Ford previews next-gen Explorer

Ford is set to unveil its vision for its next-generation Explorer via a futuristic concept that does away with the ladder-frame chassis that underpins the existing model.

Due to debut at the imminent Detroit motor show, the design study is dubbed the Ford Explorer America and it's said to bring vastly improved fuel efficiency without sacrificing utility.

The Explorer is one of the best-selling SUVs in the US, even though it never made much of a mark in Australia (the launch of the homegrown Territory ultimately sounded the death knell for the Yank-sourced vehicle).

Perhaps Ford's US arm has taken note of the Territory's impressive all-round capabilities in conceiving the Explorer America as it, too, is built around a monocoque chassis -- reducing weight and delivering "superior driving dynamics", according to the blue oval.

The powertrain line-up is also revamped, kicking off with a four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine with EcoBoost technology (more here) that pumps out a hefty 205kW and 380Nm. There's also a 3.5-litre V6 with about 254kW and, what's more, this engine contributes to a 70kg overall weight saving over the existing V6-powered Explorer.

Ford claims fuel efficiency will improve by up to 20 to 30 percent versus today's V6 Explorer -- thanks to the new engines and reduced overall weight.

Also helping in this regard is fuel-saving electric power assisted steering (EPAS). Between 80 and 90 percent of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles in the US will have EPAS by 2012, says the manufacturer.

Drive is relayed to the wheels via a six-speed transmission with auto shift control, allowing the driver to select and hold a lower gear with "the turn of a dial", rather than via a transmission lever.

Ford says the Explorer America has seating for six and their gear as well as "moderate towing and off-roading capabilities". We take this to mean it's primarily an urban trundler.

"In the 1990s, customers were drawn by SUVs aligned with people's adventurous, more rugged lifestyles. Today's consumers are more discerning, demanding products that are capable and flexible -- but more intelligently executed," says Ford in explaining the philosophy behind the Explorer America.

It's a symptom of the SUV market as a whole. Softer, more road-biased all-terrrainers nowadays outsell their more hardcore ladder-framed counterparts by a huge margin.

Does the Explorer America have any relevance for us? Strictly speaking, no, but several of its design elements may filter through to the next-generation Territory, so consider it a sign of things to come.

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