Spy Photos: 2011 Ford Explorer Test Mule Caught

I hope it still has some off road and towing capability, including a low range. Even though it's being built on a car chassis, it has to be "beefier" than current Ford CUVs. Otherwise, why even offer it?

Do you think the firewall positioning is accurate on this thing, Bob? Note that the front wheel well doesn't seem to intrude on the front doors as it would on a FWD unibody. In fact, the positioning appears similar to that of the Grand Cherokee & '90s Nissan Pathfinder, both of which are/were unibodies, but neither of which was/is front-wheel drive.

That would suggest the additional capability necessary to keep the Explorer alive...

How about a fwd Ranger and F-150 too?

"How about a fwd Ranger and F-150 too?"

Why not? I'm sure GM and Dodge would love to see Ford get out of the truck market.

It's hard to tell. The tires appear to be fairly beefy, so that's a good sign.

That thing is huge.

Unibody okay....front drive biased....no way. It'll be a sad day indeed.

Why produce a vehicle that doesn't sell? It may be a sad day for you, but I don't think it'll be a sad day for Ford.

A Front-Wheel-Drive Explorer...Wow That`s F**K-UP!! That`s like Replacing the Mustang with a Front-Wheel-Drive Platform...Stuuuupid...It will never do...Maybe a differrent market yeah...Keep it R.W.D Ford.

How is the new Explorer going to be differentiated from the Flex or the Edge?
Right now, what differentiates the Explorer from its 2 stablemates are its towing and off-road capabilities. Can Ford keep those 2 capabilities in a unit body chassis?
The VW Toureg, Mercedes GL and Range Rover have decent towing and outstanding off-road capabilities in unit body platforms but at a high price.
If Ford can do the same at Explorer prices then it may have something special.

Then why should people buy Explore over Edge or Taurus X over Explore. Well, they all look the same. Maybe they are the same car? Ford need a new team of Marketings, Desginers, R&Ds, Lineup. I mean Ford Competition is not with in Ford. Ford's competition are again other auto maker. Ford has being bringing out products that will compete its own models.

I agree with cruiserhead1, this prototype looks like a Taurus X or freestyle wagon. I do hope they make the final product look somewhat like the America concept. :)

I agree with cruiserhead1, this prototype looks like a Taurus X or freestyle wagon. I do hope they make the final product look somewhat like the America concept. :)

Um ... did any of you read the words "TEST MULE"? A test mule is basically a current production vehicle by appearance with a new or significantly modified platform underneath. This could range anywhere from new engines or complete drivetrain layouts that are being road tested. Since the new Explorer will be a uni-body, it's not important to have a complete new frame and body architecture for the purpose of road testing the engine and drivetrain. The engine, transmission and front & rear chassis components are basically the only things being tested in this MULE, and they basically just put it under the new Explorer architecture for final phase testing. It's still very possible that what you can't see in the picture is a RWD based platform. Don't get your panties in a bunch, grandma. I'm sure what you'll find at your local dealer won't be another typical Ford trick ... new headlights, taillights, dashboard and call it all-new kinda thing. But, who knows? In typical Ford fashion, today's Taurus X could be tomorrow's Explorer.

Here's the strangest thing, Ford Australia developed the Territory as a RWD/AWD replacement for the Explorer years ago yet Ford North America continues the its non-inclusive one Ford policy.

All other vehicles from Ford's empire are welcome except Falcon and Territory - they need not apply.
That sux big time.

im not a big ford fan to begin with but comeon rebadge a taurus-X as the new exploder thats just STUPID!!!

that's not a ford exploder it's a taurus-X on steroids and plus it's ugly

I wont be to angry if it has the v6, I wont be to mad if its unitbody, but if its f.w.d. im pissed! all i want is a r.w.d 7 seat good looking off roading(low range, skid plates, locker.) ford suv how hard is that? please! Ford! are you hearing us?

I wont be to angry if it has the v6, I wont be to mad if its unitbody, but if its f.w.d. im pissed! all i want is a r.w.d 7 seat good looking off roading(low range, skid plates, locker.) ford suv how hard is that? please! Ford! are you hearing us?

Dear Ford,
I keep over heering the next ford explorer is going to be based off of the tarus like the flex and edge can it be at least r.w.d that would be real nice.
TO BAD THEY WONT HEER ME R.W.D OFF ROAD READY ( SKID PLATES, LOCKER, LOW RANGE ) I DONT CARE IF IT HAS THE 3.5 V6 OR THE ECOBOOST R.W.D PLEASE