A New Breed 2011 Ford Explorer

Compared with crossovers, traditional SUVs are becoming more of a niche product, George Pipas, Ford’s senior sales analyst, says. That explains why Ford radically altered the formula for its all-new, fi fth-generation Explorer, ditching archaic body-on-frame construction and myriad other mechanical components derived from pick-ups. But whereas the unibody 2011 Explorer shares parts with the Taurus, the Flex and the Lincoln MKS and MKT, it rides on a unique version of Ford’s versatile D-platform. “It had to meet all of our pick-up durability-testing requirements,” one representative said. “When people look underneath, they’ll fi nd more things unique to Explorer than not.” Under the bonnet, you’ll see either a 3,5-litre V6 or a 2,0-litre turbocharged Four. Promising good fuel economy, optional AWD and a seven-passenger body that melds sedan and SUV styling, the Explorer has offi cially crossed over.