NLPRacing Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 What about a GT motor like that one Five Hundred? LOL. That was cool, but losing the back seat made it kind of pointless. If they would of put the engine up front and the transaxle in the rear... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 That was cool, but losing the back seat made it kind of pointless. If they would of put the engine up front and the transaxle in the rear... I know, I was joking, because I knew it took up the back seat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpd80 Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 (edited) No, actually I was being of great circumferance myself. I'm a kindred spirit, although not so rotund any more. Lap band in September = 28 kg lost. Edited January 7, 2008 by jpd80 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue II Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 A Ford Ridgeline, I don't know, maybe. If done right, I guess a unibody Sport Trac might work. Couldn't really do any worse then the current one. There was a rumor that there was going to be an F100 unibody based on the next Explorer, but lately the rumor has been that the F100 will be on a narrowed and shortened F150 frame. A Lifestyle/Sport Trac was looked at but won't happen on the next Explorer/?. No F-100 either. May see the FNA Ranger staying around with updates. This could fill the off road slot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blueblood Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 A Lifestyle/Sport Trac was looked at but won't happen on the next Explorer/?. No F-100 either. May see the FNA Ranger staying around with updates. This could fill the off road slot. So what is Ford doing besides canceling everything or moving everything to FWD D3 platforms?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waymondospiff Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 I hope it is not based on the D3. In fact, I don't like the fact that the majority of Fords new cars are D3 based. Seems like they are putting all of their eggs in one basket...which has not proved good for them in the past. I agree...but it seems like they are going D3 crazy over there in Detroit. I know you're just trying to rile people up with that comment, but seriously? If this were on a unique platform people would be moaning "All that development cost for one low-volume vehicle" or "they'll never sell 400k again, why so much money" or "I won't buy it - it's too wussie without BOF" etc. For anyone who really thinks that... Camry Chassis - Camry, ES350, Avalon, Sienna, Highlander, RX350 D3 Chassis - Taurus/Sable, Taurus X, MKS, Flex, MK(F?), Explorer ...so where exactly is Ford overstretched yet Toyota, selling >600k/year on one chassis, right on the money? Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
630land Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 Ford is moving to Flex manufacturing, so no that doesn't mean all car will be exactly the same. The new Explorer looks like a new platform, and even if is shares some bits with D3, so frigging what? BOF will just be limted to full szied trucks, so time to get over the hard on for thinking it should be "all cars". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theoldwizard Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 I agree...but it seems like they are going D3 crazy over there in Detroit. So how many vehicles did Chrysler base off of the K car when they were on the brink of disaster ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theoldwizard Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 Where has it been said that it is FWD? The same poster who said it's D3 has been hinting at a RWD D3 for some time. It's FWD/AWD. Same "running gear" as the Taurus and Taurus X. There will be a new RWD platform but it won't be use here. The word has been out for a long time that this Explorer is the last RWD/AWD. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KWMJ-KTP Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 I've been wondering since last year if Ford would end up leaving the Explorer on a RWD set-up. May be too good to be true, but it would be nice to have a line-up like this. Take the new Global RWD platform, and first develope a 4 door sedan, basically last years Interceptor concept, and name it either Interceptor, Galaxie or Taurus. I mention Taurus because such a car could replace both the current Taurus and Crown Vic. Then right after that, launch a RWD Unibody Explorer on the same platform to replace the current Explorer and Taurus X. Then a year or two later, introduce the Mustang on the same platform. It would be cool to have a Thunderbird to fit in there as well between the Mustang and Interceptor offerings. Of course there would be Mercury and Lincoln offerings too. Like I said, probably too good a line up to be true, but it would be nice none the less. We could only hope. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theoldwizard Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 (edited) May see the FNA Ranger staying around with updates. This could fill the off road slot. Interesting statement. I thought Twin Cities only got a 2 year "reprieve" ? Could it be cheaper to stretch the FNA Ranger for up to say 5 yrs (???) until they can make the necessary changes to the Global Ranger and tool up a "low cost" NAFTA manufacturing facility ?????? If they keep the FNA Ranger they have to do something about that ridiculous front axle on the 4WD ! It must weigh a million pounds ! Edited January 7, 2008 by theoldwizard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theoldwizard Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 I just re-read the press release. Ford is proud of the fact that dropping the full frame and the V8 they have saved 150 lbs ! 150 lbs ! That's not even the weight of a crash test dummy. Most of the starters on a high school football team weigh more than that. Most women over ... (Opps ! Won't go there :shades: ) Come on. Get on a real diet. Their goal should be 500 lbs less. I wonder if they included that useless 3rd seat. Well, it may be useful for people under 4'6". Explorer is not a "people mover" ! Hmmm ... I wonder how much less 15" or 16" rims and tires weigh compared to 18" or 20" ???? Also that is unsprung weight, poorer handling. It is also rotating mass, making acceleration worse. And talk about cost savings. Sigh. but "Darling, you look marvelous !" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blueblood Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 It's FWD/AWD. Same "running gear" as the Taurus and Taurus X. There will be a new RWD platform but it won't be use here. The word has been out for a long time that this Explorer is the last RWD/AWD. I hope they wise up and just name it something other than Explorer, it's amazing how people trash the Ridgeline here (rightfully so), but then go ape shit over Ford doing the same thing, why would anybody buy this over a Flex? They are the same exact thing with different styling and names, Ford needs more cars, not more CUV's! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blueblood Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 I just re-read the press release. Ford is proud of the fact that dropping the full frame and the V8 they have saved 150 lbs ! 150 lbs ! That's not even the weight of a crash test dummy. Most of the starters on a high school football team weigh more than that. Most women over ... (Opps ! Won't go there :shades: ) I saw that too, what's the use of destroying the Explorer just to save 150 pounds? Unibody's aren't light these days either, they could have just used some aluminum and designed some weight out, the Duratec 20 and 35 engines should be much lighter than the old iron 4.0L V6 and the mod. It's pretty obvious the bean counters won out again seeing that they can save a few bucks by building yet another vehicle off the D3 chassis. I predict their sales will continue to tumble since they don't build what people want. Come on. Get on a real diet. Their goal should be 500 lbs less. I wonder if they included that useless 3rd seat. Well, it may be useful for people under 4'6". Explorer is not a "people mover" ! That may be a little much, but 250-300 pounds shouldhave been do-able. I've been off-roading in a few newer IRS Explorers and they do pretty good, it's a shame they are getting rid of it, the Expedition is too big, which leaves only the F-series and Rangers that can off-road, so sad to see Ford slowly kill itself... Hmmm ... I wonder how much less 15" or 16" rims and tires weigh compared to 18" or 20" ???? Also that is unsprung weight, poorer handling. It is also rotating mass, making acceleration worse. And talk about cost savings. Sigh. but "Darling, you look marvelous !" A lot, and just going to the 3.5 from the 4.6 must save a lot of weight, that and a diesel would have made weight savings not so necessary, I can't believe they killed the explorer for 150 pounds, I'll miss them, I've been driving them since the 90's, my family has always had one.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 I hope they wise up and just name it something other than Explorer, it's amazing how people trash the Ridgeline here (rightfully so), but then go ape shit over Ford doing the same thing, why would anybody buy this over a Flex? They are the same exact thing with different styling and names, Ford needs more cars, not more CUV's! Why not? The Explorer Nameplate is important to Ford...would you like to see Ford do what they did to the Taurus nameplate to the Explorer? As for buying a Flex over a unibody Explorer, I'm going to assume that the Explorer will be slightly larger then the Edge, but offer a (cramped) 3 row seating like the current model. The Flex will be quite a bit larger and be able to fit a fat ass adult in the back with the minium of fuss. Look at it like this: Escape-new Explorer-Expedition-Navigator Future small CUV-Edge-Flex-MK Flex The CUV models will cost more then their "SUV" counterparts As for the Ford needing more cars comment, outside of replacing the Panthers, what else do they really need that we aren't sure they are already doing? We are getting a B-car, The Focus is getting replaced in 2010, the CD3 are getting updated in the next 18 months, the Taurus gets a whole new look come 2010, the Mustang will be refreshed later this year. What unprofitible niche car line does Ford need to go chasing down in your option? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 I saw that too, what's the use of destroying the Explorer just to save 150 pounds? Unibody's aren't light these days either, they could have just used some aluminum and designed some weight out, the Duratec 20 and 35 engines should be much lighter than the old iron 4.0L V6 and the mod. It's pretty obvious the bean counters won out again seeing that they can save a few bucks by building yet another vehicle off the D3 chassis. I predict their sales will continue to tumble since they don't build what people want. That may be a little much, but 250-300 pounds shouldhave been do-able. I've been off-roading in a few newer IRS Explorers and they do pretty good, it's a shame they are getting rid of it, the Expedition is too big, which leaves only the F-series and Rangers that can off-road, so sad to see Ford slowly kill itself... A lot, and just going to the 3.5 from the 4.6 must save a lot of weight, that and a diesel would have made weight savings not so necessary, I can't believe they killed the explorer for 150 pounds, I'll miss them, I've been driving them since the 90's, my family has always had one.. Hmmm...not building what people want? Isn't the current Explorer "what people want" to you? Yet its sales are tumbling. Unit body CUV/SUV sales are climbing. Traditional BOF SUV sales are falling. Where is the fault here on Ford's part? So yeah, there will be a TINY minority of current Explorer owners who will be disappointed that they can no longer tow a crapload with their new Explorer and won't be able to take it over rocky trails like their old Explorer, but for the 98% of Explorer owners, both past and present, who will never see anything more than a gravel driveway with their SUV, this is the answer. The market for truly capable offroad SUV's is miniscule. Don't even try to pretend that every SUV buyer (or even a remotely significant portion of them) are demanding Wrangler-type capability from their SUV. It's simply not the case. As for the weight. Yeah, they could have shaved a LITTLE more weight from it. But when was the last time a new vehicle lost ANY weight at all? I'd say it's pretty impressive that it managed not to GAIN weight. You complain about Ford not updating product. Here they are. Updating product. Updating it the way the market seems to be demanding it. Still not good enough for you. Boo hoo. Go buy a "Trail Rated" Jeep (most of which are unit body) if it'll make you feel better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue II Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 Why not? The Explorer Nameplate is important to Ford...would you like to see Ford do what they did to the Taurus nameplate to the Explorer? As for buying a Flex over a unibody Explorer, I'm going to assume that the Explorer will be slightly larger then the Edge, but offer a (cramped) 3 row seating like the current model. The Flex will be quite a bit larger and be able to fit a fat ass adult in the back with the minium of fuss. Look at it like this: Escape-new Explorer-Expedition-Navigator Future small CUV-Edge-Flex-MK Flex The CUV models will cost more then their "SUV" counterparts As for the Ford needing more cars comment, outside of replacing the Panthers, what else do they really need that we aren't sure they are already doing? We are getting a B-car, The Focus is getting replaced in 2010, the CD3 are getting updated in the next 18 months, the Taurus gets a whole new look come 2010, the Mustang will be refreshed later this year. What unprofitible niche car line does Ford need to go chasing down in your option? What if FOE cars were sold as Mercury's? Water fountain chat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Watchdevil Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 (edited) I hope they wise up and just name it something other than Explorer, it's amazing how people trash the Ridgeline here (rightfully so), but then go ape shit over Ford doing the same thing, why would anybody buy this over a Flex? They are the same exact thing with different styling and names, Ford needs more cars, not more CUV's! I think Ford needs some inspirational small affordable vehicles to sell. What about something like a mini-Flex or a sporty economical car like the Reflex? Ford has enough large CUV's. Edited January 7, 2008 by Watchdevil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 What if FOE cars were sold as Mercury's? Water fountain chat. Whats the point? The Euro is too expensive to import them at the moment, and with in the next 4 years we'll have platforms shared across the Globe, removing any cache they might have to the Internet experts here....only thing that might make a lick of sense is sharing the sheetmetal....and replacing the Ford Badge with Mercury symbol, but aren't the "Dave/Razor" grill and FOE Knickic designs supposed to merge? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 I think Ford needs some inspirational small affordable vehicles to sell. What about something like a mini-Flex or a sporty economical car like the Reflex? Ford has enough large CUV's. Well, this Explorer concept appears to actually be TRIMMING the CUV/SUV lineup by likely combining the Taurus X and Explorer into a single package. Word is also that a small Reflex-type vehicle may be a go. New Puma perhaps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 Well it seems like the Explorer America is getting alot of press from the Mainstream media, which is a good thing, I first saw this on Yahoo Sunday at lunchtime at the Apple Store while I was at the mall :P Lets see Ford do something with it....and make the Explorer releventant again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ford Jellymoulds Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 CNBC have a poll and 68% of folk think that the new Explorer can make a comeback. SUV’s are being forced off the roads by EU legislation, but would sell well in Russia or China. Vote here on the Explorer on CNBC http://www.cnbc.com/id/22537243/site/14081545 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soupy Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 Well, this Explorer concept appears to actually be TRIMMING the CUV/SUV lineup by likely combining the Taurus X and Explorer into a single package. And the new Explorer is D3 so it probably gets built at CAP, sounds like bad news for LAP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 And the new Explorer is D3 so it probably gets built at CAP, sounds like bad news for LAP. Well the problem is that Ford has stated they aren't closing any more plants...and CAP Can't build the Taurus/Sable/MKS and Explorer...the orginal D3's should be good for about 250K units a year...the Explorer alone is good for 150K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardJensen Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 On the whole "It's D3 so it's not an off-roader"; Land Rovers & Jeeps are unibody and off-road capable. As to the "It drive the front wheels by default, it's not an off-roader" argument: Ford's AWD system is one of the best in the business--the Haldex system it replaced in the other D3s was capable of launching the car from a standstill on a 35% grade: http://www.carpages.ca/go/roadtest/2005_fo..._road_test.aspx Perhaps you've seen the MKZ commercial with the ball bearings? If the frame is suitably stiffened, and the approach/departure angles & clearance are sufficient, this will be off-road capable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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