[escapen]

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/23/spy-shots-next-gen-unibody-ford-explorer-mules-caught/

Gallery
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ford-explorer-unibody-spy-shots/

Everyone should get a kick out of the Flex front with a stubby body and Taurus X rear. Its Fords crossovers reaming up to help design another large Ford. Crossover. We'll see, hopefully it is rugged looking and haves undertones from Explorer America Concept.

 

[eurohazard]

So the only mid size BOF SUVs left will be Nissan Pathfinder, Kia Borego, and Toyota 4-Runner? Crazy.

 

[Uzzy]

WTF? It's the Flex without the funky/fugly side cladding.

 

[benroethig]

I'm not a fan of the grill, but at least they kept the truck like appearance.

 

[ausrutherford]

So the only mid size BOF SUVs left will be Nissan Pathfinder, Kia Borego, and Toyota 4-Runner? Crazy.

the 4 runner gets redisigned next year so that might change and also I remember reading a year ago or so that the next pathfinder will go back to unibody

 

[MN12Fan]

Since the **** hit the fan a long time ago I guess this shouldn't be surprising. The issue I have is what's the point of another FWD/AWD crossover? I presume that, based on its similar size and appearance, this will formally replace the Freestyle/Taurus X, but how is it relevant with the fairly large (and more desirable) Edge and Flex already around? I was hoping that the next Explorer could be based on the GRWD platform and be something of an Americanized Australian Ford Territory but I guess the sky has fallen. The Explorer is dead. Badging a Taurus X with its name isn't going to bring it back.

 

[bigbuck16]

Yall do know that's a test mule right?

 

[johnnyl321]

put some woodgrain contact paper on the side and call it a Country Squire!! hey mom....where are my 8 tracks??

 

[escapen]

This vehicle will be different from the Flex and Not anything like a Taurus X. That car is essentially a Taurus station wagon.

I imagine Ford wants to gain back people who left the Explorer brand for other competition, I think it will be unibody but should be able to do mild- mid off roading due to a higher ground clearance. The styling should be the most rugged of the crossover bunch as well as seating for up to 7 (like flex).

The Flex was essentially Fords take on the "new" minivan, sales shouldnt be canabilized because think of the Pilot/ Odessey, 4Runner/ Sienna, and Quest/ Pathfinder family relationship and how they co-exist.

Ford has to keep the strongest nameplates that propelled the brand in the early to late '90s. Think Taurus, Mustang, and Explorer. Those also happen to be the 3 most recognizable Ford names plates that are currently on sale. Once Fusion gains more and more market awareness and of course the best selling F-150 will give Ford back the nameplates American drivers know and recognize.

Hopefully Taurus X dies and Ford will have a legit and sucsessful (non overlapping) Crossover lineup

Escape (ford calls it an SUV)
Edge
Flex
Explorer