Its looks like a land rover/taurus, but i must say it doesn't look bad compared to previous models.

 

+1. Best looking Explorer yet.

 

The next Explorer is scheduled to be a crossover based on the Taurus chassis rather than on a truck frame. Although the name is from the old high volume truck based SUV, the new vehicle is the successor to the Freestyle/Taurus X. That should make the Ecoboost V6 available as the top power plant.

Ford's crossover fleet is pretty full now, with the Explorer now fitting between the Edge and the Flex.

Steve

 

Hot diggity... Looks like another winner styling wise!

 

I hope they offer a hybrid.

 

The Edge is also more car-based than the Explorer, which basically (with some modifications) comes off of the Ranger and former Mazda B-series pickup.

 

I don't see an Explorer hybrid happening. I don't really see a 4Runner hybrid either, though I suppose Toyota has to make it happen if they want their whole line hybridized. It could sell. I would think that a 4 cylinder Edge hybrid could really sell. Which leads me to another point. People like SUVs, but CUVs are dominating. The 2.0L Ecoboost is supposed to attract people to the Explorer, but I think that these people are more interested in car based CUVs like the Edge. Explorer will never sell in the numbers that it used to.

 

Looks like the explorer downsized a bit.

 

Yes we all know the Edge is car-based (unibody construction, etc.).

The current gen truck-based Explorer shares very little with the Ranger and former Mazda B-series truck, that was more the previous generation's roots.

 

Well the new Explorer will be more of a Highlander competitor than a 4runner competitor and the Highlander does in fact have a hybrid option.

 

i'm wondering if this isn't a new Escape, and not the Explorer.

 

Is this the 2012 Ford Explorer?

We're going to go out on a limb and say... maybe. Judging by the recent teasers and previous spy shots, this single image of the 2012 Ford Explorer appears to be the real deal. And we like what we see.

Although the futuristic lines of the Explorer America Concept have been considerably toned down, the new crossover is notably more svelte than its predecessors. The exterior styling is more an amalgamation of current FoMoCo design cues, specifically the Edge-like headlamps and de-chromed tri-bar grille. The contouring on the front bumper is an interesting touch and the darkened A-pillars do their best wrap-around windshield impression.

If all goes according to plan, the all-new Explorer should arrive early next year, riding on a Flex/Taurus-based unibody platform with EcoBoost power being sent to either the front or all four wheels.

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

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/03/i...ford-explorer/

 

I think it fits well with Ford's current design theme.

and it's too big to be an Escape.

 

That is straight FUGLY. Holy crappp!!!

Looks like the offspring of a gilette razor and Honda Pilot.

 

Looks like Ford going to Lexus root. Try and make every model identical.