Future cars: 2010 and beyond.BY TONY QUIROGA, ILLUSTRATION BY TOM COSGROVE May 2009
What it is: A huge favorite in the 1990s, Explorer sales have, uh, cooled over the past few years. This latest Explorer ditches the body-on-frame platform and the V-8 for a V-6 and a lighter unibody structure based on the Ford Flex.
Why it’s important: Buyers have been shying away from body-on-frame SUVs for years. Ford’s only hope of growing Explorer sales is to change to a unibody platform.
Powertrain: Basic versions will get a 262-hp, 3.5-liter V-6. For those seeking more firepower, a twin-turbo version will be available with 355 horses.
Competition: Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Traverse, Mazda CX-7/CX-9, Dodge Durango.
Estimated arrival: Look for it in blue-oval shops at the end of 2010.
Why it’s important: Buyers have been shying away from body-on-frame SUVs for years. Ford’s only hope of growing Explorer sales is to change to a unibody platform.
Powertrain: Basic versions will get a 262-hp, 3.5-liter V-6. For those seeking more firepower, a twin-turbo version will be available with 355 horses.
Competition: Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Traverse, Mazda CX-7/CX-9, Dodge Durango.
Estimated arrival: Look for it in blue-oval shops at the end of 2010.
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