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Spied: 2011 Ford Explorer Cruising Around Dearborn, MI

Posted in Auto Show, Car Photography, Cars, Concept Cars, Design, Detroit, Ford, New Cars, SUV, Spy Shots, XUV, auto industry by Suzanne Denbow · 2 opinions voiced

Yesterday, the guys at Jalopnik managed to get their hands on some exclusive photographs taken by the espionage experts at KGP photography of a 2011 Ford Explorer test mule tooling around the streets of Michigan. While the drastically redesigned body might be quite shocking to those accustomed to the current generation Explorer, you can’t say Ford didn’t warn you. Earlier this year, Ford debuted the Ford Explorer American concept and revealed their plans to base the next-generation Ford Explorer off the Ford Taurus platform.

Now usually, this would be the part where I analyze the new Explorer’s unappealing, misshapen, inexplicably irritating exterior aesthetic and derisively question the intelligence of Ford’s design team. However, because test mules are rarely accurate representations of the final production model, I’m willing to extend Ford the benefit of the doubt and trust that – contrary to the visual evidence that sits before me – the 2011 Ford Explorer will not be another fruity little crossover aimed at breeders.

Check out the spy shots after the jump

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Comments

There are 2 comments battling for the truth! Have your say!

  1. I work for Ford and I would have to say this is the biggest mistake since making the Taurus X and Flex. The problem is that sales on the Explorer have been on the decline for the past 3 years and changing it to look like two worst crossovers we have is just foolish. Ford can not sell the Taurus X so they discontinue it, the Flex is the new Taurus X and they don’t sell, so lets combine the ugliest parts of both. I hope the get the opinions of the public before they build this thing.

    Words by Tony Reyes on June 12, 2009 at 11:15 am | #


  2. I have a 2006 Freestyle. I love the car, and it’s 7-passenger capability is rare in this size vehicle. Cargo capacity with the seats down is stellar. I generally keep my cars 5 years and was supremely disappointed to learn that the Taurus X had been cancelled. I was planning to replace my Freestyle with the renamed Taurus X in 2011.

    I hate the look of the Flex. Reviews give it a thumbs-up on the interior, but I can’t go into my garage each morning and get into a car that looks like that from the outside. The Edge looks like every other small SUV and only seats 5.

    If Ford meshes the Explorer with the Taurus X, I will remain a Ford customer. If the Flex and Edge are my only options, I will consider myself chased from Ford to GM and their crossover options.

    Words by Karen on August 3, 2009 at 7:33 pm | #



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