based on the same platform as the Taurus, making it more crossover and less truck than the current Explorer.

Of most interest to the performance-minded, however, is the EcoBoost V-6 engine under the hood. As an engine that's proven inspiring even in the family-hauling Flex, the brawny V-6, expected to be rated around 340 horsepower for the Explorer, is a lively, if somewhat thirsty, companion. In addition to the EcoBoost engine, the 2011 Explorer will also feature inflatable seat belt airbags--an industry first for a production vehicle, according to Ford.

Despite the enticing performance and high-tech safety gear, there's still a lot of confusion around Ford's current lineup of crossovers and SUVs. With the Flex and Edge seeming filling out the space nicely, the tweener position of the Explorer makes for a tight fit. Balancing price, features and target market will make for a high-wire act at Ford, but given their recent ascension to the top of the American sales ranks, it's hard to argue with their planning--for now, at least.





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Comments (12)

  1. By Rich Posted: 3/26/2010 2:43pm PDT

    The Explorer America concept was so beautiful: chunky, masculine, modern. See it here: http://www.autofans.us/images/Ford/Ford%20Explorer%20America%20concept%203.jpg The prototype shown above has lost its masculinity, its edge and its freshness. Too bad. Just another Flex.
     
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  2. By  matt Posted: 3/26/2010 4:43pm PDT

    I dont want buy a new 2011 Ford Explorer become crossover and FWD/AWD based of Taurus. I want buy a old Ford Explorer is traditional SUV from 1991 to 2010. if populars will buy less next generation Ford Explorer is CUV. you think people will buy 2011 Mercury Mountaineer based of old Explorer. I think Ford Sports Trac will discontinue by 2011. I know Ford Ranger will discontinue by 2011. I know Ford Fairmont, Ford Granada and Ford LTD II were Fox Platform discontinued by 1986 to Hello Ford Taurus continue to present now. I will never buy a Ford Taurus future. if we will hate see to Ford will change from expense to cheap cars future.
     
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  3. By NoNameDenton Posted: 3/26/2010 7:34pm PDT

    I like it much better then the Flex on the same platform.
     
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  4. By Cletus Posted: 3/27/2010 6:30pm PDT

    The testing pictures show it on a tow truck bed, since, like most American cars, it will be spending a lot of time in tow.
     
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  5. By NoNameDenton Posted: 3/27/2010 6:58pm PDT

    Cletus that may be one of the dumbest comments I have read on MA
     
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  6. By Romel Posted: 3/28/2010 12:29pm PDT

    just a bigger edge. i would rather buy the concept.
     
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  7. fb_756493434 avatar Brian Parker Posted: 3/28/2010 5:25pm PDT

    2011 Explorer = New Taurus X
     
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  8. By NoNameDenton Posted: 3/28/2010 5:37pm PDT

    Brian, not really, different engines, different sheetmetal, all they share is the platform.
     
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  9. By NoNameDenton Posted: 3/28/2010 8:17pm PDT

    Could always make it an America version of the Taureg, the ability to soft road and such.
     
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  10. By Joe Posted: 6/7/2010 7:01am PDT

    I don't understand the fixation on the lineup and where this fits with Edge and Flex. Flex is a pseudo station wagon. Edge is a 2-row CUV with no towing and no off-pavement capability. Ford has already said Explorer will be 3-rows and have around 5000 pounds of towing. Plus, it looks nothing like a Flex, has a higher ride height, and doesn't really look that much like an Edge, especially in the back and with the new treatment Ford's given the '11 Edge. As for the unibody platform, I'm all for it. I remember reading something like 90% of SUV drivers never tow, and never go "off road" any further than a dirt or gravel road. As someone who tows a boat and needs basic off-road capability (i.e. no mud bogs, no rock climbing) to get to a camp site or fishing spot, I'm totally fine with a unibody platform, especially since it will mean a more comfortable drive on my 80-mile daily commute. This looks like exactly what SUVs need to be today to compete in the market.
     
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  11. By James Posted: 6/30/2010 10:54am PDT

    Hate it.
     
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  12. By Rashid Posted: 7/5/2010 7:52am PDT

    I just ordered a 2010 Explorer XLT 4X4, no options other than 4 wheel drive. The reason. The 2010 is a truck made to look like a car. The 2011 is a car trying to mimic an SUV. There is no comparison. The 2011 reminds me of ice cream. A one half gallon carton is now 48oz for the same price!
     
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