Explorer Spy Shots: 2012 Ford Explorer caught completely disrobed

[HighestOfHigh]

It's never good to be caught by the paparazzi in the buff. Unless, of course, that was your plan all along in order to get your C-list self some much-needed coverage in the various gossip rags. But we digress. Our intrepid spy photographers managed to snap off a giant series of photos of the hotly anticipated 2012 Ford Explorer completely uncovered, and that is a very, very good thing indeed.

For the first time ever, thanks to an unruly gust of wind, we get to see the first-ever unibody Explorer in all its glory. That looks to include a new take on the familiar in-your-face three-bar grille with newly perforated top and bottom rungs bisected by two thin chrome strips up front. Not too the mildly sculpted flanks that lead to the currently en vogue fastback-like sharply raked C-pillar. A closer look at the fascia reveals not-yet-completed projector headlamps ensconced in clear covers that angle well back into the fenders. Lookin' good so far, we'd say.

Though we don't quite get a good look at the rear fascia, we do get a clear shot underneath the car from the hind quarters. This is most definitely a front-wheel drive chassis, and though this particular mule isn't equipped with one, there will surely be an optional rear differential for all-wheel drive duty.

- Spy Shots: 2012 Ford Explorer caught completely disrobed — Autoblog

 

[Kowalski]

Soon to be cash-for-clunkered for a hybrid.

 

[Monster]

Looking good so far, it has a few hints of Land Rover about it, and it doesn't look as big or bulky as the previous generation.

 

[NarutoRamen]

Damn, this actually looks really good. And I do agree with Monster, looks influenced from the Land Rover LR series.

 

[Gullwing]

I just see Chevy in the grill

 

[Mr Robert]

Lots of land Rover there. I'm thinking of the grill, the A and B pillars and even the lower parts of the sides. Looking good.

 

[Merc1]

Looks really good, Ford is simply on a roll. They can seemingly do no wrong. More than a hint of Land Rover there. They would have never done this if they still owned Land Rover. Interesting turn.....


M

 

[Giannis]

This one is going to be body on frame, right?

 

[ateekt]

Sure a good-looking one. Looks like, we're gonna have the best-looking truck ever from the boring Ford (truck) line-up!

 

[HighestOfHigh]

2011 Ford Explorer Gets Teased

The Ford Explorer has had a mixed past--rollover lawsuits, relatively ancient underpinnings and styling that hasn't always kept up with the pace of the industry. But that's all about to change with the 2011 Explorer, and despite its move to the unibody Taurus platform, it's upping the ante in off-roading with a new terrain management system borrowed from Land Rover.

In development for more than two and half years, the new Explorer will be just as tough as past generations despite the move to a car-based platform and the adoption of new four-cylinder EcoBoost powertrains. That’s the promise from the vehicle’s chief engineer Jim Holland, whose previously worked on the redesign of the Range Rover SUV back in 2002.

This latest teaser reveals a familial Flex-like front end and a pumped-out Blue Oval three-bar grille but most of the details are still covered. However, these previous spy shots of a prototype show the design almost completely revealed.

The 2011 Ford Explorer will go on sale in the second half of the year.

Despite the enticing performance and high-tech safety gear, there's still a lot of confusion around Ford's current lineup of crossovers and SUVs. With the Flex and Edge seeming filling out the space nicely, the tweener position of the Explorer makes for a tight fit. Balancing price, features and target market will make for a high-wire act at Ford, but given their recent ascension to the top of the American sales ranks, it's hard to argue with their planning--for now, at least.

- 2011 Ford Explorer Gets Teased - MotorAuthority