Next Generation Explorer... Opinions?
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Next Generation Explorer... Opinions?
As I'm sure you all know, the next gen Explorer will migrate to unibody construction, Ford's D4 platform to be exact which also underpins the Flex, and Taurus and a few other Ford products.
With that brings only two drivetrain options, FWD or optional AWD. RWD will no longer be available. The V8 will also disappear, but Ford has that covered with their 3.5L EcoBoost engine which will be available in the next gen Explorer and produces 355 HP and 350 lb. ft. of torque. both more powerful than the current 4.6L. The base engine will more than likely be a 2.0L EcoBoost engine and word is that it's producing around 280 HP and likely similar torque numbers, that's way better than the base 4.0 motor right now and nearly matches the Explorers optional 4.6.
So, knowing this. Would you all be interested in the next gen Explorer even without RWD? Are you all going to consider it and take it seriously, or is it going to be written off as just another uncapable unibody crossover?
With that brings only two drivetrain options, FWD or optional AWD. RWD will no longer be available. The V8 will also disappear, but Ford has that covered with their 3.5L EcoBoost engine which will be available in the next gen Explorer and produces 355 HP and 350 lb. ft. of torque. both more powerful than the current 4.6L. The base engine will more than likely be a 2.0L EcoBoost engine and word is that it's producing around 280 HP and likely similar torque numbers, that's way better than the base 4.0 motor right now and nearly matches the Explorers optional 4.6.
So, knowing this. Would you all be interested in the next gen Explorer even without RWD? Are you all going to consider it and take it seriously, or is it going to be written off as just another uncapable unibody crossover?
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I've heard rumors that a next gen Sport Trac is in the works and will debut shortly after the next gen Explorer. It'll share it's platform with the Explorer just like the current Explorer/Sport Trac.
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Too late, this has been in the works for a while.
After my '98, and viewing this board, I would want to see a model year or two go by and hear a couple of 100k mile owners before I step into another one.
As for the capabilities, most never see off road, and they will still probably be able to tow 5000 lbs.
Without better mpg, vehicles like this are going to die off, as gas WILL be back up (headed that way now) soon.
After my '98, and viewing this board, I would want to see a model year or two go by and hear a couple of 100k mile owners before I step into another one.
As for the capabilities, most never see off road, and they will still probably be able to tow 5000 lbs.
Without better mpg, vehicles like this are going to die off, as gas WILL be back up (headed that way now) soon.
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Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Chicago Area, Illinois
Me neither!! My family has owned explorers since the beginning and we've used them like trucks like they were intended to. If someone wants a capable suv and a escape wont cut it and an expy's out of the budget and they dont want a pickup, what will that customer do?? Go to the competition and buy a Tahoe or a Durango or worse.... a TOYOTA!
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Who needs a V8 when the 3.5L EcoBoost makes 355 HP and 350 lb. ft. of torque, more HP and torque than the 4.6 and more HP than the 5.4.
That strategy is not working anymore. Sales have dropped off rediculously on the Explorer and simply giving it a different design will not fix that. Ford needed to try something much different and that's what there're doing.
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Me neither!! My family has owned explorers since the beginning and we've used them like trucks like they were intended to. If someone wants a capable suv and a escape wont cut it and an expy's out of the budget and they dont want a pickup, what will that customer do?? Go to the competition and buy a Tahoe or a Durango or worse.... a TOYOTA!
As far as a Toyota, the only vehicle I consider to compete with the Explorer from them is the 4Runner which is already getting very long in tooth (6 years since the last redesign).
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The only Durango/Aspen that has been dropped are the Hybrid models. The Hybrid models were on sell for an extremely and I mean very short time.
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I've had 2 Explorers (92 and 06), and wouldn't consider a Front wheel drive. As long as its a 4x4, I'm interested. If they would just put a decent tranny in them, I'm good for another one 10 years from now.
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And the easiest way to accomplish that is to build it on a unibody platform.
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From: Sheridan/W Laffayette, IN
I think this goes against the whole idea of the Explorer. It was an SUV that was true to its rugged nature. Now it has become a suburban transporter. It's no longer the fun off-roader like the Bronco. That is why Ford is redesigning it into a unibody.
It will be better for sales, but what will replace the fun SUV we all grew up with that kicked Cherokee's a**?
Maybe Bronco.
It will be better for sales, but what will replace the fun SUV we all grew up with that kicked Cherokee's a**?
Maybe Bronco.