Ford Explorer America
The big news about the Ford Explorer America concept is that Ford has confirmed it will move its Explorer SUV from a truck-based body-on-frame design to the carlike unibody design that many crossovers use. This will save weight to increase gas mileage, and also follows the trend set by GM’s recent crossover trio, the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave.
Ford also said it will bring turbo engines to the Explorer, including a four-cylinder capable of making 275 horsepower and 280 pounds-feet of torque. That’s equivalent to what GM’s V-6 crossovers get. To replace the V-8 engine, there will be a turbo V-6 producing around 340 hp. Ford says fuel economy could increase from 20 percent to 30 percent over the current V-6 Explorer.
Now, before you go saying this is just a concept, understand Ford is serious about making the next Explorer more fuel-efficient and making the next Explorer a crossover with three rows, just like this concept. Whether the aggressive looks, power doors, tailgate seats and other features will make it to final production, we’re not sure. Regardless, this is a big, big concept for Ford.