[theoldwizard1]

Redesigned Ford Explorer shown to dealers; launch date vague

 

[fordguy7]

I got this picture off of Car and Drivers website. Any idea if this is going to be the production front end?

I understand the logic behind replacing a body on frame SUV with a unibody CUV, but I wish Ford would give it a new name and let the real Explorer rest in peace.

 

[Boghog]

I guess I keep my Sport Trac a little bit longer.Not seeing any CUV in my lifetime.:incazzato:

 

[megascape]

I posted this earlier, it looks like a Volvo, Tauras and Flexx had baby..
In my opinion it's just not an explorer. Plus isn't it on a uniframe now?

 

[Jonzo77]

I understand the logic behind replacing a body on frame SUV with a unibody CUV, but I wish Ford would give it a new name and let the real Explorer rest in peace.

I second that. just like they should leave other names in peace too (Torino, and don't forget the 500 was just a trim level for other cars...)
the original name for the 500 turned Taurus was Galaxie 500, i'm glad they changed that. it would have been a real shame if they did that...

 

[theoldwizard1]

I got this picture off of Car and Drivers website. Any idea if this is going to be the production front end?

I know EXACTLY where those pictures were taken ! My guess is that front end is probably pretty close to what you are going to see in production (looks a lot like the current Taurus grill, doesn't it !)

 

[theoldwizard1]

I understand the logic behind replacing a body on frame SUV with a unibody CUV, but I wish Ford would give it a new name and let the real Explorer rest in peace.

I second that. just like they should leave other names in peace too ...

Mullaly understands the value of a brand name (changing the Five Hundred back to the Taurus was a great move). The Explorer brand name is worth MILLIONS !

As for the BOF/unibody discussion, IHMO, probably 98% of the existing Explorer customers don't know the difference or care about it. They want that "look" and better fuel economy.